bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Western Cameroon Highland margin: Is there any geomorphometric evidence of active tectonics?
Authors: Nsangou Ngapna Moussa , Owona Sébastien , Balla Ateba Christian , Mboudou Germain Marie Monespérance , Wabo Defo Pascal Landry 
Published: May 2022

The Western Cameroon Highland margin (WCHM) within the West African margin displays an uneven high relief. Its evolutionary model in vogue suggests the tectonic activity of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). An evident question in this regard is whether there is any geomorphometric evidence in support of what is this widespread view? We evaluate this question using field controls and geomorphometric indices of active tectonics derived for 13 main river basins with the help of digital elevation model (DEM)‐30 m data. The WCHM is developed on Proterozoic granite‐gneissic basement and the Cretaceous to Recent volcano‐sedimentary cover and was affected by regional active tectonic features. It is marked by transient signs of different landscape evolutionary stages recorded by the relief and drainage network; shown by gradual adjustment of rivers to equilibrium stages; and cautioned by a greatest variation of DEM‐based geomorphic indices. These indices, hypsometric integral (HI = 0.10–0.35), topography relief (TR = 595–2,710), topography dissection (TD = 114–829), valley floor width to valley height ratio (Vf arg = 0.61–14.91), transverse topographic symmetric factor (T‐index = 0.18–0.49), and basin asymmetric factor (AF = 1.08–24.37) highlight elevated and roughness character of that margin, from the Benue Trough and culminating to the CVL. River longitudinal profiles reveal variably and deeply incised WCHM by the drainage network, reinforced by ongoing tectonic activities. Knickpoints (Kps), stream length‐gradient (SL), uplift (U = 1.17–2.0), and a variety of normalized steepness (Ksn = 11.63–635.16) evidence the diversity and preeminent tectonic controls. The above results show that the WCHM is widely considered to be the consequence of the mantle dynamisms and regional tectonics since Proterozoic, the CVL activities, and the erosional processes.
In the name of national security: Foreign takeover protection and firm innovation efficiency
Authors: Shi Wei , Li Boshuo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractResearch SummaryThis study investigates the influence of foreign takeover protection triggered by investment‐related national security screening laws and regulations on firm innovation efficiency. Drawing on agency theory, we argue that an increase in foreign takeover protection can lead to a reduction in innovation efficiency—the amount of innovation output relative to innovation input—by encouraging managerial entrenchment that can result in ineffective allocation and use of R&D resources. Such effects are weaker in the presence of monitoring from external governance actors—dedicated institutional investors and financial analysts. Using the enactment of the Foreign Investment and National Security Act in the United States as our empirical context, we find support for our arguments.Managerial SummaryMany countries have enacted investment‐related national security screening laws and regulations to protect domestic high‐tech firms from foreign acquisitions. Although the goal of these laws and regulations is to retain the country's leadership position in global innovation, it may unintendedly lead to a reduction in firm innovation efficiency—the effectiveness in transforming innovation input to output—by encouraging managerial entrenchment that can give rise to ineffective allocation and use of R&D resources. Such effect is weaker when other external governance actors, such as dedicated institutional investors and financial analysts, impose stronger monitoring on managers. Our arguments are supported by empirical analyses in the context of the enactment of the Foreign Investment and National Security Act in the United States.
Phase Ib study of anlotinib combined with TQB2450 in pretreated advanced biliary tract cancer and biomarker analysis
Authors: Zhou Jun , Sun Yongkun , Zhang Wen , Yuan Jiajia , Peng Zhi , Wang Wei , Gong Jifang , Yang Lin , Cao Yanshuo , Zhao Hong , Chen Chao , Wang Weifeng , Shen Lin , Zhou Aiping 
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims:
We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib plus TQB2450, a programmed death‐ligand 1 inhibitor in pretreated advanced biliary tract cancers (BTCs).

