bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Schopenhauer on the Rights of Animals
Authors: Puryear Stephen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractI argue that Schopenhauer's ascription of (moral) rights to animals flows naturally from his distinctive analysis of the concept of a right. In contrast to those who regard rights as fundamental and then cast wrongdoing as a matter of violating rights, he takes wrong (Unrecht) to be the more fundamental notion and defines the concept of a right (Recht) in its terms. He then offers an account of wrongdoing that makes it plausible to suppose that at least many animals can be wronged and thus, by extension, have rights. The result, I argue, is a perspective on the nature of moral rights in general, and the idea of animal rights in particular, that constitutes an important and plausible alternative to the more familiar views advanced by philosophers in recent decades.
Characterization of sulfate mineral deposits in central Thailand
Authors: Kuroda Junichiro , Hara Hidetoshi , Ueno Katsumi , Charoentitirat Thasinee , Maruoka Teruyuki , Miyazaki Takashi , Miyahigashi Akira , Lugli Stefano 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn this paper we present petrographic and geochemical data of sulfate mineral deposits in northeast Nakhon Sawan, central Thailand, and provide new constraints on their age. The deposits are made up mainly of strongly deformed nodular and massive gypsum in the upper part, and less deformed layered anhydrite in the lower part. They are intruded by andesitic dikes that contain Middle Triassic zircons (ca 240 Ma). These dikes are probably part of the regional magmatic activity of the Sukhothai Arc during the Early to Middle Triassic. Sulfur (δ34S) and strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopic compositions of the sulfates range from 15.86 ‰ to 16.26 ‰ and from 0.70810 to 0.70817, respectively. Comparisons with the Phanerozoic seawater isotopic evolution curve indicate that those values are best explained by precipitation of the sulfates from Carboniferous seawater, in particular seawater of late Mississippian age (ca 326 Ma), and this would be consistent with previous studies of calcareous fossils in the limestones that crop out around this site. Our interpretation is that evaporitic gypsum was originally precipitated from hypersaline seawater on a shallow lagoon or shelf on the Khao Khwang Platform during the Serpukhovian, and that this gypsum changed to anhydrite during early burial. The anhydrite was then cut by andesitic dikes during the Middle Triassic, and more recently the upper part of which was rehydrated during exhumation to form secondary gypsum near the surface.
Remarks on Petrascula bugesiaca Bernier, 1979 from the uppermost Jurassic−lowermost Cretaceous limestones of Romania
Authors: Bucur Ioan I. , Săsăran Emanoil , Pascariu Lucian 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPetrascula bugesiaca was described by Bernier (1979) from Portlandian (= Tithonian) limestones of the Sothern Jura Mountains (French Switzerland), and since the first description, has never been identified in any other place. The study of uppermost Jurassic olistoliths embedded in Cretaceous conglomerates from Piatra Craiului (South Carpathians, Romania) gave us the possibility to identify well preserved specimens of this dasycladalean alga. The new material confirms Bernier's ascription of the species to the genus Petrascula, being characterized by a club‐shaped morphology.
Corporate Lobbying, Visibility and Accounting Conservatism
Authors: Kong Xiangting , Radhakrishnan Suresh , Tsang Albert 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn this study, we examine the relationship between a firm's lobbying activities and financial reporting quality using a US setting where public scrutiny of corporate political activities is high. More importantly, we examine whether and how a firm's visibility shapes the relationship between its corporate lobbying activities and accounting conservatism. Adopting annual lobbying expenditure data to measure firms’ lobbying activities, and using a propensity‐score‐matching methodology to control for differences in firm characteristics between lobbying and non‐lobbying firms, we find a positive relationship between a firm's lobbying intensity and the degree of accounting conservatism in its financial reporting. We further find this positive relationship to be more pronounced in lobbying firms with a higher level of visibility. These results are robust after controlling for a firm's political connections, across various conditional conservatism measures, and across a number of visibility measures including firm size, the number of analysts following the firm, the age of the firm, the number of foreign stock exchanges that the firm is cross‐listed in, and the level of the firm's media coverage. Together, our findings add to the literature on how firms’ political activities shape their accounting practices in general, and accounting conservatism in particular. More importantly, our findings suggest that the heightened public attention paid to political activities in the US yields incentives for firms to be more conservative in their accounting practices.
