bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Value of Patent Expiration
Authors: McKellar Michael R. , Frank Matthew , Huskamp Haiden , Chernew Michael E. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Despite bringing breakthrough medications to market, pharmaceutical companies incurred criticism during the 1990s and early 2000s because of high prices of many drugs. We argue that the benefits of pharmaceuticals should be evaluated in a dynamic context that extends beyond the patent expiration date. Now that numerous patents have expired, generic medications exist in many important drug classes. Thus, consumers reap the benefits of past innovation for years to come. We estimate that across 19 molecules whose patents expired from 2005-2009, $193-436 billion will transfer to consumers over 10 to 20 years due to patent expiration. This suggests that, while prices were high during the patent period, creating an incentive for innovation, the transfers to consumers after patent expiration are significant, which is how the patent system is designed to function.
Does Vertical Separation Necessarily Reduce Quality Discrimination and Increase Welfare?
Authors: Brito Duarte , Pereira Pedro , Vareda João 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We investigate whether vertical separation reduces quality discrimination and increases welfare. Consider an industry consisting of a vertically integrated firm, the incumbent, and an independent retailer, the entrant, which requires access to the services of the incumbent's wholesaler. The wholesaler can discriminate against either of the retailers by supplying it an input of lower quality than its rival. We show that, in our setting, vertical separation of the incumbent reduces discrimination against the entrant's retailer, although it does not guarantee non-discrimination. Furthermore, with vertical separation, the wholesaler may discriminate against the incumbent's retailer. Vertical separation impacts social welfare through two effects. First, through the double-marginalization effect, which is negative. Second, through the quality degradation effect, which can be positive or negative. Hence, the net welfare impact of vertical separation is negative or potentially ambiguous.
Corporate Social Responsibility for Irresponsibility
Authors: Kotchen Matthew , Moon Jon J. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
This paper provides an empirical investigation of the hypothesis that companies engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in order to offset corporate social irresponsibility (CSI). We find general support for the relationship that when companies do more “harm,” they also do more “good.” The empirical analysis is based on an extensive 15-year panel dataset that covers nearly 3,000 publicly traded companies. In addition to the overall finding that more CSI results in more CSR, we find evidence of heterogeneity among industries, where the effect is stronger in industries where CSI tends to be the subject of greater public scrutiny. We also investigate the degree of substitutability between different categories of CSR and CSI. Within the categories of community relations, environment, and human rights—arguably among those dimensions of social responsibility that are most salient—there is a strong within-category relationship. In contrast, the within-category relationship for corporate governance is weak, but CSI related to corporate governance appears to increase CSR in most other categories. Thus, when CSI concerns arise about corporate governance, companies seemingly choose to offset with CSR in other dimensions, rather than reform governance itself.
Solvsolitons associated with graphs
Authors: Lafuente Ramiro A. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We show how to associate with each graph with a certain property (positivity) a family of simply connected solvable Lie groups endowed with left-invariant Riemannian metrics that are Ricci solitons (called solvsolitons). We classify them up to isometry, obtaining families depending on many parameters of explicit examples of Ricci solitons (of arbitrarily large dimension). A classification of graphs with up to 3 coherent components according to positivity is also given
Laser display technologies and their applications
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuhisa 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Laser displays have been attractive because extremely wide color expression can be realized by choosing the wavelength of laser sources. The high efficiency and small etendue of laser sources contribute to downsizing, and a long lifetime is also another merit for users. In this paper, laser display technologies using efficient red, green, and blue lasers are reviewed. Also, applications of laser displays using these laser display technologies are introduced.
The genus Thalassiosira off the Guangdong coast, South China Sea
Authors: Li Yang , Zhao Qiulan , Lü Songhui 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We describe the taxonomy and species diversity of 35 taxa of the diatom genus Thalassiosira from a series of net plankton collected quarterly or monthly from eight locations off the Guangdong coastal waters in the South China Sea. Field samples and 14 cultured Thalassiosira clonal strains were studied by light and electron microscopy. A total of 35 Thalassiosira species were recorded, including nine new records for China, namely T. cedarkeyensis, T. densannula, T. duostra, T. hendeyi, T. nanolineata, T. nodulolineata, T. punctigera, T. tubifera and T. visurgis, and eight new records for Asia (taxa as above, except for T. punctigera). The morphological features of these Thalassiosira species are described and compared with previous illustrations. Some morphological variations are reported and discussed. This study was the first attempt to describe Thalassiosira species diversity in the South China Sea and Asian tropical waters. The results highlight a higher species diversity of Thalassiosira in the Guangdong coastal waters than in other studied regions.
Seasonal variations in concentrations of macro- and micronutrients in three species of brown seaweed
Authors: Villares Rubén , Fernández-Lema Emilio , López-Mosquera Elvira 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We studied variations through 1 year in concentrations of several macronutrients (C, N, P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) and water content in tissues of the brown seaweeds Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus spiralis at two sites in a coastal embayment in northwest Spain. The annual mean concentrations of the nutrients in A. nodosum were very similar at both sampling locations. There were no significant differences between sites in the concentrations of N, P, Na, K, Ca, S, Fe, Mn or Cu, the C:N or N:P ratios or in the water content, whereas the chemical composition of this species was notably different at the site where it coexisted with F. vesiculosus (the only parameters that were not significantly different were concentrations of Ca, Cu and the N:P ratio). The C:N:P ratios and the clear seasonal variability in N in all species, with minimum values in summer, suggest limitation by this element. Along with N, K was the only other element that varied throughout the seasons in all of the species, and this was most notable in F. vesiculosus. Minimum concentrations of K were also observed in summer, which might indicate limitation by this element. Seasonal variations in C were only observed in the Fucus species; they followed a reverse trend from those of N and K, as the highest levels occurred in summer. The highest concentrations of P and Zn in F. vesiculosus were also observed in spring. No obvious seasonal trends were observed in the remaining minerals.
Antibodies against Nε-homocysteinylated proteins in patients on different methods of renal replacement therapy
Authors: Kolarz Marek , Małyszko Jolanta , Stompór Tomasz , Całka Alicja , Undas Anetta , Myśliwiec Michał 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background: High levels of antibodies against Nε-homocysteinylated (Nε-Hcy) proteins have been observed in patients on long-term hemodialysis (HD). We sought to investigate whether these antibodies are present in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) in comparable titers and to characterize the factors that determine levels of those antibodies in both patient groups.