Approach and Results:
In this pooled analysis of two single‐center, phase Ib clinical trials (TQB2450‐Ib‐05 and TQB2450‐Ib‐08 trials), 66 patients with advanced BTCs who had progressed or declined or were ineligible for first‐line chemotherapy were included. With the treatment of anlotinib plus TQB2450, two patients achieved complete response, and 12 had a partial response assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1, yielding an objective response rate of 21.21%, a disease control rate (DCR) of 72.73%, and a clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 42.42%. With a median follow‐up of 19.68 months, median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6.24 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.11–8.25) and 15.77 (95% CI, 10.74–19.71) months, respectively. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 64 (96.97%) patients, and the most common grade 3 or worse treatment‐related AEs included elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (7.58%), alanine aminotransferase (6.06%), and hypertension (6.06%). Patients with high tumor mutational burden (TMB; ≥5 mutations/Mbp) had a better CBR (70.8% vs. 22.2%), longer OS (14.32 vs. 9.64 months), and a trend toward longer PFS (7.03 vs. 4.06 months). Patients with kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations showed a lower CBR (12.5% vs. 58.8%) and shorter PFS (2.02 vs. 6.80 months) and OS (10.53 vs. 13.13 months).

Conclusions:
Anlotinib combined with TQB2450 showed promising efficacy and was well tolerated in advanced BTCs. KRAS mutation and high TMB might serve as predictors of treatment efficacy.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of adverse outcome in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia: A systematic review
Authors: Kuikel Sandip , Pathak Nibesh , Poudel Sagar , Thapa Sital , Bhattarai Shiva Lal , Chaudhary Gajendra , Pandey Kundan Raj 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundCommunity‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the acute infection of lung tissue in an immunocompetent who acquired it from the community. Its incidence and mortality are significant and require a marker to predict the severity and mortality in these patients. Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple, cheap, and easy‐to‐use marker and this study describes its role in predicting the adverse outcome in patients with CAP.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were used to search for related studies on February 8, 2021. A total of 186 articles were retrieved upon detailed searching in the databases and search engines. After a series of removing duplicate articles, title and abstract screening, and full‐text review; nine articles were found eligible and included in the study. The data from each article were collected in MS Excel and the findings were summarized in this manuscript.ResultsThe total number of patients analyzed in this systematic review is 3340. The mean age of the patient in the included studies ranged from 61 to 90.4 years. All studies had adverse outcomes as the endpoint of the study, which included in‐hospital mortality or intensive care unit (ICU) admission or deterioration from medium and low risk to high risk or 30 days' mortality. The prevalence of endpoint ranged from 5.8% to 44.8%. NLR with a cutoff value of more than 10 was shown to predict mortality compared to C‐reactive protein levels, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte level, Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) level, PSI class, procalcitonin, and CURB‐65 (Confusion, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, 65 years of age and older) in most of the studies.ConclusionNLR is a simple, easily measured yet promising marker for predicting outcomes in patients with CAP.
Mamushi bites in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Ando Tadasuke , Nakashima Syunsuke , Abe Satoki , Watanabe Dai , Iwasaki Kazunori , Shinohara Mayuka , Kai Tomoki , Hata Shinro , Shibuya Tadamasa , Shin Toshitaka 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionMamushi bites are the most common venomous snakebites in Japan. The clinical course of a common mamushi bite is known, and its alarming complication and cause of death are acute renal failure due to the venom. However, reports of mamushi bites in kidney transplant recipients are lacking, and the clinical course is unknown.Case presentationA 66‐year‐old man who was bitten by a mamushi 3 years after kidney transplantation. Similar to the course of a typical mamushi bite, his severity gradually worsened to its peak 3 days after the bite, after which he turned lightly. A sufficient amount of infusion and continued immunosuppressive drugs were used to avoid acute renal failure.ConclusionEven if the mamushi bite occurs in a kidney transplant recipient, the course and management may be the same as usual by continuing the immunosuppressive drugs and a sufficient amount of infusion.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0004396 acts as a sponge of miR‐615‐5p to promote non‐small cell lung cancer progression and radioresistance through the upregulation of P21‐Activated Kinase 1
Authors: Li Dong , Yan Lin , Zhang Junhan , Gu Feng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundsCircRNA hsa_circ_0004396 has been confirmed to be upregulated in human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of his study was to evaluate its mechanism in the radioresistance and progression of NSCLC.MethodsHsa_circ_0004396, miR‐615‐5p, and P21‐Activated Kinase 1 (PAK1) were measured by reverse transcription quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The binding between miR‐615‐5p and hsa_circ_0004396 or PAK1 was predicted by circinteractome or Targetscan, as verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. Proliferation, clonogenicity capacity, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed by CCK‐8, colony formation, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay. Bcl‐2, Bcl‐2 associated protein X (Bax), MMP‐2, and PAK1 protein levels were detected using western blot assay. In addition, in vivo function of hsa_circ_0004396 was evaluated by tumor xenograft assay.ResultsHsa_circ_0004396 and PAK1 levels were upregulated, while miR‐615‐5p was declined in NSCLC. Hsa_circ_0004396 silencing inhibited NSCLC cell malignant behavior and induced radiosensitivity. Hsa_circ_0004396 functions as a molecular sponge of miR‐615‐5p to regulate PAK1 expression. Moreover, hsa_circ_0004396 knockdown inhibited NSCLC tumor growth in vivo.ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that hsa_circ_0004396 promoted NSCLC development and radioresistance through the miR‐615‐5p/PAK1 axis, which might provide a new therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.