A European subset analysis from the population‐based Multinational Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis shows country‐specific features: results from psoriasis patients in Spain
Authors: Puig L. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , Reich K. , Bachelez H. , Barker J. , Girolomoni G. , Paul C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe Multinational Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (MAPP) survey data were not analysed to account for cultural and healthcare system differences across European countries (EC).ObjectiveTo utilize MAPP data to characterize psoriasis in Spanish patients, including severity assessment and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).MethodsThe MAPP survey was conducted between June and August 2012. This analysis included 1700 patients with self‐reported psoriasis (without psoriatic arthritis) from France (n = 349), Germany (n = 311), Italy (n = 359), Spain (n = 354) and the United Kingdom (n = 327).ResultsPatients from Spain vs. other EC self‐reported higher mean body mass index (26.9 vs. 25.6, P ≤ 0.001), lower prevalence of depression (6% vs. 12%, P = 0.002) and higher mean self‐perceived psoriasis severity at its worst (5.92 vs. 5.33, P < 0.001) despite lower estimated body‐surface‐area involvement. Overall, patients from Spain vs. other EC had lower mean global DLQI scores (4.70 vs. 6.06, P = 0.001) and lower mean scores for each DLQI dimension [all P < 0.001, except leisure (P = 0.002), treatment (P = 0.002), and work and school (P = 0.005)]. Higher DLQI values were inversely associated with age and directly correlated with perceived severity. Palmoplantar, nail and scalp psoriasis were reported less frequently in Spanish patients (P = 0.026) and were associated with higher DLQI values (P < 0.01). Spanish patients were more likely to have seen multiple healthcare providers (HCPs; P < 0.001) and achieve therapeutic goals (P < 0.001), but current treatments were similar to patients in other EC.ConclusionsIn the MAPP survey, Spanish patients differed from other EC in several characteristics, including comorbidities, extent and distribution of psoriasis lesions, perception of severity and impact on quality of life. Their perception of psoriasis severity was higher despite a lower estimated extent, and DLQI scores were significantly lower. Spanish patients had more HCP visits and a higher rate of therapeutic goal achievement. These differences might be attributed to cultural factors, phenotypical variation and differences in HCP access.
Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica (Bazex syndrome) – a systematic review on risk factors, diagnosis, prognosis and management
Authors: Räßler F. , Goetze S. , Elsner P. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAcrokeratosis paraneoplastica Bazex (Bazex syndrome) is a rare paraneoplastic skin disease defined by erythematous, violaceous, scaly plaques on the hands and feet and on other acral locations such as nose and ears. Bazex syndrome is linked to a variety of underlying malignancies. Usually the skin lesions develop prior to the diagnosis of an internal malignant neoplasm with spontaneous remission after tumour removal. The objective of this study was to review the so far reported risk factors, diagnostic work‐up, prognosis and treatment options for Bazex syndrome in a systematic manner. This systematic review is based on a search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register for English and German articles from 1990 to 2015. Evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of Bazex syndrome is limited predominately to case reports or to small case series. There are no randomized controlled trials. A number of underlying tumour entities, predominately oropharyngeal neoplasms and tumours of the gastroenterological tract, but other malignancies were reported. Treatment modalities including topical and systemic corticosteroids, salicylic acid, topical vitamin D analogues, etretinate and PUVA therapy are often ineffective. Due to the small number of patients and the frequent misdiagnosis of this clinical entity, the aim of this systematic review was to call attention to this rare condition and to help clinicians to diagnose and treat Bazex syndrome effectively. Because of the good prognosis of the skin lesions and the tendency to resolve spontaneously if the underlying tumour is treated early, the differential diagnosis of Bazex syndrome should be taken into consideration when dealing with atypical psoriasiform cutaneous lesions. An early diagnosis may improve the patient's prognosis substantially.