Methods: The study involved 80 patients on HD and age- and sex-matched 75 subjects on PD. Serum IgG antibodies against Nε-Hcy-albumin and -hemoglobin were determined using in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Total homocysteine (tHcy), folate, 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity were also measured.

Results: Patients on PD and those on HD had similar levels of anti-Nε-Hcy-albumin [absorbancy at 490 nm: 0.571 (0.519–0.609) vs. 0.583 (0.523–0.625), p=0.41, respectively] and anti-Nε-Hcy-hemoglobin antibodies [0.659 (0.597–0.705) vs. 0.664 (0.597–0.722), p=0.60, respectively]. In both groups levels of the antibodies correlated with tHcy (r from 0.54 to 0.77, p<0.0001), 8-iso-PGF2α (r from 0.57 to 0.77, p<0.0001), and folate (r from −0.59 to −0.74, p<0.0001) levels, but not with the cause of renal disease, dialysis vintage, a history of coronary artery disease or PON-1 activity. In the multivariate logistic regression, after adjustment for potential confounders, plasma tHcy was the independent predictor of antibodies against Nε-Hcy-proteins irrespective of the method of dialysis.

Conclusions: Levels of antibodies against Nε-Hcy-proteins are similar in patients on long-term PD and HD. The level of tHcy is the only independent predictor of both antibodies irrespective of the dialysis method.
Reference values for urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in pediatric age measured with a fully automated chemiluminescent platform
Authors: Cangemi Giuliana , Storti Simona , Cantinotti Massimiliano , Fortunato Antonio , Emdin Michele , Bruschettini Matteo , Bugnone Daniela , Melioli Giovanni , Clerico Aldo 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been suggested as the most promising biomarker of acute kidney injury. However, there are no reliable data on analytical sensitivity and reference limits of urinary NGAL (uNGAL) assay in pediatric age. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the analytical sensitivity and the reference range of uNGAL measured in urine specimens of pediatric age with the fully automated platform ARCHITECT® i1000.

Methods: A total of 333 urine samples were collected from 25 healthy newborns (16 males and 9 females; age 1–4 days) and 308 children (150 males and 147 females; mean age 80.7 months, range 0.63–248 months) and assayed for uNGAL by two different Italian centers (Department of Laboratory Medicine of the Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio of Pisa and Massa and the Clinical Pathology Laboratory Unit of Istituto Giannina Gaslini of Genova).

Results: The calculated limits of blank (LOB) and detection (LOD) values were 0.5 ng/mL and 0.95 ng/mL, respectively. The distribution of uNGAL values approximated a log-normal distribution (median 5.2 ng/mL, interquartile range 2.5–12.8 ng/mL, 99th percentile 117.6 ng/mL). uNGAL values of the 25 neonates were significantly higher than those of 308 children (neonates: mean 44.2 ng/mL, median 30.3 ng/mL, range 5.2–137.4 ng/mL; children: mean 10.2 ng/mL, median 4.6 ng/mL, range 0.2–146.7 ng/mL; p<0.0001).

