bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relation between duration of insolvency proceedings and their efficiency (with a particular emphasis on Polish experiences)
Authors: Kruczalak‐Jankowska Joanna , Maśnicka Monika , Machnikowska Anna 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe following article addresses the issue of the duration of insolvency proceedings (both winding‐up and reorganization) and its influence on the efficiency of the proceedings. The previous opinion presented in the literature, according to which shorter and cheaper insolvency proceedings contribute to establishing enterprises, has been recently reflected in a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on preventive restructuring frameworks. It expressly states that the excessive length of restructuring, insolvency and discharge procedures is an important factor triggering low recovery rates and deterring investors from doing business in jurisdictions where procedures risk taking too long and being too costly. It was also pointed out that reducing the length of restructuring procedures would result in higher recovery rates for creditors as the passing of time would normally only result in a further loss of value for the enterprise. Moreover, to promote efficiency and reduce delays and costs, the EU Directive recommends introducing flexible preventive restructuring frameworks. The research carried out within the ACURIA project, particularly interviews, allows us to answer the question about possible discrepancies between the law on the books and the law in action with respect to provisions on duration of the proceedings. Based mainly on the case study and the interviews with practitioners, this article shows that, despite a relatively modern framework, the length of the proceedings may not be satisfactory and ‐ in the case of Poland–is due to non‐legal factors and “law in action,” which are both basic barriers to the implementation of the time limits for proceedings introduced by the legislator. The study confirms that the thesis that the statement about the need to reduce the excessive length of insolvency procedures in many of the EU Member States resulting in legal uncertainty for creditors and investors and low recovery rates is true. It will also be demonstrated, however, that the duration of the proceedings is only one of the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the proceedings, along with the costs and recovery rate. It has been pointed out in the interviews that, in practice, there are proceedings in which, due to the deliberate extension of proceedings, all creditors ultimately have been fully satisfied.
External debt in developing countries since HIPC and MDRI: What are the driving factors?
Authors: Mijiyawa Abdoul' Ganiou 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article analyses the trend of external debt and its drivers in the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPCs) in the post‐debt relief initiatives. Focusing on the largest component of external debt in HIPCs, that is, public and publicly guaranteed external debt, the data reveal that these countries have started accumulating external debt again few years after debt relief under HIPC and MDRI. Specifically, though the average external debt‐to‐GDP ratio has declined by 22% points between 2005 and 2016, since 2012, however, external debt has steadily increased in HIPCs. Using panel data over the period 2005–2016, the article finds that economic growth rate, nominal exchange rate and remittance inflows negatively and significantly affect the ratio of external debt‐to‐GDP. The article also finds the persistence of external debt. However, more preference has been given to countries with better policies and institutions for the access to external debt.
Crocin treatment promotes the oxidative stress and apoptosis in human thyroid cancer cells FTC‐133 through the inhibition of STAT/JAK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Yonggang , Zhu Meng , Krishna Mohan Surapaneni , Hao Zhi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThyroid cancer is the most frequent endocrine malignancy, which accounts for nearly 1% of all the cancer worldwide. Crocin has a diverse biological function, such as anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant functions, specifically in the respiratory related diseases. Using in vitro techniques, this work was intended to illuminate the anti‐cancer effect of crocin in follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) (FT 133 cells), and the potential molecular mechanism convoluted. The outcome of the present work showed that crocin was able to prevent the proliferation and triggering the apoptosis in a dose‐dependent mode, of FTC‐133 cells by methyl thiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide and staining assay (acridine orange/propiduim iodide [PI], 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole, and PI dye). Crocin did not show toxicity to the normal thyroid (PCCL3) cells. Crocin‐induced reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential activity, caspase‐8 and ‐9, lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) activity while suppressing antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) in FTC‐133 cells. In addition, crocin was also participated in a halting of the proteins related to cell cycle, cyclin D1, and pro‐apoptotic proteins; Bax and caspase‐3 expression, together with the elevation of anti‐apoptotic factor Bcl‐2. Further, crocin have a dual inhibition of two major pathways, nuclear factor‐κB, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, and janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways. In conclusion, crocin can inhibit follicular thyroid carcinoma proliferation and promote cell apoptosis.