Beautify the blurry self: Low self‐concept clarity increases appearance management
Authors: Wang Jiaqian , Yu Yiqi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe current research examines how and why self‐concept clarity (i.e., having self‐aspects that are integrated into a well‐defined whole) shapes consumers' appearance management behaviors. Five (including four pre‐registered) studies and one supplemental study provide correlational and causal evidence for the link between low self‐concept clarity and appearance management (e.g., choice of appearance‐enhancing products, interest in cosmetic procedures, and beauty filters). Furthermore, we demonstrate that public self‐consciousness mediates this effect (Studies 3–4). We also find convergent process‐by‐moderation evidence that low self‐concept clarity increases appearance management only when the appearance management behavior is perceived to be socially acceptable (Study 5). In addition, we rule out global and appearance self‐esteem, private self‐consciousness, self‐improvement, and mood management as potential mechanisms. This research extends the literature on self‐concept, impression management, and appearance management and yields implications for beauty marketing, health communication, and consumer well‐being.
What servicizing demands of a company: The need for inter‐functional coordination
Authors: Mutha Akshay , Bansal Saurabh , Guide V. Daniel R. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractOEMs of capital‐intensive products are increasingly servicizing their business model, that is, they lease the product to the customer while selling the service. This has led to the forward and reverse flow of products and information between the OEMs and customers. The standard practices and processes of the traditional sell‐a‐product model do not apply to the servicizing business model. We draw upon our experience with two servicizing OEMs and highlight the inter‐functional coordination and development of new business processes needed for OEMs to successfully manage the transition from selling the product to selling the service. Specifically, we discuss the interconnected nature of the business strategy, product development, supply chain, and accounting and finance functions in managing a servicizing business model. Along with close coordination in the strategic dimensions, OEMs also need to make changes in their operational processes to manage the return flow of multiple usecycle products to profitably remanufacture them and re‐lease to customers. When operational changes are implemented correctly, the servicizing model also offers several benefits that are not present in the traditional sell‐a‐product business model.
