bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indirect Taxation of Monopolists: A Tax on Price
Authors: Vetter Henrik 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A digressive tax such as a variable rate sales tax or a tax on price gives firms an incentive for expanding output. Thus, unlike unit and ad valorem taxes which amplify the harm from monopoly, a digressive tax lessens the harm. We analyse a tax on price with respect to efficiency and practical policy appeal. In particular, we show how tax reforms based only on observation of price and quantity can make use of a tax on price in order to improve welfare. That is, it is practical to use a tax on price. The argument extends to fixed-number homogenous oligopoly.
Disclosure regime for mandatory disclosures by banks and financial institutions in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Narendra 
Published: February 2013

What are the components of the ‘disclosure regime’ in Nepal that require the mandatory disclosures by banks and financial institutions? The objective of this paper was to explore and trace the rules, regulations, and provisions governing disclosure by banks and finance companies listed on Nepal Stock Exchange. The banks and financial institutions had a two-pronged regulatory and monitoring regime requiring them to make disclosures: one as a financial institution and another as a public company. The disclosure regime comprised of accounting standards, directives from Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), listing requirements of Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), provisions of Companies Act 2006 and Banks and Financial Institutions Act 2006, and requirements placed by Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). The study makes a significant contribution in understanding the disclosure expectations from banks and financial institutions in a developing country like Nepal.
A Global Comparison of Insider Trading Regulations
Authors: Thompson James H. 
Published: February 2013

As the business world continues to expand in global markets, trading of shares, bonds, derivatives and other instruments continues to increase. One form of trading that has received considerable interest in recent years is insider trading. Insider trading occurs when individuals with potential access to non-public information about a corporation buy or sell stock of that corporation. When the information is material and non-public, such trading is illegal. However, if the trading is done in a manner that does not take advantage of non-public information, it is often permissible. This study compares insider trading laws, penalties, and convictions in countries represented by the 14 largest securities markets throughout the world and provides data indicating that there are important differences.
Assessment of 50%-Propagation-Delay for Cascaded PCB Non-Linear Interconnect Lines for the High-Rate Signal Integrity Analysis
Authors: Eudes T. , Ravelo B. , Al-Hayek R. 
Published: February 2013

This paper presents an enlarged study about the 50-% propagation-time assessment of cascaded transmission lines (TLs). First and foremost, the accurate modeling and measurement technique of signal integrity (SI) for high-rate microelectronic interconnection is recalled. This model is based on the reduced transfer function extracted from the electromagnetic (EM) behavior of the interconnect line RLCG-parameters. So, the transfer function established takes into account both the frequency dispersion effects and the different propagation modes. In addition, the transfer function includes also the load and source impedance effects. Then, the SI analysis is proposed for high-speed digital signals through the developed model. To validate the model understudy, a prototype of microstrip interconnection with w = 500 µm and length d = 33 mm was designed, simulated, fabricated and tested. Then, comparisons between the frequency and time domain results from the model and from measurements are performed. As expected, good agreement between the S-parameters form measurements and the model proposed is obtained from DC to 8 GHz. Furthermore, a de-embedding method enabling to cancel out the connectors and the probe effects are also presented. In addition, an innovative time-domain characterization is proposed in order to validate the concept with a 2.38 Gbit/s-input data signal. Afterwards, the 50-% propagation-time assessment problem is clearly exposed. Consequently an extracting theory of this propagation-time with first order RC-circuits is presented. Finally, to show the relevance of this calculation, propagation-time simulations and an application to signal integrity issues are offered.
Monolayer Doping via Phosphonic Acid Grafting on Silicon: Microscopic Insight from Infrared Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Longo Roberto C. , Cho Kyeongjae , Schmidt Wolf Gero , Chabal Yves J. , Thissen Peter 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMonolayer doping (MLD) is a promising technique for creating ultra shallow junctions (USJs). Here, a novel self assembled monolayer (SAM) grafting technique is proposed through a single oxygen atom capable of MLD. Consequently, this approach can use simple forms of alkylphosphonic acids and avoid carbon contamination altogether during the doping process. In this paper, density functional theory (DFT) is used to explore the way how alkylphosphonic acid molecules can in just one chemical step be grafted on H‐terminated Si(111). A maximum coverage of alkylphosphonic acids is found at 2/3 due to steric constrain forces. It is further demonstrated by means of in situ infrared spectroscopy and DFT calculations that the weak link of an alkylphosphonic acid, such as octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA), is the P‐C bond, with typical release of the carbon ligand around 500 °C. Finally, after release of the carbon ligand, an unsaturated electron configuration is driving force for the phosphorous to start the MLD process.
