bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategic tools: an empirical investigation into strategy in practice in the UK
Authors: Gunn Rod , Williams Wil 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAt the core of strategic planning has been the use of strategic tools and frameworks such as the ubiquitous SWOT analysis and a variety of frameworks bearing Michael Porter's moniker. There has been a tendency for generic tools to be developed and disseminated to industry, with a one‐type‐fits‐all approach.Planning and the use of tools have largely been dismissed in much contemporary, particularly European practice‐based, strategic literature. This paper argues that the use of strategic tools has a place in contemporary strategic management. However, the traditional prescriptive rationale for strategic frameworks is replaced with a practice‐based set of reasons advocating the use of strategic tools.The paper advocates the use of strategic tools in a variety of strategic contexts including planning. However, it is shown that groupings of strategic tool usage can be identified which might indicate that business and business schools should reconsider how they apply, learn and disseminate strategic framework.Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐graft‐Poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) Copolymers Prepared via a RAFT‐Mediated Process and their Use in Antifouling and Antibacterial Membranes
Authors: Peng Qiang , Lu Shiqiang , Chen Dezhi , Wu Xiaoqin , Fan Panfeng , Zhong Rong , Xu Yongwen 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPNVP‐g‐PVDF copolymers were synthesized and used to produce microfiltration membranes. The pore size and distribution varied with the grafting concentration and the density of graft points. A significant decrease of the amounts of adsorbed BSA indicated improved antifouling properties of PVDF. The MF membranes were further functionalized via surface‐initiated block copolymerization with DMAEMA to obtain (PVDF‐g‐PNVP)‐b‐PDMAEMA MF membranes. Quaternization of the tertiary amine groups of the PDMAEMA brushes gave rise to a high concentration of quaternary ammonium salt on the membrane surfaces. The bactericidal effect of the QAS‐functionalized membranes on E. coli was also demonstrated and discussed.magnified image
Organic Light‐Emitting Diode Application of Fluorescent Cellulose as a Natural Polymer
Authors: Karakawa Makoto , Chikamatsu Masayuki , Nakamoto Chikanobu , Maeda Yasukatsu , Kubota Shizuo , Yase Kiyoshi 
Published: August 2007

AbstractFluorescent cellulose derivatives were synthesized by utilizing the carbazole group in order to induce optical and semi‐conducting properties. The PL spectra of these cellulose derivatives exhibit UV‐blue emissions at about 350–450 nm attributed to carbazole groups. Analyses of photoelectron spectra were also performed to determine IP values. The results of IP, UV‐vis and PL analyses were almost the same as those of PVK, while the PL intensity and efficiency of the cellulose derivatives were quite different. These compounds functioned as hole transporting materials of OLEDs. Devices using each of the derivatives showed different electronic behavior (current density‐voltage characteristics, EL spectra, etc.), indicating the importance of regioselectivity of the substituent group.magnified image
Microwave‐Accelerated Polymerization of 2‐Phenoxymethyl‐1,4,6‐trioxaspiro[4,4]nonane with Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A
Authors: Canadell Judit , Mantecón Ana , Cádiz Virginia 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe cationic copolymerization of 2‐phenoxymethyl‐1,4,6‐trioxaspiro[4,4]nonane with DGEBA under microwave irradiation using ytterbium and lanthanum triflates as initiators is described. A comparison with thermal heating showed a great enhancement in the reaction rates and a higher SOE incorporation in the network. The double ring opening of SOE reduces the usual shrinkage of epoxy resins on curing, and it was lower under microwave irradiation. Moreover, the ytterbium triflate initiator lead to a higher incorporation of linear ester moieties in the network than lanthanum triflate.magnified image
Synthesis of an Acid‐Labile Diacrylate Crosslinker for Cleavable Michael Addition Networks
Authors: Mather Brian D. , Williams Sharlene R. , Long Timothy E. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA novel acid‐cleavable diacrylate crosslinker, DCDA, was used as a difunctional Michael acceptor in the synthesis of acid‐cleavable crosslinked networks via base‐catalyzed Michael addition of telechelic poly(ethylene glycol) bis(acetoacetate). Michael addition networks containing DCDA were degraded in the presence of catalytic quantities of acids to form soluble polymeric products. Michael addition networks of non‐degradable diacrylate crosslinkers were chemically unchanged under identical reaction conditions and remained insoluble. Thermal degradation of DCDA‐containing networks was also investigated using TGA, which confirmed the thermal reactivity and concentration of the acid‐labile crosslink points.magnified image