Apoptotic extracellular vesicles alleviate Pg‐LPS induced inflammatory responses of macrophages via AMPK/SIRT1/NF‐κB pathway and inhibit osteoclast formation
Authors: Ye Qingyuan , Xu Haokun , Liu Shiyu , Li Zihan , Zhou Jun , Ding Feng , Zhang Xige , Wang Yazheng , Jin Yan , Wang Qintao 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontitis is caused by the imbalance of anti‐bacteria immune response and excessive inflammation whereas macrophages play an important role in inflammation. Thus, it is critical for finding efficient anti‐inflammatory strategies to alleviate periodontal inflammation and prevent bone destruction. Apoptosis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exerts immune silencing effects, however, using these effects to develop anti‐inflammatory strategies remains unknown. In our study, we extracted apoptotic extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs) from bone marrow MSCs (BMMSCs) and found ApoEVs inhibited macrophages polarizing into proinflammatory condition via AMPK/SIRT1/NF‐κB pathway. Besides that, we also found ApoEVs inhibited adjacent osteoclast formation by suppressing the secretion of TNF‐α of proinflammatory macrophages.MethodsBMMSCs derived ApoEVs were extracted by gradient centrifugation. Protein expression level and secreted cytokines of ApoEVs treated macrophages were examined by western blot and ELISA, respectively. Besides, the change of NF‐κB pathway and related molecules were examined by immunofluorescence and western blot. The osteoclast formation under the different conditioned mediums from macrophages was measured by TRAP staining, MMP‐9 expression, and pit assay.ResultsApoEVs were extracted from staurosporine‐induced apoptotic BMMSCs and were in sphere shapes whose diameters are between 100 and 1000 nm. ApoEVs could be phagocyted by macrophages and in turn reduce the expression of COX2 in proinflammatory macrophages. Besides that, ApoEVs suppressed the secretions of TNF‐α and IL‐6 while elevating the secretion of IL‐10 in a dose‐dependent manner. Further studies revealed that ApoEVs inhibited macrophages polarizing into proinflammatory phenotypes via AMPK/SIRT1/NF‐κB pathway. In addition, ApoEVs inhibited osteoclasts differentiation and bone resorption measured by TRAP staining, MMP‐9 expression, and pit resorption area by downregulating the secretion of TNF‐α of proinflammatory macrophages.ConclusionsThe results suggest that ApoEVs inhibited macrophages to skew into proinflammatory phenotypes via AMPK/SIRT1/NF‐κB pathway and suppress adjacent osteoclasts formation by reducing the secretion of TNF‐α. Our findings shed a light on the treatment for periodontitis based on EVs therapy.
Factors affecting sustainability‐oriented innovation in the leather supply chain
Authors: Brun Alessandro , Ciccullo Federica 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA sustainability‐oriented innovation (SOI) in the leather‐making process is key for inducing a sustainable shift in the leather supply chain. Fashion is an industry that is highly vulnerable to sustainability disruptions and, at the same time, as a fertile ground for SOIs. As a result of increasing pressures from the market, several fashion brands have started to recognize the potential of SOIs to induce a positive transformation for the whole supply chain. The present paper discusses the case of a SOI in the leather industry by analyzing the perception of different actors in the leather‐accessories supply chain with three theoretical lenses. Findings suggest that focal companies should pay attention to how to manage their business relationships with supply chain actors and leverage positive and collaborative relationships rather than using coercive methods to extend sustainability along the supply chain.
Early sowing can boost grain production by reducing weed infestation in organic no‐till wheat
Authors: Ingraffia Rosolino , Amato Gaetano , Ruisi Paolo , Giambalvo Dario , Frenda Alfonso S 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDConservative tillage techniques have several agro‐ecological benefits for organic farming. The application of these techniques, however, can create quite a few challenges due to the increased weed competition. Here, we report the results of an organic field experiment in which the responses of wheat and weeds to no tillage (NT) were evaluated compared with conventional tillage (CT). We also tested the hypothesis that, under NT, moving up the sowing date, compared with using the ordinary sowing date for the study area, can result in increased competitiveness of the crop against weeds. Two wheat genotypes, a modern variety and an ancient landrace, were tested.RESULTSSubstantial reductions in grain yield and protein content were observed in wheat under NT than under CT when the ordinary sowing date was used. This was mainly due to the considerable increase in weed biomass under NT. The tillage system also altered the composition of weed flora, with some species favored under NT and others under CT. In general, early sowing mitigated the detrimental effect of NT on yield. The two genotypes responded differently to the treatments. The early sowing in the modern variety reduced but did not eliminate the advantages of CT over NT, whereas no appreciable differences in grain yield were observed between CT and NT in the landrace.CONCLUSIONOur results show clearly that, under organic management, using NT alone as a substitute for CT is not agronomically feasible. Moving up the sowing date and using a competitive genotype can help mitigate the negative effects of NT, but surely a more effective application of NT could be achieved by acting simultaneously on other factors of the cropping management system (e.g. crop rotation, fertilization strategy, type of seeder). © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Computational study of the reaction of C3H3 with HNCO and the decomposition of C4H4NO radicals
Authors: Nguyen Tue N. , Trang Hoang T. Tue , Nguyen Nghia T. , Pham Tien V. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAb initio CCSD(T)/CBS(T,Q,5)//M06‐2X/aug‐cc‐pVTZ calculations have been applied to figure out the C4H4NO (isopropyl aminocarbonyl) potential energy surface (PES). The resulting energetics and molecular parameters of all species involved in the system have been then employed in the TST and RRKM/ME computations of temperature‐ and pressure‐dependent rate coefficients and product yields. The calculated results show that rate constants of the abstraction reactions C3H3 + HNCO → C3H4 + NCO are pressure‐independent while those of the addition reactions C3H3 + HNCO and the C4H4NO decomposition reactions were found to be pressure‐dependent. The calculated enthalpies of formation for species involved in the system are in good ageement with the available literature data. All the results of this work may provide a useful database source for the further study of this kind of reactions.