Hierarchical Layered Double Hydroxide Microspheres with Largely Enhanced Performance for Ethanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Shao Mingfei , Ning Fanyu , Zhao Jingwen , Wei Min , Evans David G. , Duan Xue 
Published: February 2013

AbstractHierarchical MgFe‐layered double hydroxide (LDH) microspheres with tunable interior structure are synthesized by a facile and cost‐effective surfactant‐templated method. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy images reveal that the obtained microspheres display a three‐dimensional architecture with hollow, yolk−shell and solid interior structure, respectively, with continuous changes in specific surface area and pore‐size distribution. Moreover, the hollow MgFe‐LDH microspheres exhibit excellent electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol in alkaline fuel cell, including high activity, long‐term durability and cycling stability, owing to the significantly improved faradaic redox reaction and mass transport. Therefore, this work provides a promising approach for the design and synthesis of structure tunable materials with largely enhanced ethanol electrooxidation behavior, which can be potentially used in noble metal‐free alkaline fuel cells.
From One‐Photon to Two‐Photon Probes: “Caged” Compounds, Actuators, and Photoswitches
Authors: Bort Guillaume , Gallavardin Thibault , Ogden David , Dalko Peter I. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMolecular systems that can be remotely controlled by light are gaining increasing importance in cell biology, physiology, and neurosciences because of the spatial and temporal precision that is achievable with laser microscopy. Two‐photon excitation has significant advantages deep in biological tissues, but raises problems in the design of “smart” probes compatible with cell physiology. This Review discusses the chemical challenges in generating suitable two‐photon probes.
Perspectives in Chemistry—Steps towards Complex Matter
Authors: Lehn Jean‐Marie 
Published: February 2013

AbstractChemistry is progressively unraveling the processes that underlie the evolution of matter towards states of higher complexity and the generation of novel features along the way by self‐organization under the pressure of information. Chemistry has evolved from molecular to supramolecular to become adaptive chemistry by way of constitutional dynamics, which allow for adaptation, through component selection in an equilibrating set. Dynamic systems can be represented by weighted dynamic networks that define the agonistic and antagonistic relationships between the different constituents linked through component exchange. Such networks can be switched through amplification/up‐regulation of the best adapted/fittest constituent(s) in a dynamic set. Accessing higher level functions such as training, learning, and decision making represent future lines of development for adaptive chemical systems.
Mechanical and barrier properties of nanocrystalline cellulose reinforced poly(caprolactone) composites: Effect of gamma radiation
Authors: Khan Ruhul A. , Beck Stephanie , Dussault Dominic , Salmieri Stephane , Bouchard Jean , Lacroix Monique 
Published: February 2013

AbstractNanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) reinforced poly(caprolactone) (PCL) composites were prepared by compression molding. The NCC content varied from 2 to 10% by weight. NCC played a significant role in improving the mechanical properties of PCL. The addition of 5 wt % NCC caused a 62% improvement of the tensile strength (TS) value of PCL films. Similarly, tensile modulus (TM) values were also improved by NCC reinforcement but elongation at break (Eb) values decreased montonically with NCC content. The water vapor permeability (WVP) of PCL was 1.51 g·mm/m2·day·kPa, whereas PCL films containing 5 wt % NCC showed a WVP of 1.22 g·mm/m2·day·kPa. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and carbon dioxide transmission rate (CO2TR) of PCL decreased by 19 and 17%, respectively, with 5 wt % NCC incorporation. It was found that the mechanical and barrier properties of both PCL and PCL‐NCC composites further improved with 10 kGy gamma irradiation treatment. The combination of NCC and radiation significantly increased the TS, TM, and Eb (by 156, 123, and 80%, respectively, compared to untreated PCL). The WVP, OTR, and CO2TR decreased by 25–35% with respect to untreated PCL. The surface and interface morphologies of the PCL‐NCC composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy and suggested homogeneous distribution of NCC within the PCL matrix. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Reuse of a waste adsorbent poly(AAc/AM/SH)‐Cu superabsorbent hydrogel, for the potential phosphate ion removal from waste water: Matrix effects, adsorption kinetics, and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Singh Tripti , Singhal Reena 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe most commonly applied methods for the treatment of used adsorbents is to recover them in acid/alkaline medium or direct enflame them. This work dealt with a new potential and economic method to utilize a waste adsorbent. Poly(AAc/AM/SH) superabsorbent hydrogels have proved to be a good adsorbent for Cu2+ ions and after adsorption the hydrogels were recovered in acid medium. In this report, the Cu2+ ion adsorbed hydrogel has not undergone any regeneration process and applied directly to phosphate ion adsorption. The Cu2+ ions‐loaded poly(AAc/AM/SH) hydrogels, were stable within a wide pH range and suitable for phosphate ion adsorption. The factors affecting the phosphate adsorption, such as pH, ionic strength, contact time, temperature, initial concentration of the phosphate ion, and coexisting ions were systematically investigated. The phosphate adsorption was highly pH dependent; and the maximum adsorption of 87.62 mg/g was achieved at pH 6.1. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir adsorption isotherm better than the Freundlich isotherm. The concomitant anions show profounder adverse influence on phosphate ion adsorption of poly(AAc/AM/SH)‐Cu hydrogel and the effect follows the order citrate > sulfate > bicarbonate > chloride > nitrate. The thermodynamic parameters including ΔH°, ΔG°, and ΔS° for the adsorption processes of phosphate ions on the gel were also evaluated, and the negative ΔG° and ΔH° confirmed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. The adsorption kinetic results suggest that the adsorption process was well described by the pseudo second‐order kinetic model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Tetraanionic Nitrogen‐Rich Tetrazole‐Based Energetic Salts
Authors: Srinivas Dharavath , Ghule Vikas D. , Muralidharan Krishnamurthi , Jenkins H. Donald B. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract1,1,3,3‐Tetra(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)propane‐based energetic salts were synthesized in a simple and straightforward manner. The structures of these new salts were determined by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, MS, and elemental analysis. All of these compounds showed good thermal stabilities above 180 °C, as confirmed by thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA) measurements. Moreover, these salts also exhibited high positive enthalpies of formation, high nitrogen content, good thermal stabilities, and moderate detonation properties.
Aluminum‐substituted heme domain of P450BM‐3 (BMP): Introducing a heme‐derived fluorescent probe for studies of substrate binding and protein–protein interactions in cytochromes P450
Authors: Davydov Dmitri R. , Ponomarev Gelii V. , Bobrovnikova‐Marjon Ekaterina , Haines Donovan C. , Peterson Julian A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe describe a novel technique for heme removal and replacement in the heme domain of P450BM‐3 (BMP). The method was applied to obtain the aluminum‐protoporphyrin IX (Al‐PP) substituted derivative of BMP (Al‐BMP). The overall yield of the purified Al‐BMP was about 15% as related to the initial amount of the hemeprotein. Al‐BMP possesses extensive fluorescence in the 550–650 nm region with excitation in the porphyrin absorbance bands. The protein was shown to bind substrates of P450BM‐3 (palmitic, arachidonic, and cis‐parinaric acids) with affinities similar to those of the native enzyme (3–6 µM). However, the substrate‐induced changes in fluorescence of Al‐PP reveal the existence of a second, low‐affinity substrate‐binding site, which cannot be detected by the spin shift in the native, heme‐containing BMP. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer, we have demonstrated that Al‐BMP forms a complex with the flavoprotein domain of P450BM‐3 labeled with 7‐ethylamino‐3‐(4'‐maleimidylphenyl)‐4‐methylcoumarin maleimide, revealing the affinity similar to that of native BMP (Kd = 5 µM at 0.06 M ionic strength). Therefore, aluminum‐substituted BMP may serve as a valuable tool in studies on the mechanisms of interactions of P450s with their substrates and protein partners.
