bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-practicing entities in Europe: an empirical analysis of patent acquisitions at the European Patent Office
Authors: Sterzi Valerio , Maronero Cecilia , Orsatti Gianluca , Vezzulli Andrea 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper delves into the proliferation of non-practicing entities (NPEs), a hot topic in academia and public policy, especially in the United States. The common belief is that Europe is less exposed to NPEs due to a robust patent system, higher enforcement costs, and smaller damage awards. Yet, using a new database of NPE patent applications at the European Patent Office (EPO), the study uncovers that NPEs activity in Europe is arising: they own nearly 20,000 EPO patents, primarily in Electrical Engineering. Moreover, we contribute the literature investigating the heterogeneity of the NPE business model and its relationship with the characteristics and use of the patents they target. Our econometric analysis provides threefold original evidence. First, NPEs with higher propensity for litigation (i.e., “Litigation” NPEs) acquire patents with higher infringement risk but similar technological quality than practicing entities. Second, patent aggregators (i.e., “Portfolio” NPEs) and technology companies (i.e., “Technology” NPEs) acquire higher-quality patents compared to those acquired by practicing entities. Third, patent acquisitions by “Litigation” NPEs and “Portfolio” NPEs reduce the subsequent use of protected technologies.
Randomized comparison of HARVesting the Left Internal Thoracic Artery in a skeletonized versus pedicled technique: the HARVITA trial—study protocol
Authors: Abfalterer Hannes , Ruttmann-Ulmer Elfriede , Grimm Michael , Feuchtner Gudrun , Maier Sarah , Ulmer Hanno , Sandner Sigrid , Zimpfer Daniel , Doenst Torsten , Czerny Martin , Thielmann Matthias , Böning Andreas , Gaudino Mario , Siepe Matthias , Bonaros Nikolaos 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Latest research has indicated a potential adverse effect on graft patency rates and clinical outcomes with skeletonizing the left internal thoracic artery. We aim to provide a prospective, randomized, multicentre trial to compare skeletonized versus pedicled harvesting technique of left internal thoracic artery concerning graft patency rates and patient survival. A total of 1350 patients will be randomized to either skeletonized or pedicled harvesting technique and undergo surgical revascularization. Follow-up will be performed at 30 days, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years after surgery. The primary outcome will be death or left internal thoracic artery graft occlusion in coronary computed tomography angiography or invasive angiography within 2 years (+/- 3 months) after surgery. The secondary outcome will be major adverse cardiac events (composite outcome of all-cause death, myocardial infarction and repeated revascularization) within 1 year, 2 years and 5 years after surgery. The primary end point will be compared in the modified intention-to-treat population between the two treatment groups using Kaplan–Meier graphs, together with log-rank testing. Hereby, we present the study protocol of the first adequately powered prospective, randomized, multicentre trial which compares skeletonized and pedicled harvesting technique of left internal thoracic artery regarding graft patency rates and patient survival.
Establishment of humanised xenograft models as in vivo study for lung metastasis of osteosarcoma
Authors: Khamarudin Farhana , Muhamad Mudiana , Johari Ibahim Mohamad , Wan Mohamad Zain Wan Nor I’zzah , Aziz Mardiana Abdul , Adib Ridzuan Nurul Raudzah , Ab-Rahim Sharaniza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Humanised xenograft models and cancer cell lines are widely used for preclinical drug evaluation, biological studies, and targeted therapy strategies in cancer research. A humanised mouse model is a laboratory mouse that has been genetically modified to contain specific human genes, cells, or tissues. By introducing human-specific elements into rodents, researchers can create a more accurate representation of human physiological and pathological processes. Lacking an appropriate animal model for osteosarcoma (OS), hindered understanding of underlying mechanisms in OS metastasis progression. Markedly, metastasis influences the prognosis and treatment of osteosarcoma. Gaining insight into the mechanisms and occurrences of metastasis could potentially facilitate oncologists in improving therapies. Hence, it is important to develop a lung metastatic OS model to study the basic biology of its progression. This study has established a tumour-bearing mouse model using HOS-143B cell line which was injected into male NOD.SCID gamma (NSG) mice at two locations; intramuscularly (hind leg) and subcutaneously (back) respectively. The primary and metastatic tumour size was monitored by palpating the area of tumour induced and quantified using digital calliper. H&E staining was performed by pathologist to confirm metastasis. Our results showed that mice injected with 1 million cancer cells were unable to produce tumours. Meanwhile, mice injected with three million cancer cells showed tumour development and lung metastasis after 25 days of cancer cell inoculation. In conclusion, this study has successfully established a lung metastatic OS mouse model that could be useful for biological studies of OS. These findings imply that this model is essential for safety and efficacy before clinical trials, accelerate the translation from basic research to therapeutic applications.