Tanshinone II A improves the chemosensitivity of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin by inhibiting β‐catenin nuclear translocation
Authors: Li Shizheng , Wu Chunxia , Fan Chenxing , Zhang Puwei , Yu Guifa , Li Kun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNumerous evidence link aberrant nuclear β‐catenin accumulation to the development of breast cancer resistance, therefore, targeted inhibition of β‐catenin nuclear translocation may effectively improve the chemosensitivity of breast cancer. Doxorubicin (Dox) is the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for breast cancer. Here, we determined that tanshinone II A (Tan II A) could improve the sensitivity of Dox‐resistant breast cancer MCF‐7/dox cells to Dox, and evaluated whether the sensitization effect of Tan II A on Dox was targeted to inhibit β‐catenin nuclear translocation. The results showed that Tan II A not only significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin in MCF‐7/dox cells treated by Dox but also inhibited the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin in MCF‐7 cells treated by Dox to a certain degree. Furthermore, when the above two cells treated by Dox combined with Tan II A were intervened with β‐catenin agonist WAY‐262611, with the re‐nuclear translocation of β‐catenin in the cells, the sensitization effect of Tan II A on Dox was greatly reduced. These results indicated that Tan II A could improve the chemosensitivity of breast cancer cells to Dox by inhibiting β‐catenin nuclear translocation. Therefore, Tan II A could be used as a potential chemosensitizer in combination with Dox for breast cancer chemotherapy.
From static to dynamic cost structures: The case of the railroad industry
Authors: Rozycki John , Suh Inchul , Root Thomas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFirms with fixed operating costs have high operating leverage. This leverage increases the sensitivity of earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) to changes in revenues. Railroads have high fixed costs and high operating leverage. One would rationally expect that a substantial and secular decline in this industry's revenues would lead to severe and negative effects on operating income and free cash flow. The industry did indeed experience a secular decline in its most important business segment, hauling bituminous coal. In this clinical investigation, we use this unique industry event to study operating leverage and changes to the industry's cost structure. Using several methodologies, we measure the changes in the industry's cost structure and we demonstrate how the changes mitigated the expected negative effects of its revenue decline. Additionally, we demonstrate that static measures of an industry's cost structure are likely to produce suboptimal forecasts. Finally, our findings have implications for financial planning and valuation of firms with high operating leverage, and they provide a renewed impetus for research into the dynamic relationship between fixed and variable costs.
Genetic counseling service delivery models: A study of genetic counselors’ interests, needs, and barriers to implementation
Authors: Boothe Emily , Greenberg Samantha , Delaney Christine L. , Cohen Stephanie A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAs demand for genetic services grows, innovative genetic counseling service delivery models (SDMs) are needed. However, there is limited research on the barriers and needs of genetic counselors (GCs) interested in implementing new SDMs into their practice. In fall 2017, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Access and Service Delivery Committee’s SDM Subcommittee sent an online survey to the NSGC membership regarding the use of SDMs, which aimed to update the understanding of current SDM use and how this has changed over time. The survey included several questions with open‐response components assessing the need for new SDMs and barriers to implementation. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify common themes. Among 517 usable responses (16% response rate), more than half (54.4%) of respondents indicated their current SDM was inadequate to address the patient need in their area. Nearly two‐thirds (64.8%) indicated they were in the process of or planning to make changes to their SDM, although 40.6% did not have a specific timeline. Three major themes related to expanding access, reimbursement for services, and lack of support were identified from responses to questions about implementation of additional SDMs. Access included subthemes of geographic and physical location limitations, addressing long wait times, and the need to expand services. Reimbursement for services included issues with billing, genetic counselor licensure, and limitations due to the need for physician involvement in billing. The lack of support was evident with issues related to understaffing; difficulty gaining support at the administrative, institutional, or physician level; time constraints; and funding concerns. This study shows that GCs need education, tools, and resources to overcome barriers in implementing new or adapting current SDMs, and there is a need for policy change, including new billing and coverage models.