Effect of Methacrylic Acid in PNNPAM Microgels on the Catalytic Activity of Embedded Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Sabadasch Viktor , Fandrich Pascal , Annegarn Marco , Hellweg Thomas 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPoly‐N‐n‐propylacrylamide based microgels with embedded Pd‐nanoparticles are synthesized with varying amounts (5–25 mol%) of methacrylic acid (MAc) comonomer. The microgels are characterized to investigate the influence of the comonomer content on catalytic activity of the hybrid particles. Since the acidity changes significantly upon copolymerization, the incorporated amount and apparent p Ka value of the MAc via potentiometric titration are determined. The thermoresponsive properties of the microgels are characterized by means of photon correlation spectroscopy at pH values of 4 and 10, which correspond to the protonated and deprotonated state of the acidic copolymer according to the determined p Kavalues. MAc shows tremendous influence on the thermoresponsivity of the microgels not only related to the amount of MAc but especially upon change in pH. The prepared microgel systems are subsequently loaded with palladium nanoparticles. Their catalytic activity is investigated by the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol. The catalytic degradation of the educt is monitored via UV–vis spectroscopy and the observed absorbance decay is analyzed by a pseudo‐first order kinetic. Derived reaction rate constants are normalized with respect to the surface area of the palladium nanoparticles, revealing that the charge density and hydrophilicity within the microgel template greatly affect reactivity of embedded nanoparticles.
Parabolic equations with dynamic boundary conditions and drift terms
Authors: Khoutaibi A. , Maniar L. , Mugnolo D. , Rhandi A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to study the wellposedness and L2‐regularity, firstly for a linear heat equation with dynamic boundary conditions by using the approach of sesquilinear forms, and secondly for its backward adjoint equation using the Galerkin approximation and the extension semigroup to a negative Sobolev space.
Fraenkel Springs as an Efficient Approximation to Rods for Brownian Dynamics Simulations and Modeling of Polymer Chains
Authors: Kumar Praphul , Saha Dalal Indranil 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRecent studies indicate the importance of using bead‐rod models for polymer chains, resolving to a single Kuhn step, especially in strong flows. Earlier, researchers suggested the Fene‐Fraenkel spring as a computationally efficient approximation to the rod for Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations. This analysis reveals that the Fraenkel spring is an even better alternative. The predictions from BD simulations with stiff Fraenkel springs are nearly identical to those using Fene‐Fraenkel springs and rigid rods. Significantly, such excellent agreement is obtained when the spring lengths at every time step are updated once, without any further iterations for refinement. The computational speeds for single‐step update of the spring lengths, using Fraenkel springs, is an order of magnitude faster than the usual procedure of iterating until convergence. Even when multiple iterations are allowed within each time step, the computational time remains about 20–25% lower for longer chains with Fraenkel springs than Fene‐Fraenkel springs. The merits of using highly resolved chains, using Fraenkel springs, in preaveraged models are also highlighted. The predictions of such preaveraged models agree reasonably well with BD simulations. This is particularly advantageous since the predictions for shear flows are poor, especially at higher shear rates, for well‐known models like FENE‐P.