Performance of Fentanyl Immunoassays in an ED Patient Population
Authors: Mills Catherine M , Dryja Parker C , Champion-Lyons Elizabeth , Keppler Charles , Babic Nikolina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid fueling the current opioid crisis in the United States. While emergency department (ED) visits due to opioid-related overdoses, injection complications, and withdrawals become increasingly more frequent, fentanyl is not detected in routine toxicology testing. We evaluated 2 FDA-approved fentanyl immunoassays in a sampled ED population.

Methods
De-identified, remnant urine specimens (n = 213) collected from patients presenting to a large ED were analyzed using ARK Fentanyl II (ARK II) and Immunalysis SEFRIA (SEFRIA) fentanyl immunoassays on an Architect c16000 (Abbott) analyzer. All discrepant specimens were evaluated by LC-MS/MS. Additionally, polysubstance abuse patterns and trends were analyzed.

Results
While intra-assay imprecision was comparable for ARK II and SEFRIA, inter-assay imprecision for ARK II and SEFRIA varied from 8.0% to 1.8% and from 37% to 12.5%, respectively. SEFRIA had a marginally higher false-positivity rate (3%) than ARK II (1%). Both assays had equivalent sensitivity of 95%, with ARK II (99%) having greater specificity than SEFRIA (97%). Fentanyl was detected in 13.7% of drug-panel-positive patient samples and most frequently observed in patients also testing positive for amphetamines and cocaine. Notably, fentanyl was detected in 5.3% of patient samples that were negative for all other drugs in our standard toxicology panel.

Conclusions
A sizable portion of drug-positive samples from our ED were positive for fentanyl, with a subset of patients testing positive for fentanyl alone. Implementation of fentanyl testing into routine toxicology panels can elucidate polysubstance abuse paradigms and capture ED patients that would go undetected in standard panels.
Comparative phenotypic and genotypic analysis of community-acquired and hospital-acquired intra-abdominal infections among liver transplanted patients
Authors: Elmanakhly Arwa R , Safwat Nesreen , Tohamy Sally T K , Elsayed Khaled M , ElSherif Heba M , Elsayed Mahitab , El-Tarabili Reham M , Alhomrani Majid , Alamri Abdulhakeem S , Ghoneim Mohammed M , Alshahrani Mohammed A , Saif Ahmed , Mansour Abdallah T , Bendary Mahmoud M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aim
During liver transplantation, both hospital-acquired (HA) and community-acquired (CA) intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are involved causing life-threatening diseases. Therefore, comparative studies of aerobic and facultative anaerobic HA-IAIs and CA-IAIs after liver transplantation surgery are necessary.

Methods and results
The species of detected isolates (310) from intra-abdominal fluid were identified and classified into hospital-acquired intra-abdominal infections (HA-IAIs) and community-acquired intra-abdominal infections (CA-IAIs). Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii were the most commonly detected species. The resistant phenotypes were commonly detected among the HA-IAIs; however, the virulent phenotypes were the predominant strains of CA-IAIs. Regrettably, the resistance profiles were shocking, indicating the inefficacy of monotherapy in treating these isolates. Therefore, we confirmed the use of empirical combination therapies of amikacin and meropenem for treating all IAIs (FICI ≤ 0.5). Unfortunately, the high diversity and low clonality of all identified HA and CA-IAIs were announced with D-value in the range of 0.992–1.