Molecular docking of metal ion immobilized ligands to proteins in affinity chromatography
Authors: Salha Dima , Andaç Müge , Denizli Adil 
Published: September 2020

AbstractImmobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) has become a widespread analytical and preparative separation method for therapeutic proteins, peptides nucleic acids, hormones, and enzymes. N‐Methacryloyl‐l‐histidine Methyl Ester (MAH) monomer is recently used as a synthesized affinity ligand in IMAC. It is capable of chelating with many transition metal ions such as Zn2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ ions through its histidine residue. In this way, proteins can bind selectively to these immobilized metal ions through MAH as a ligand in affinity chromatography. In this study, we applied the computational docking method on the interactions that occur between the MAH monomer and its complexes with Zn2+ ions as ligands and protein molecules as targets. MAH monomer was drawn and created using the Avogadro software as an optimization tool. Human insulin (Ins) molecule and horse heart cytochrome C (Cyt C) were selected as target proteins to interact with MAH monomer as affinity ligand. Automated docking software AutoDock v4.2 was used for docking of MAH monomer to Ins and Cyt C, respectively. The affinity ligand complexes with Zn2+ ions bound to one, two, and three moles of MAH were studied and compared separately. The lowest binding energies of Ins and Cyt C proteins in 1:1 mol ratio of MAH‐Zn2+ were found as (−4.14) and (−4.92) kcal/mol, respectively.
Presenting the characteristics, smoking versus diabetes, and outcome among patients hospitalized with COVID‐19
Authors: Abbas Hassan M. , Nassir Kawthar F. , Al Khames Aga Qutaiba A. , Al‐Gharawi Ali A. , Rasheed Jawad I. , AL‐Obaidy Muhammed W. , Al Jubouri Adnan M. , Jaber Ali S. , Al Khames Aga Luma A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMethodsWe designed a cross‐sectional, observational follow‐up for 284 COVID‐19 patients involving healthy patients, smokers, diabetics, and diabetic plus smokers recruited from May 1, 2020 to June 25, 2020. The clinical features, severity, duration, and outcome of the disease were analyzed.ResultsOf 284 COVID‐19 patients, the median age was 48 years (range, 18–80), and 33.80% were female. Common symptoms included fever (85.56%), shortness of breath (49.65%), cough (45.42%), and headache (40.86%). Patients with more than one comorbidity (diabetes and smoking) presented as severe‐critical cases compared to healthy patients, diabetics, and smokers. Smokers presented with a lower rate of death in comparison to diabetic patients and diabetic + smoking, furthermore, smoking was less risky than diabetes. Although the mortality rate was high in patients with smokers compared to healthy patients (4.22%, the hazard ratio [HR], 1.358; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.542–1.100; p = .014), it was less than in diabetics (7.04%, HR 1.531, 95% CI: 1.668–1.337, p = .000), and diabetic plus smoker (10.00%, HR, 1.659; 95% CI, 1.763–1.510; p = .000).ConclusionMultiple comorbidities are closely related to the severity of COVID‐19 disease progression and the higher mortality rate. Smokers presented as mild cases compared to diabetic and diabetic + smoking patients, who presented as severe to critical cases. Although a higher death rate in smokers was seen compared with healthy patients, this was smaller when compared to diabetic and diabetic + smoking patients.