Conclusions: uNGAL assay shows a good analytical sensitivity and imprecision, which allows the measurement of uNGAL values around the cut-off value (i.e., 117.6 ng/mL) with an imprecision <5 CV%. The distribution of uNGAL values in pediatric age approximates a log-normal distribution, with values which are higher in neonates compared to children.
Carey-Fineman-Ziter syndrome: a spectrum of presentations
Authors: Tanchi Philline Peppermint D. , Edmonds Liza Kathleen , Koh Tieh Hee Hai Guan 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Carey-Fineman-Ziter syndrome is characterized by facial diplegia with an ophthalmoplegia comprising the Moebius sequence, Pierre Robin sequence with micrognathia, short stature, postnatal-onset microcephaly, hypotonia and muscular hypoplasia, extensive brainstem involvement, and pontine hypoplasia. We report a 38-week-gestation infant with features consistent with Carey-Fineman-Ziter syndrome but with phenotypical features that have not previously been described. The infant had severe hypoplasia of the pons and cerebellum, seizures, hypotonia, ophthalmoplegia, downslanting palpebral fissures, tongue hypoplasia, micrognathia, and facial diplegia. The karyotype was normal. Of note, there was a focal contour abnormality in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, which necessitated tracheostomy on the third day of life to maintain the airway, and a well-circumscribed mass on both sides of the chest. These features have not been previously found to be associated with this syndrome, and the clinical significance is unknown. Case reports of rare disorders give significant information on the diagnosis, description, and evolving phenotype of rare syndromes.
Antimicrobial surfaces of quaternized poly[(2-dimethyl amino)ethyl methacrylate] grafted on wood via ARGET ATRP
Authors: Yu Haipeng , Fu Yanchun , Li Gang , Liu Yixing 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
In special applications, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, hygienic wood surface with antimicrobial performance is recommendable. In the present study, the antimicrobial property of wood was increased by grafting with 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). The reaction proceeds via radical polymerization, and analysis via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the successful grafting of DMAEMA to wood. The tertiary amino groups of the immobilized P(DMAEMA) were then quaternized by an alkyl halide, and the quaternary ammonium groups at the surface in high concentration proved to be antibacterial. The test against Escherichia coli by means of the optical density method revealed that the bactericidal effect of the modified surface is higher than that of wood and the monomeric precursors of grafting.
Time-domain NMR study of the drying of hemicellulose extracted aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.)
Authors: Elder Thomas , Houtman Carl 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The effect of hot water on aspen chips has been evaluated using time-domain low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. At moisture contents above fiber saturation point, treated chips exhibit relaxation times of free water longer than for the control. This is consistent with the removal of hemicelluloses given the hydrophilicity of these polysaccharides. The rate of decrease in free water upon drying is greater for the pretreated samples. These results indicate that hot water treatment modifies both the chemical and physical properties of the chips and may therefore impact product manufacture and performance.
Dissolution Behavior of Dicalcium Silicate and Tricalcium Phosphate Solid Solution and other Phases of Steelmaking Slag in an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Teratoko Takuya , Maruoka Nobuhiro , Shibata Hiroyuki , Kitamura Shin-ya 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMost of the phosphorus in slag forms a solid solution of dicalcium silicate (C2S) and tricalcium phosphate (C3P), and the process used to separate this solid solution from the matrix phase is the same technology used to separate P from other valuable elements such as Mn and Cr containing in the matrix phase. Although it is known that the solubility of C2S in an aqueous solution is much greater than that of C3P, the solubility of the solid solution and that of the matrix phase have yet to be investigated. To clarify the possibility of selectively extracting P from slag through a leaching process, the dissolution behaviors of the solid solution at various compositions and that of the matrix phase were investigated. The following results were obtained: The dissolution ratio of Ca to the aqueous solution at pH = 7 was close to 1.0 in the case of pure C2S and decreased greatly with increasing C3P content. The dissolution ratio of P was about 0.1 and did not change relative to the C3P content. When the ratio of C3P in the solid solution was higher than 0.3, hydroxyapatite (HAP) formation was observed in the residue. The dissolution ratio of P increased for 30 min, and after reaching the maximum value, started to decrease owing to the precipitation of HAP. The dissolution ratio of each element from a glassy slag sample (matrix phase) was lower than that from the solid solution at every pH level.In this study, the possibility to extract a solid solution containing P without dissolving the matrix phase was found through the use of an aqueous solution at pH = 7, although the dissolution ratio of P was not sufficiently high.
Environment factors associated with adolescents’ body mass index, physical activity and physical fitness in Kuching South City, Sarawak: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cheah Whye L. , Chang Ching T. , Saimon Rosalia 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
This study examined the relationship between perceived built environment attributes and physical activity, physical fitness and body weight among adolescents aged 14–16 years in Sarawak. This was a cross-sectional study, using multi-stage sampling. A set of questionnaires consisting of socio-demographic information, a self-administered physical activity checklist and a Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Youth (NEWS-Y) was used. Body mass index (BMI) was measured and physical fitness was tested using a maximal multistage 20 m shuttle run test. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. A total of 316 respondents participated. The mean BMI for boys was almost equal to the mean BMI for girls. Only 7.9% of the sampled population was found to be overweight or obese. The overall mean duration spent per day on physical activity was 128.4 min (SD 118.43), with mean of 56.1 min (SD 73.94) after school time. Girls reported to spend longer each day taking physical activity before and during school. Boys were found to have significantly higher VO2max of 27.79±5.91 mL/kg/min as compared to girls (t=11.22, p<0.000). Based on comparison with other countries, the NEWS-Y scores indicated a mixture of low and high walkability neighborhoods. Respondents who had lower BMIs reported living in lower residential density areas and less risk of crime, and respondents who had better physical fitness reported less suitable infrastructure for walking. Promotion of exercise at all levels should be continuously encouraged as it would lead to improvement in the well-being of an individual.
Reading increases ocular illuminance during light treatment
Authors: Sleemi Aamar , Johnson Mary A. , Rohan Kelly J. , Okusaga Olaoluwa , Adediran Timileyin , Uzoma Hyacinth , Walsh Chantelle , Reeves Gloria , Postolache Teodor T. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Background: Bright-light treatment is a safe and effective treatment for the management of winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In a recent study, we found that the relative duration of reading was positively associated with likelihood of remission after six weeks of light treatment.
Methods: Two technicians measured the illuminance of a light box with a light meter directed towards the center of reading material that was placed on a table in front of the light box. The measurement was also performed after reading material was removed. The two measurements were performed in a randomized order. Friedman analysis of variance with Wilcoxon post-hoc tests were used to compare illuminance with vs. without reading.
Results: The presence of the reading material increased illuminance by 470.93 lux (95% CI 300.10–641.75), p<0.0001.
Limitations: This is a technical report done under conditions intended to mimic those of typical ambulatory light treatment as much as possible.
Conclusions: As reading materials reflect light from the light box, reading during light therapy increases ocular illuminance. If confirmed by future studies using continuous recordings in randomized design, instructing SAD patients to read during light therapy may contribute to a more complete response to light treatment. The downside of specific relevance for students, is that reading, in particular, with bright light in the late evening/early night may induce or worsen circadian phase delay, adversely affecting health and functioning.
Diethylnitrosamine-induced redox imbalance in rat microsomes: protective role of polyphenolic-rich extract from Sorghum bicolor grains
Authors: Ajiboye Taofeek Olakunle , Komolafe Yesirat Omonike , Bukoye Oloyede Hussein Oyelola , Yakubu Musa Toyin , Adeoye Moriam Dasola , Abdulsalami Ibrahim Olasegun , Oladiji Adenike Temidayo , Akanji Musbau Adewumi 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the protective role of polyphenolic-rich extract from Sorghum bicolor against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced redox imbalance in rat microsomes.