Conclusion
This diversity proves that there are infinite numbers of infection sources inside and outside healthcare centers.
Competent or Sad Blue? Lively or Aggressive Red? Why, How, and When Background Color Shapes the Meanings of Logo Hues
Authors: Celhay Franck , Luffarelli Jonathan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Why, how, and when can logos with a blue positive space communicate competence versus sadness? Why, how, and when might logos with a red positive space evoke impressions of liveliness versus aggressiveness? As the current research establishes, a black background strengthens the negative meanings associated with the hue of a logo’s positive space and weakens its positive meanings. Conversely, a white background strengthens its positive meanings and weakens its negative meanings. These automatic effects occur because the hue of the positive space interacts with the color of the negative space to determine whether logos communicate positive or negative brand impressions more vividly. These effects are broadly applicable to both well-known and unknown brands, yet they are attenuated for meaningful logos and filled-frame logos. With these novel findings, this article identifies specific factors that can alter the meanings of logo hues, provides a theoretical lens for understanding the interplay of the background color and the hue of the positive space, and offers guidelines for crafting effective logos. This article also reveals which brands can benefit most from conveying negative impressions through their logos: logos with a black (white) background enhance evaluations of brands that possess negatively (positively) valenced personality traits.
Geophysical characterization of lamproite fields in the Dharwar craton using VLF-EM and advanced filtering techniques: insights from conductivity analysis and analytical signal mapping
Authors: Jonnalagadda Ravi , Mathur Ram Raj , Sridhar A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study presents a geophysical investigation of the lamproite fields located in the Dharwar craton, aiming to map conductivity variations using contemporary techniques. The study employs very low-frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) methods, applying Hilbert transformations, and first-order vertical derivatives to the Fraser and Karous–Hjelt filtered contoured of VLF-EM data. The peninsular gneissic complex (PGC) granitic rocks in the study area experienced tectonic forces, resulting in fractures along specific WNW–ESE to NW–SE trends. Within these crustal weak zones, these lamproites are emplaced. The lamproite pipes are volcanic rocks. As a result, the top portions are weathered and tend to conductive, and the conductivity tends to decrease with depth. The volumetric size of lamproites ranges from centimetres to hundreds of metres, unlike kimberlites that are larger. Hence, the exploration of lamproites poses challenges. The contours of in-phase and quadrature components were used to identify the cluster of lamproite zones within the study area. From this study, the boundaries of the lamproite pipes were clearly identified using real component's analytical and first-order vertical derivative signal contour maps. The VLF-EM pseudo-depth current density section was used to identify anomalous lamproite, pipes, and their subsurface extensions, along with the surrounding formations. The current investigation findings specify that the lamproites exhibit weak conductive. These results provide valuable insights for exploration efforts within the Dharwar craton, and can aid in the identification and mapping of the lamproite fields.
Mr. Gilbert’s World Tour: Rethinking Disabled Veterans Across British Imperial Spaces
Authors: Robinson Michael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article provides a comparative analysis of the treatment of disabled First World War veterans in 1920s Britain and the simultaneous care of Imperial Pensioners residing in Australia and South Africa via the detailed administrative reports of a British civil servant, G.F. Gilbert. Imperial Pensioners were disabled veteran migrants of the British Army residing overseas. A study of these veteran populations in Australia and South Africa provides two primary insights into the broader historiography of disabled veterans. Firstly, a comparative case study helps to show the way in which cultural notions of disability were part of broader ideas of nation-building overseas. Secondly, the specific disability diagnosis category chosen as a more in-depth case study can further complicate and contradict broader assessments of national responses. This article attempts to build upon recent transnational histories of veterans by transcending national boundaries and homogenous veteran profiles with an extension in methodological scope by providing an intra-national case study via the Imperial Pensioner.
Inspiration or infringement? Social media ‘viral’ trends: a case study on TikTok
Authors: Galea Michela 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Short-form videos have recently gained popularity thanks to social media platforms like TikTok. Some of the videos created by users go ‘viral’ and are ‘reproduced’ by others as they become trends on this platform.