Characteristics of patients receiving ustekinumab compared with secukinumab for treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis – nationwide results from the DERMBIO registry
Authors: Egeberg A. , Iversen L. , Gniadecki R. , Hvid L. , Dam T.N. , Bryld L.E. , Skov L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundWhile safety and efficacy of ustekinumab and secukinumab, monoclonal antibodies approved for psoriasis, are described in clinical trials, data on their real‐life application are lacking.ObjectiveWe compared the characteristics of patients initiating first‐time treatment with secukinumab or ustekinumab.MethodsAll Danish patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis treated with biologics are recorded in the nationwide DERMBIO registry. We compared characteristics of patients starting first‐time therapy with ustekinumab and secukinumab, respectively.ResultsWe identified a total of 1037 and 142 first‐time treatment series with ustekinumab and secukinumab. There was a male predominance in both groups, but patients initiating secukinumab were slightly older and with longer disease duration; in agreement with guidelines for biologic treatment in Denmark where ustekinumab has been first line for all with psoriasis without joint problems since 2012, and secukinumab first line for psoriasis with joint problems since July 2016. A total of (52.9% and 14.5%) patients receiving ustekinumab and secukinumab, respectively, were bio‐naïve. The mean dermatology life quality index score was slightly higher for ustekinumab than secukinumab (11.6 vs. 10.0; P = 0.0769); the mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score were significantly higher (10.4 vs. 7.3; P < 0.0001) for ustekinumab. Prevalence of joint disease was markedly lover (22.7% vs. 44.4%) among patients receiving ustekinumab.ConclusionsWe found significant differences in characteristics of patients starting therapy with ustekinumab and secukinumab in a real‐life clinical setting. These findings may aid clinicians and researchers when interpreting efficacy data derived from clinical trials and biologic registries of patients with psoriasis.
Strategies for reduction in the duration of intravenous drug use: Interest of drug tracers as quality indicators to improve intravenous to oral switch
Authors: Corny Jennifer , Perreau Simon , Thivilliers Anne‐Pauline , Leplay Céline , Chevalier Delphine , Beaussier Hélène , Bézie Yvonnick 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesIntravenous (IV) to oral (PO) drug switch is a challenge for tertiary care institutions for several reasons: catheter‐related infections, patient's pain and discomfort or higher costs, and overuse of IV drugs considered as an irrational use of medicines. The objective was to evaluate yearly acetaminophen and proton‐pump inhibiters' (PPIs) IV/PO ratios from 2011 to 2015 and to determine their correlation with all drugs IV/PO ratios and their relevance as drug tracers. A secondary objective was to estimate costs savings associated with a IV to PO switch improvement.MethodsData on IV and PO consumptions and impact on costs were presented to physicians yearly, followed by the development of a computerized tool and pharmaceutical validation of prescriptions. Intravenous and PO drug consumptions were extracted yearly for all drugs, acetaminophen, and PPIs from 2011‐01‐01 to 2015‐12‐31. Acetaminophen and PPIs' IV/PO ratios were compared to IV/PO consumptions for all drugs. Costs savings associated with this switch were calculated yearly by multiplying the difference in average cost per dose by the total number of doses delivered (fixed purchase prices, euros) for both routes.ResultsAll drugs IV/PO ratio decreased every year to achieve a 16.3% reduction between 2011 and 2015. Acetaminophen and PPIs also decreased respectively by 35.5% and 16.5%. Same tendency of decrease of ratios year by year was noted for all drugs, PPIs, and acetaminophen. Savings for both acetaminophen and PPIs IV/PO switch were over 98 000€ for 5 years.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that acetaminophen IV/PO ratio, easily produced in routine, was a relevant tracer to follow IV/PO switch improvement as it was correlated with all drugs IV/PO ratio. Direct cost savings associated with IV/PO switch improvements were consequent and illustrate well the impact of our approach on the efficiency of therapeutics' management.