Dipyridamole‐Loaded Poly(L‐lactide) Single Crystals as Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: D'Ilario Lucio , Francolini Iolanda , Martinelli Andrea , Piozzi Antonella 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPoly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) single crystals grown from dilute solution were employed for the first time in the preparation of drug delivery systems. PLLA single crystals were selectively hydrolyzed with HCl to provide the lamellar surface with carboxylic groups, which were employed to graft Dipyridamole (Dip), chosen as a model drug. The influence of the hydrolysis conditions on the single crystals properties was investigated by FT‐IR, DSC and GPC measurements, while Dip grafting yield and drug release in lipase solution were followed by UV‐vis spectroscopy. Dip was slowly delivered over a few days, suggesting the potential use of PLLA single crystals as controlled drug release carriers for either oral or parenteral injection administration.magnified image
Polycondensation of ‘a − bn’ or ‘a2 + + bn’ Monomers ‐ A Comparison
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCharacteristic similarities and differences in polycondensations of ‘a − b’ and ‘a2 + b2’ monomers are described including cyclic ‘a − b’ and cyclic ‘a2’ monomers. Polycondensations of ‘ab3’ monomers that yield (hyper)branched polymers are compared with polycondensations of ‘a2 + b3’ monomers that yield (hyper)branched, multicylic, or crosslinked polymers. In all cases the influence of cyclization reactions on structure and molecular weight of the reaction products is considered. Furthermore, the definitions of polycondensation and condensative chain polymerization are discussed along with a differentiation between kinetically controlled and thermodynamically controlled polycondensations.magnified image
Microwave‐Assisted Controlled Ring‐Closing Cyclopolymerization of Diallyldimethylammonium Chloride Via the RAFT Process
Authors: Assem Yasser , Greiner Andreas , Agarwal Seema 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe present studies provide the first example of controlled free radical polymerization of a cyclopolymerizing monomer, i.e. diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) chemistry in the presence of trithiocarbonate agent in aqueous solution at 60 °C under microwave irradiation. The polymers [poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), PDADMAC] were soluble in water. The structural characterization of the polymers was achieved via NMR spectroscopy. The cyclization reactions during DADMAC polymerization under microwave irradiation attained higher conversions at each time interval as compared to thermal heating. The rate enhancements till around 520% were seen for some reactions. High molecular weight PDADMAC with narrow polydispersities (approaching PDI ≈ 1.05) could be made using microwave irradiation.magnified image
Commentary
Authors: DiMasi Joseph A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe three papers by Scherer (2007), Berndt et al. (2007), and Reiffen and Ward (2007) in this issue cover disparate topics, but together they manage to encompass much of what is important during a drug's lifecycle. Scherer's paper examines pharmaceutical industry R&D productivity and efficacy and safety testing during a new drug's development, Berndt, Danzon and Kruse investigate cross‐national data on utilization, pricing, promotion, and diffusion of brand name drugs after they have been developed for marketing approval, and Reiffen and Ward explore generic competition once a new drug loses patent protection. They add much to our understanding of these topics. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The cost of US pharmaceutical price regulation: a financial simulation model of R&D decisions
Authors: Abbott Thomas A. , Vernon John A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPrevious empirical studies that have examined the links between pharmaceutical price controls, profits, cash flows, and investment in research and development (R&D) have been largely based on retrospective statistical analyses of firm‐ and/or industry‐level data. These studies, which have contributed numerous insights and findings to the literature, relied upon ad hoc reduced‐form model specifications. In the current paper we take a very different approach: a prospective micro‐simulation approach. Using Monte Carlo techniques we model how future price controls in the US will impact early‐stage product development decisions in the pharmaceutical industry. This is done within the context of a net present value (NPV) framework that appropriately reflects the uncertainty associated with R&D project technical success, development costs, and future revenues. Using partial‐information estimators calibrated with the most contemporary clinical and economic data available, we demonstrate how pharmaceutical price controls will significantly diminish the incentives to undertake early‐stage R&D investment. For example, we estimate that cutting prices by 40–50% in the US will lead to between 30 and 60% fewer R&D projects being undertaken (in early‐stage development). Given the recent legislative efforts to control prescription drug prices in the US and the likelihood that price controls will prevail as a result, it is important to better understand the firm response to such a regulatory change. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries
Authors: Danzon Patricia M. , Epstein Andrew , Nicholson Sean 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe examine the determinants and effects of M&A activity in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry using SDC data on 383 firms from 1988 to 2001. For large firms, mergers are a response to expected excess capacity due to patent expirations and gaps in a firm's product pipeline. For small firms, mergers are primarily an exit strategy in response to financial trouble (low Tobin's q, few marketed products, low cash–sales ratios). In estimating effects of mergers, we use a propensity score to control for selection based on observed characteristics. Controlling for merger propensity, large firms that merged experienced a similar change in enterprise value, sales, employees, and R&D, and had slower growth in operating profit, compared with similar firms that did not merge. Thus mergers may be a response to trouble, but they are not a solution. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmaceutical‐embodied technical progress, longevity, and quality of life: drugs as ‘Equipment for Your Health’
Authors: Lichtenberg Frank R. , Virabhak Suchin 
Published: August 2007

AbstractSeveral econometric studies have concluded that technical progress embodied in equipment is a major source of manufacturing productivity growth. Other research has suggested that, over the long run, growth in the US economy's ‘health output’ has been at least as large as the growth in non‐health goods and services. One important input in the production of health—pharmaceuticals—is even more R&D‐intensive than equipment.In this paper, we test the pharmaceutical‐embodied technical progress hypothesis—the hypothesis that newer drugs increase the length and quality of life—and estimate the rate of progress. To do this, we estimate health production functions, in which the dependent variables are various indicators of post‐treatment health status (such as survival, perceived health status, and presence of physical or cognitive limitations), and the regressors include drug vintage (the year in which the FDA first approved a drug's active ingredient(s)) and indicators of pre‐treatment health status. We estimate these relationships using extremely disaggregated—prescription‐level—cross‐sectional data derived primarily from the 1997 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.We find that people who used newer drugs had better post‐treatment health than people using older drugs for the same condition, controlling for pre‐treatment health, age, sex, race, marital status, education, income, and insurance coverage: they were more likely to survive, their perceived health status was higher, and they experienced fewer activity, social, and physical limitations. The estimated cost of the increase in vintage required to keep a person alive is lower than some estimates of the value of remaining alive for 1 month. One estimate of the cost of preventing an activity limitation is $1745, and the annual rate of technical progress with respect to activity limitations is 8.4%. People consuming newer drugs tend to experience greater increases (or smaller declines) in physical ability than people consuming older drugs.Most of the health measures indicate that the effect of drug vintage on health is higher for people with low initial health than it is for people with high initial health. Therefore in contrast to equipment‐embodied technical progress, which tends to increase economic inequality, pharmaceutical‐embodied technical progress has a tendency to reduce inequality as well as promote economic growth, broadly defined. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A primer on the economics of re‐importation of prescription drugs
Authors: Berndt Ernst R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractUsing the basic tools of intermediate microeconomic theory (such as taught at the level of undergraduate or first‐year MBA courses), in this primer I present a framework that helps the reader gain an understanding of economic issues underlying the current political economy debates concerning the impacts on consumers (both US and ex‐US) and on prescription pharmaceutical manufacturers of moving to a world with more uniform pricing across countries than is currently the case. The impact on global revenues and profitability of moving from differential to uniform global pricing is relatively modest if confined to the North American (US and Canadian) market, with only Canadians bearing the brunt of higher prices, a most unlikely political economy outcome. The impacts on global revenues and profitability from global uniform prices become considerably larger, however, when one incorporates the much larger entire ex‐US market, including not only Canada, but also Europe, Asia and other countries. I conclude with some observations on likely longer term outcomes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generic competition and market exclusivity periods in pharmaceuticals