This article examines whether viral social media trends can warrant copyright protection and whether, by recreating such trends without permission, a potential infringement takes place. The idea–expression dichotomy will form the basis of the analysis so that the question is whether the infringer merely borrows an unprotected idea or rather copies a protectable expression.
Additionally, as hinted in the pending referral in Mio (C-580/23), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is yet to determine how the assessment of similarity, when examining an alleged infringement, must be conducted—is this one of recognizability or rather overall impression? Exceptions and limitations—most pertinently, pastiche—also form part of the discussion as questions are raised on the application of this undefined concept, pending the judgment in Pelham II (C-590/23).
A balancing approach shall be taken between the interests of the different stakeholders at hand, including having regard to freedom of expression and protection of IP.
Platycodin D facilitates antiviral immunity through inhibiting cytokine storm via targeting K63-linked TRAF6 ubiquitination
Authors: Liu Hui , Xu Lirong , Lu Enhao , Tang Chenchen , Zhang Hanxiao , Xu Yanwu , Yu Yuanyuan , Ong Naomi , Yang Xiao-Dong , Chen Qilong , Zheng Yuejuan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Influenza virus infection is a worldwide challenge that causes heavy burdens on public health. The mortality rate of severe influenza patients is often associated with hyperactive immunological abnormalities characterized by hypercytokinemia. Due to the continuous mutations and the occurrence of drug-resistant influenza virus strains, the development of host-directed immunoregulatory drugs is urgently required. Platycodon grandiflorum is among the top 10 herbs of traditional Chinese medicine used to treat pulmonary diseases. As one of the major terpenoid saponins extracted from P. grandiflorum, Platycodin D (PD) has been reported to play several roles, including anti-inflammation, analgesia, anticancer, hepatoprotection, and immunoregulation. However, the therapeutic roles of PD to treat influenza virus infection remain unknown. Here, we show that PD can protect the body weight loss in severely infected influenza mice, alleviate lung damage, and thus improve the survival rate. More specifically, PD protects flu mice via decreasing the immune cell infiltration into lungs and downregulating the overactivated inflammatory response. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays exhibited that PD could inhibit the activation of TAK1/IKK/NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Besides that, cellular thermal shift assay, surface plasmon resonance, and immunoprecipitation assays indicated that PD binds with TRAF6 to decrease its K63 ubiquitination after R837 stimulation. Additionally, small interfering RNA interference experiments exhibited that PD could inhibit the secretion of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α in TRAF6-dependent manner. Altogether, our results suggested that PD is a promising drug candidate for treating influenza. Our study also offered a scientific explanation for the commonly used P. grandiflorum in many antiepidemic classic formulas. Due to its host-directed regulatory role, PD may serve as an adjuvant therapeutic drug in conjunction with other antiviral drugs to treat the flu.
Have courage and be kind: gender depictions, female empowerment, and modern audience ratings in film adaptations of Cinderella from 1914 to 2022
Authors: Shawcroft Jane , Jorgensen-Wells McKell A , Coyne Sarah M , Rogers Adam A , Meldrum Madeleine 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFairytales may represent a unique genre of media well-suited to depict feminine traits as valuable to characters of all genders by positioning traditionally feminine-coded traits as sources of strength and power to characters in fairytale plots. To examine this theoretical supposition, this study examines the association between indices of female empowerment (United States), modern audience ratings of films, and gendered depictions within 31 film adaptations of Cinderella produced over the span of 100 years. Results indicate Cinderella was consistently depicted as more feminine and the Prince more masculine, but both Cinderella and the Prince consistently displayed both masculine and feminine traits—providing mixed evidence of the renegotiation of gender in fairytales. Cinderella’s femininity was negatively related to indices of female empowerment, but positively related to modern audience ratings, suggesting possible tension between the production and consumption of gendered media in this context.