Radiogenic heating and craton‐margin plate stresses as drivers for intraplate orogeny
Authors: Korhonen F. J. , Johnson S. P. , Wingate M. T. D. , Kirkland C. L. , Fletcher I. R. , Dunkley D. J. , Roberts M. P. , Sheppard S. , Muhling J. R. , Rasmussen B. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTThe Proterozoic belts that occur along the margins of the West Australian Craton, as well as those in intraplate settings, generally share similar geological histories that suggest a common plate‐margin driver for orogeny. However, the thermal drivers for intraplate orogenesis are more poorly understood. The Mutherbukin Tectonic Event records a protracted period of Mesoproterozoic reworking of the Capricorn Orogen and offers significant insight into both the tectonic drivers and heat sources of long‐lived intraplate orogens. Mineral assemblages and tectonic fabrics related to this event occur within a 50 km‐wide fault‐bound corridor in the central part of the Gascoyne Province in Western Australia. This zone preserves a crustal profile, with greenschist facies rocks in the north grading to upper amphibolite facies rocks in the south. The P–T–t evolution of 13 samples from 10 localities across the Mutherbukin Zone is investigated using phase equilibria modelling integrated with in situ U–Pb monazite and zircon geochronology. Garnet chemistry from selected samples is used to further refine the P–T history and shows that the dominant events recorded in this zone are prolonged D1 transpression between c. 1,320 and 1,270 Ma, followed by D2 transtension from c. 1,210 to 1,170 Ma. Peak metamorphic conditions in the mid‐crust reached >650°C and 4.4–7 kbar at c. 1,210–1,200 Ma. Most samples record a single clockwise P–T evolution during this event, although some samples might have experienced multiple perturbations. The heat source for metamorphism was primarily conductive heating of radiogenic mid‐ and upper crust, derived from earlier crustal differentiation events. This crust was thickened during D1 transpression, although the thermal effects persisted longer than the deformation event. Peak metamorphism was terminated by D2 transtension at c. 1,210 Ma, with subsequent cooling driven by thinning of the radiogenic crust. The coincidence of a sedimentary basin acting as a thermal lid and a highly radiogenic mid‐crustal batholith restricted to the Mutherbukin Zone accounts for reworking being confined to a discrete crustal corridor. Our results show that radiogenic regions in the shallow to mid crust can elevate the thermal gradient and localize deformation, causing the crust to be more responsive to far‐field stresses. The Mutherbukin Tectonic Event in the Capricorn Orogen was synchronous with numerous Mesoproterozoic events around the West Australian Craton, suggesting that thick cratonic roots play an important role in propagating stresses generated at distant plate boundaries.
The Effect of Polymerization Methods and Fiber Types on the Mechanical Behavior of Fiber‐Reinforced Resin‐Based Composites
Authors: Huang Nan‐Chieh , Bottino Marco C. , Levon John A. , Chu Tien‐Min G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeGlass fibers were introduced to increase the fracture resistance of resin‐based composites restorations; however, the poor polymerization between fibers and resin‐based composite were sometimes noted and can cause debonding and failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different polymerization methods as well as fiber types on the mechanical behavior of fiber‐reinforced resin‐based composites.Materials and MethodsSeventy‐five specimens were fabricated and divided into one control group and four experimental groups (n = 15), according to the type of glass fiber (strip or mesh) and polymerization methods (one‐ or two‐step). A 0.2‐mm‐thick fiber layer was fabricated with different polymerization methods, on top of which a 1.8 mm resin‐based composite layer was added to make a bar‐shape specimen, followed by a final polymerization. Specimens were tested for flexural strength and flexural modulus. The failure modes of specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy.ResultsThe fiber types showed significant effect on the flexural strength of test specimens (F = 469.48, p < 0.05), but the polymerization methods had no significant effect (F = 0.05, p = 0.82). The interaction between these two variables was not significant (F = 1.73, p = 0.19). In addition, both fiber type (F = 9.71, p < 0.05) and polymerization method (F = 12.17, p < 0.05) affected the flexural modulus of test specimens; however, the interaction between these two variables was not significant (F = 0.40, p = 0.53).ConclusionsThe strip fibers showed better mechanical behavior than mesh fibers and were suggested for resin‐based composites restorations reinforcement; however, different polymerization methods did not have a significant effect on the strength and failure mode of fiber‐reinforced resin‐based composites.