Human aromatase: Perspectives in biochemistry and biotechnology
Authors: Di Nardo Giovanna , Gilardi Gianfranco 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAromatase (CYP19) is involved in steroidogenesis, catalyzing the conversion of androgens into estrogens through a unique reaction that causes the aromatization of the A ring of the steroid. The enzyme is widely distributed and well conserved among species as it plays a crucial role in physiological processes such as control of reproduction and neuroprotection. It has also been a subject of intense research both at the biotechnological level in drug development due to its involvement in estrogen‐dependent tumors and at a fundamental biochemical level because there are numerous questions regarding its reaction mechanism. This review will report the great progress made in this area.
Amphipol trapping of a functional CYP system
Authors: Laursen Tomas , Naur Peter , Møller Birger Lindberg 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn plants, some enzymes of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily are thought to organize into transient dynamic metabolons to optimize the biosynthesis of bioactive natural products. Metabolon formation may facilitate efficient turnover of labile and toxic intermediates and prevent undesired metabolic cross talk. Two CYPs, CYP79A1 and CYP71E1 involved in the synthesis of dhurrin, were used to assess the possibility to use amphipols (APols) to trap these membrane‐bound enzymes in a soluble form in a detergent‐free environment. APol surfactants are short polymers composed of a hydrophilic backbone randomly grafted with hydrophobic side chains. An optimal ratio of 1:2 w/w of protein to APol (A8‐35) was required for trapping the single transmembrane helices of CYP79A1, CYP71E1, and the electron partner cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR). CYP79A1 and POR retained their individual activity upon A8‐35 trapping, whereas a direct interaction between CYP79A1 and POR was hampered, probably due to electrostatic repulsion caused by the negatively charged APol molecules. Upon substitution of POR with NADPH‐ferredoxin oxidoreductase and ferredoxin as an electron donor system, the CYPs were shown to be catalytically active. The use of APol surfactants in functional and structural studies of membrane proteins is discussed.
Contribution of cytochrome P450 to the diversification of eukaryotic organisms
Authors: Omura Tsuneo 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEmergence of eukaryotic cells in the ancient world of prokaryotic life was dependent on P450 as the synthesis of sterols, an essential constituent of the plasma membrane, required a P450‐catalyzed reaction. As the ancestral monocellular eukaryotic organisms evolved into multicellular eukaryotes, and then diversified to plants, fungi, and animals with different body organizations and metabolic activities, many novel compounds were created in order to meet the requirements for increasing complex metabolic activities of a wide variety of eukaryotic organisms. Many new P450s, created by gene duplication and mutation, contributed to the synthesis of those novel compounds in animals, plants, and fungi, and supported the diversification of the eukaryotes. Many secondary metabolites of plants, which protect the plants from the predation by herbivorous animals, were also synthesized by P450‐catalyzed reactions. The herbivorous animals detoxified the noxious foreign compounds in the plants by P450. This “chemical warfare” between animals and plants is particularly evident in plants–insects interaction, and contributed to the coevolution and diversification of both plants and insects. The interaction between flowering plants and insect pollinators, which contributed to their coevolution, also depends on various plant compounds synthesized by P450‐catalyzed reactions. P450 has made highly important contributions to the evolution and diversification of eukaryotic organisms.