Targeted muscle reinnervation following external hemipelvectomy or hip disarticulation: An anatomic description of technique and clinical case correlates
Authors: Anderson Spencer R. , Wimalawansa Sunishka M. , Roubaud Margaret S. , Mericli Alexander F. , Horne Brandon R. , Valerio Ian L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundTargeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) has been shown to decrease or prevent neuropathic pain, including phantom and residual limb pain, after extremity amputation. Currently, a paucity of data and lack of anatomical description exists regarding TMR in the setting of hemipelvectomy and/or hip disarticulations. We elaborate on the technique of TMR, illustrated through cadaveric and clinical correlates.MethodsCadaveric dissections of multiple transpelvic exposures were performed. The major mixed motor and sensory nerve branches were identified, dissected, and tagged. Amputated peripheral nerves were transferred to identified, labeled target motor nerves via direct end‐to‐end nerve coaptations per traditional TMR technique. A retrospective review was completed by our multi‐institutional teams to include examples of clinical correlates for TMR performed in the setting of hemipelvectomies and hip disarticulations.ResultsA total of 12 TMR hemipelvectomy/hip disarticulation cases were performed over a 2 to 3‐year period (2018‐2020). Of these 12 cases, 9 were oncologic in nature, 2 were secondary to traumatic injury, and 1 was a failed limb salvage in the setting of chronic refractory osteomyelitis of the femoral shaft.ConclusionsThis manuscript outlines the technical considerations for TMR in the setting of hemipelvectomy and hip disarticulation with supporting clinical case correlates.
Soil bacterial and fungal communities and associated nutrient cycling in relation to rice cultivation history after reclamation of natural wetland
Authors: Hu Wanjin , Huang Lingling , He Yong , Liu Yajun , Liu Yizhen , Kong Zhaoyu , Wu Lan , Ge Gang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe reclamation and utilization of natural wetlands can affect the community structure of soil microorganisms. However, knowledge regarding succession of microbial communities during long‐term reclamation and the links with related nutrient cycles is still limited. Using Illumina sequencing, we identified the patterns and environmental drivers of soil bacterial and fungal succession along a 150‐year chronosequence of paddy fields. Soil enzyme activities were determined to characterize functions related to C, N, and P cycles. The results showed that reclamation activity and its history have greatly altered the bacterial community structure and the bacterial groups. This change being mainly reflected in the bacterial genera Halomonas, genera Isosphaera, and family Planctomycetaceae. The change of fungal community was mainly apparent between natural wetlands and paddy fields, manifested as an increase in the classes Sordariomycetes and Dothideomycetes and a significant decrease inthe class Agaricomycetes in paddy fields compared with natural wetland. Compared with fungi, bacteria were more strongly affected by soil chemical nutrient properties and physical properties. Furthermore, the structural equation model indicated that both bacterial and fungal community structure and diversity had a great influence on the C, N, and P cycles. In summary, the bacterial community was more sensitive throughout the history of rice cultivation after reclamation than the fungal community, but both bacteria and fungi may play major roles in soil ecological functions. These findings contribute to the understanding of ecosystem functional mechanisms, which provides a new perspective for the management of natural wetlands.
Carbon contents and fine root production in tropical silvopastoral systems
Authors: Morales Ruiz Danilo E. , Aryal Deb R. , Pinto Ruiz René , Guevara Hernández Francisco , Casanova Lugo Fernando , Villanueva López Gilberto 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOwing to the increasing extension of land for livestock production, silvopastoral practices have been among the promising approaches to enhance carbon (C) sequestration. However, the extent of C sequestration in different silvopastoral systems (SPS) and their relationship with fine root production (FRP) is not well understood. The objective of this research was to evaluate the changes in C storage, FRP, and turnover in a part of tropical SPS. We evaluated above‐ and belowground C storage, FRP and turnover in live fences (LF), dispersed tree (DT) silvopasture, and compared these with open pasturelands (OP) in Southeastern Mexico. We applied the stock change approach to calculate biomass growth rates and the ingrowth monolith method for FRP. Biomass stocks in the same plots are re‐measured over time in the stock change approach. Woody biomass stocks differed significantly between SPS (DT: 37.2, LF: 9.8 Mg ha−1) and the accumulation rates in both SPS were significantly higher than zero (0.2–2.2 Mg ha−1 yr−1). Soil organic carbon (SOC) contents were significantly higher in SPS (LF: 2.4%, DT: 3.1%) compared to OP (1.6%). FRP significantly differed between SPS (LF: 27.8, DT: 45.4, and OP: 9.4 g m−2 yr−1) and correlated positively with SOC content. Higher SOC reduced soil compaction in silvopastoral lands as indicated by lower soil bulk density. The results on C stocks change and fine root dynamics contribute to understanding C sequestration potential of tropical SPS, identifying ecologically sound strategies to mitigate greenhouse gases from the livestock sector, and aid restoration of ecosystem services for degraded pasturelands.