Methods: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging potentials of the polyphenolic extract from S. bicolor (0.2–1.0 mg/mL) was investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and ferric ion reducing system. The detoxification of ROS was evaluated in DEN-induced redox imbalance in rat microsomes.

Results:
Sorghum bicolor polyphenolic extract at 1.0 mg/mL scavenged the DPPH, superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical at 75%, 76%, 79%, and 81%, respectively; it also reduced ferric ion significantly. The polyphenolic extract significantly (p<0.05) attenuated DEN-mediated decrease in the activities of ROS detoxifying enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). The concentrations of malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxide, protein carbonyl, and percentage DNA fragmentation in DEN-treated microsomes were significantly reduced by the polyphenolic extract.

Conclusions: The results of the present study indicated that S. bicolor polyphenolic extract possessed in vitro antioxidant activity and protected microsomes from DEN-mediated oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and ROS scavenger and inducer of ROS detoxifying enzymes.
Melt extrudate swell behavior of POM/EVA/HDPE/nano-CaCO3 composites
Authors: Liang Ji-Zhao 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Polyformaldehyde (POM)/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites filled with nanometer calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO3) were prepared using a twin-screw extruder. The effects of load and temperature on the melt extrudate swell behavior of the composites were investigated, by using a melt flow rate instrument under experimental conditions, with temperatures ranging from 170°C to 220°C and loads varying from 1.2 kg to 12.5 kg. The results showed that the melt die-swell ratio (B) of the composites decreased linearly with a rise of temperature as the load was fixed, while it increased nonlinearly with increase in the melt volume flow rate (MVR) and load, when the test temperature was constant; they also showed that B is a quadratic function of shear rate or shear stress. The value of B increased nonlinearly with an increase of the HDPE weight fraction (ϕ) as the temperature was constant, and the temperature sensitivity of B to ϕ was insignificant, while the effect of load was significant. The correlation between B and ϕ obeyed a quadratic equation.