A Markov model assessing the impact on primary care practice revenues and patient's health when using mid‐level providers, lesson learned from the United Kingdom
Authors: Hill Harry , Macey Richard , Brocklehurst Paul 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of using mid‐level providers for dental “check‐up” examinations and the treatment of caries in different NHS settings in the United Kingdom. Mid‐level providers are a broad category that describes non‐dentist members of dental teams. This study focused on the potential use of Dental Hygiene Therapists undertaking dental “check‐up” examinations and simple restorative treatment, instead of dentists.MethodsA Markov model was used to construct the natural history of caries development in adults that visit a dental practice every six months over a five‐year period. Three cost perspectives are taken: those borne to dental healthcare providers in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. These represent three separate forms of retrospective payment system that are currently in use in the United Kingdom. The cost outcome was the average amount of retained practice earnings required to provide healthcare per patient visit. The health outcome was the average length of time in a cavity‐free state and the cost‐effectiveness outcome was incremental cost for six months in a cavity‐free state.ResultsNo statistical difference was found between dentists and mid‐level providers in the length of time in a cavity‐free state but the use of the latter saved money in all three NHS health system jurisdictions. This ranged from £7.85 (England and Wales) to £9.16 (Northern Ireland) per patient visit ($10.20 to $11.90, respectively) meaning the incremental cost for six month in a cavity‐free state ranged from £261.67 ($339.93) in England and Wales to £305.33 ($369.68) in Northern Ireland. Further, changes in baseline assumptions and parameter values did not change mid‐level providers being the dominant service intervention.ConclusionIn a time of limited funds for dental services, these results suggest that resources in public funded systems could be saved using mid‐level providers in dental practices, without any health risk to patients or capital investment.
Palatability of a novel oral formulation of prednisone in healthy young adults
Authors: Bai Shasha , Dormer Nathan , Shoults Catherine , Meyer Amanda , Pierce Carol D , Neville Kathleen A , Kearns Gregory L 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Prednisone is a widely used anti-inflammatory for a variety of conditions. While oral liquid formulations of prednisone enable weight-based dosing, children frequently find them to be objectionable due to bitter taste. This limitation of prednisone can adversely impact patient acceptance and may result in non-compliance. Efforts to mask flavours often result in poorly controlled, heterogeneous particle distributions and can provide ineffective taste masking. The present work utilized a novel drug delivery technology developed by Orbis Biosciences, Inc., to create an oral taste-masked formulation of prednisone.

Methods
The study examined the palatability of Orbis’ microsphere prednisone formulation in healthy young adults (n = 24). Four test articles were used in the study including a reference formulation (Roxanne Laboratories), a control and the test formulation (Orbis) prepared in two different ways. Study participants were randomized in a crossover design.

Key findings
Results indicated that the test prednisone formulation was indistinguishable from the control, and both were preferable to the reference formulation in every category of palatability assessed using a validated 9-point Hedonic Scale. The data also suggested that preparing the microsphere suspension immediately before administration results in the most ideal palatability properties.

Conclusions
In conclusion, the novel microsphere formulation technology was effective in taste-masking prednisone.