Lipid Composition and Utilization in Early Stage Leptocephalus Larvae of Bonefish (Albula vulpes)
Authors: Mejri Sahar , Adams Aaron J. , Shenker Jonathan M. , Cianciotto Anthony C. , Robinson Christopher , Uribe Victoria , Wills Paul S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn order to encourage the survival of both captive and wild populations of bonefish (Albula vulpes), a deeper understanding of the species' early developmental characteristics is necessary. During ontogenesis, bonefish utilize lipids as a source of energy before the start of exogenous feeding. The goal of this study is to gain insight into the energetic needs of bonefish leptocephalus larvae in the post‐hatch larval stage. Broodstock were collected in the wild and hormone induced. Spawning yielded eggs that were fertilized and were then incubated until hatching. Larval development was monitored throughout the duration of the trial until all larvae perished. Samples of larval tissue were taken to the lab for lipid analysis and composition was compared at different developmental stages. Larval lipid composition was significantly different across sample groups showing a change in lipid content related to development. After hatching, larvae gradually depleted wax esters‐sterol ester (WE‐SE) reserves over a period of 4 days, while simultaneously increasing hydrocarbon (HC). The role of WE‐SE is seemingly tied to both buoyancy and energy reserves due to its high abundance immediately post‐hatch and selective catabolism. As larvae weaned off of the nutrition provided by the yolk, exogenous feeding began to diversify lipid composition and overall lipid reserves were depleted. Future directions included the development of optimal larval feeds based on this analysis in order to gain more insight into the nutritional needs and requirements during the critical leptocephalus stages.
How does face influence the purchase of imitative new products? Moderating roles of product design characteristics
Authors: Shu Chengli , Liu Aiqing , Nakata Cheryl 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFace plays a profound role in consumption, but the question of how it impacts the purchase of imitative new products remains unanswered in the current literature. Imitative new products, which are legitimate innovations bearing similarities to existing products, are prevalent in many markets. This study investigates how two dimensions of face consciousness—the desire to gain face and the fear of losing face—influence consumers' purchase intentions regarding imitative new products by considering three product design characteristics (new product imitation locus, new product imitation scope, and product hedonism) as boundary conditions. We find through experiments carried out with adult Chinese consumers that the desire to gain face strengthens, but the fear of losing face weakens purchase intention. Moreover, the positive effects of the desire to gain face are weakened by imitation locus (form vs. function imitation) but enhanced by imitation scope (either form or function imitation vs. both form and function imitation); whereas the negative effects of the fear of losing face are strengthened by imitation locus but weakened by imitation scope. Product hedonism enhances the positive effects of the desire to gain face and augments the negative effects of the fear of losing face. This study thus contributes to the face literature by differentiating the roles of two dimensions of face consciousness in affecting consumption of imitative new products. In addition, this study contributes two important constructs—new product imitation locus and new product imitation scope—to the literature on imitative new products.
Ultrawideband TEM horn with inhomogeneous dielectric medium
Authors: Bobreshov Anatoly M. , Uskov Grigory K. , Kretov Pavel A. , Sbitnev Nikita S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article presents a novel design of ultrawideband TEM horn with dielectric filling of the space between its leaves. The distribution of dielectric permittivity in the medium is obtained according to the laws of geometric optics. The electromagnetic simulation and experimental measurements are performed; voltage standing wave ratio and radiation patterns at a set of frequencies up to 20 GHz are obtained. The described method allowed to prevent antenna pattern distortion at frequencies from 7.5 to 20 GHz.