Coptisine protects against transient focal cerebral ischaemic injury by regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Qi Ao , Shen Jing , Liu Lulu , Cai Chun , Xu Hui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Coptisine (Cop), an alkaloid isolated from Rhizoma Coptidis, has a protective effect against central nervous system diseases such as cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion (IR). Dysregulations in fatty acids metabolism are associated with neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. However, the effect of Cop on fatty acids metabolomics during anti-IR remains unclear.

Methods
Cerebral IR rats were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion, and the therapeutic effect of Cop was evaluated by 2, 3, 5-triphenytetrazolium chloride staining and neurological deficits scores. By liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), fatty acids metabolomics analysis in ischaemic hemisphere and serum were investigated.

Results
We observed Cop (2 mg/kg/qd) was able to reduce cerebral infarct size and ameliorate the neurological function score. Meanwhile decrease in tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) after Cop treatment. Compared with control, down-regulation of cyclopentenone PGs (e.g., PGA2, PGJ2, and 15-deoxy- delta-12,14-PGJ2) was observed in cerebral IR, but upregulation of them when followed by Cop treatment. Similarly, we found the ratios of 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid(14,15-DHET)/arachidonic acid and 11,12-DHET/arachidonic acid was lower in cerebral IR injury relative to control, while their ratios were increased after Cop treatment.

Conclusion
Our results indicated that Cop protect against cerebral IR injury, and its mechanism might be closely associated with antiinflammation and the regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism
A rare complication in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: clinical case and implications
Authors: Nedjim Saleh Abdelkerim , Berdé Hissein Hagguir , Kbirou Adil , Moataz Amine , Dakir Mohamed , Debbagh Adil , Aboutaieb Rachid 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy has become the standard procedure for the management of large kidney stones. Compared with other endo-urological techniques, it has a better fragmentation rate in a single session for kidney stones over 20 mm. It is therefore the recommended first-line treatment modality for large kidney stones. Bleeding is a well-known complication of this procedure, often requiring transfusion. In 0.8% of cases, bleeding can be severe, requiring surgical intervention to control hemostasis. Damage to the lumbar artery is a very rare event, and a potential complication. To our knowledge, this is the first report of lumbar artery involvement during percutaneous nephrolithotomy, complicated by severe bleeding and hemodynamic instability, necessitating conversion. Surgical exploration revealed a severed and bleeding lumbar artery. After hemostasis control by coagulation and ligation, the patient became stable. The patient was discharged on D3, where ureteroscopic lithotripsy was planned after collegial discussion with the patient. Based on this experience, it is important for the surgeon to have in mind certain principles and a thorough knowledge of the classic lateral lumbotomy approach to the kidney.
Are high-throughput root phenotyping platforms suitable for informing root system architecture models with genotype-specific parameters? An evaluation based on the root model ArchiSimple and a small panel of wheat cultivars
Authors: Nguyen Hong Anh , Martre Pierre , Collet Clothilde , Draye Xavier , Salon Christophe , Jeudy Christian , Rincent Renaud , Muller Bertrand 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Given the difficulties in accessing plant roots in situ, high-throughput root phenotyping (HTRP) platforms under controlled conditions have been developed to meet the growing demand for characterizing root system architecture (RSA) for genetic analyses. However, a proper evaluation of their capacity to provide the same estimates for strictly identical root traits across platforms has never been achieved. In this study, we performed such an evaluation based on six major parameters of the RSA model ArchiSimple, using a diversity panel of 14 bread wheat cultivars in two HTRP platforms that had different growth media and non-destructive imaging systems together with a conventional set-up that had a solid growth medium and destructive sampling. Significant effects of the experimental set-up were found for all the parameters and no significant correlations across the diversity panel among the three set-ups could be detected. Differences in temperature, irradiance, and/or the medium in which the plants were growing might partly explain both the differences in the parameter values across the experiments as well as the genotype × set-up interactions. Furthermore, the values and the rankings across genotypes of only a subset of parameters were conserved between contrasting growth stages. As the parameters chosen for our analysis are root traits that have strong impacts on RSA and are close to parameters used in a majority of RSA models, our results highlight the need to carefully consider both developmental and environmental drivers in root phenomics studies.