Early presymptomatic cholinergic dysfunction in a murine model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Casas Caty , Herrando‐Grabulosa Mireia , Manzano Raquel , Mancuso Renzo , Osta Rosario , Navarro Xavier 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSporadic and familiar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases presented lower cholinergic activity than in healthy individuals in their still preserved spinal motoneurons (MNs) suggesting that cholinergic reduction might occur before MN death. To unravel how and when cholinergic function is compromised, we have analyzed the spatiotemporal expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) from early presymptomatic stages of the SOD1G93A ALS mouse model by confocal immunohistochemistry. The analysis showed an early reduction in ChAT content in soma and presynaptic boutons apposed onto MNs (to 76%) as well as in cholinergic interneurons in the lumbar spinal cord of the 30‐day‐old SOD1G93A mice. Cholinergic synaptic stripping occurred simultaneously to the presence of abundant surrounding major histocompatibility complex II (MHC‐II)‐positive microglia and the accumulation of nuclear Tdp‐43 and the appearance of mild oxidative stress within MNs. Besides, there was a loss of neuronal MHC‐I expression, which is necessary for balanced synaptic stripping after axotomy. These events occurred before the selective raise of markers of denervation such as ATF3. By the same time, alterations in postsynaptic cholinergic‐related structures were also revealed with a loss of the presence of sigma‐1 receptor, a Ca2+ buffering chaperone in the postsynaptic cisternae. By 2 months of age, ChAT seemed to accumulate in the soma of MNs, and thus efferences toward Renshaw interneurons were drastically diminished. In conclusion, cholinergic dysfunction in the local circuitry of the spinal cord may be one of the earliest events in ALS etiopathogenesis.
Melatonin modulates baroreflex control via area postrema
Authors: Campos Luciana A. , Cipolla‐Neto Jose , Michelini Lisete C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPineal gland and its hormone melatonin have been implicated in modulation of cardiovascular system. We aimed at studying the effects of melatonin on baroreflex sensitivity and the role of area postrema, as a component modulator of baroreflex arch. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded in conscious freely moving rats. Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity was assessed by determining the HR responses to ramped infusions of phenylephrine (PE) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)‐induced MAP changes. Melatonin bolus (0.11 mg/kg) immediately followed by its continuous infusion (0.43 × 10−9 mol/L at a rate of 0.65 mL/h for 30 min) in healthy normotensive rats produced a downward shift of baroreceptor reflex control with a substantial inhibition of reflex tachycardia (−32%) and potentiation of reflex bradycardia (+20%). Ablation of area postrema (APX group) induced a sustained decrease of MAP (101 ± 3 vs. 116 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.05 in comparison with sham rats, respectively). The melatonin‐induced alterations of baroreflex function observed in the sham group were abolished in the APX group. We conclude that circulating melatonin can modulate baroreceptor reflex control of HR, thus resetting it toward lower HR values. The modulatory effects of melatonin may be mediated via melatonin receptors in the area postrema, located outside the blood–brain barrier.
Neuromagnetic activation following active and passive finger movements
Authors: Onishi Hideaki , Sugawara Kazuhiro , Yamashiro Koya , Sato Daisuke , Suzuki Makoto , Kirimoto Hikari , Tamaki Hiroyuki , Murakami Hiroatsu , Kameyama Shigeki 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe detailed time courses of cortical activities and source localizations following passive finger movement were studied using whole‐head magnetoencephalography (MEG). We recorded motor‐related cortical magnetic fields following voluntary movement and somatosensory‐evoked magnetic fields following passive movement (PM) in 13 volunteers. The most prominent movement‐evoked magnetic field (MEF1) following active movement was obtained approximately 35.3 ± 8.4 msec after movement onset, and the equivalent current dipole (ECD) was estimated to be in the primary motor cortex (Brodmann area 4). Two peaks of MEG response associated with PM were recorded from 30 to 100 msec after movement onset. The earliest component (PM1) peaked at 36.2 ± 8.2 msec, and the second component (PM2) peaked at 86.1 ± 12.1 msec after movement onset. The peak latency and ECD localization of PM1, estimated to be in area 4, were the same as those of the most prominent MEF following active movement. ECDs of PM2 were estimated to be not only in area 4 but also in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) over the hemisphere contralateral to the movement, and in the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) of both hemispheres. The peak latency of each source activity was obtained at 54–109 msec in SMA, 64–114 msec in PPC, and 84–184 msec in the S2. Our results suggest that the magnetic waveforms at middle latency (50–100 msec) after PM are different from those after active movement and that these waveforms are generated by the activities of several cortical areas, that is, area 4 and SMA, PPC, and S2. In this study, the time courses of the activities in SMA, PPC, and S2 accompanying PM in humans were successfully recorded using MEG with a multiple dipole analysis system.