Authors: Grabowski Henry G. , Kyle Margaret 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn this paper we examine generic competition and market exclusivity periods for pharmaceuticals experiencing their initial generic entry between 1995 and 2005. We find that generic competition has increased over several dimensions. First, an increasing number of drugs are subject to generic entry, including drugs with relatively modest annual average sales. Second, drugs with larger sales attract more generic entrants and have shorter market exclusivity periods than smaller selling drugs. Third, blockbuster drugs with annual sales in excess of $1 billion have experienced significant decreases in their market exclusivity periods in recent years. We also find that Hatch‐Waxman Act patent challenges have negatively affected market exclusivity periods over the 1995 to 2005 period. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomic study and clinical application of distally‐based neuro‐myocutaneous compound flaps in the leg
Authors: Yu Ai‐Xi , Deng Kai , Tao Shengxiang , Yu Gurong , Zheng Xiaohui 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective: Anatomical study on the anastomosis between the neurovascular axis and the musculocutaneous perforators in leg. The distally‐based neuron‐myocutaneous flap was used for repairing special patients with soft tissue defect in foot and ankle. Methods: Systematical observation was carried out on 30 injected lower legs about the anastomosis between the neurovascular axis and the musculocutaneous perforators, and we summarized the clinical experiences from February 2004 on 12 cases using distally‐based neuron‐myocutaneous flap for repairing special patients with soft tissue defect in foot and ankle. Results: The neuron‐vessels of sural nerve anastomosed permanently with the musculocutaneous perforators of medial and lateral head of gastrocnemius. There were two to three anastomoses found, respectively. The medial anastomotic branches were found larger in caliber than the lateral ones. The spatium intermuscular branches of the posterior tibial artery gave off their junior branches and anastomosed with the vessels in or out of the soleus muscle. There were two to three muscular branches perforated out of the soleus muscle, with mean caliber 0.5 ± 0.2 mm and accompanying with one to two veins. The neuron‐vessels of the superficial fibular nerve gave off alone its course two to three muscular branches to the long extensor muscle digits and the long fibular muscle, and one to two fasciocutaneous to the skin. The diameter of the muscular branches was 0.4 ± 0.2 mm in average. Accounting for the operating models in the 12 cases, we had distally‐based sural neuron‐myocutaneous flap in 7 cases, saphenous neuron‐myocutaneous flap in 4 cases, and superficial fibular neuron‐myocutaneous flap in 1 case. All these cases were followed up at least for 2–6 months and had the significant results of nice limb's shape and cured osteomyelitis. Conclusion: Distally‐based neuro‐myocutaneous flap in leg can live with reliable blood circulation. These flaps offer excellent donor sites for repairing special the soft tissue defect in foot and ankle. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
A novel model of portal vein transplantation in mice using two‐cuff technique
Authors: Yan Sheng , Zhang Qiyi , Cai Minxia , Yu Da , Chen Jie , Yu Pengfei , Zhao Qiyu , Zhou Lin , Hoffmann Matthias , Zheng Shusen 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAllogeneic portal vein (PV) grafts have been widely used for vascular reconstruction in the aggressive biliary‐pancreatic surgery and partial liver transplantation. We developed a novel PV transplantation model aimed at studying the pathologic alteration of the grafts and further managements. The PV graft was implanted orthotopically into the recipient using two‐cuff technique. A total of 80 PV transplants have been performed, and the overall survival rate for the recipients was 91.3% (73/80). Mice were randomly separated into isografts group, allografts group, and allografts group treated with CTLA4‐Ig. PV grafts were harvested on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 8th postoperative week. The isografts remained intact vascular structure, and the allografts developed marked rejection with significant increase in wall thickness (95 ± 19 μm vs. 49 ± 7 μm; P < 0.01) and decrease in lumen area (1.9 ± 1.1 × 104 μm2 vs. 7.7 ± 3.1 × 104 μm2; P < 0.01) on the 4th week. In the CTLA4‐Ig treated group, the vascular thickness and lumen area were significantly improved when compared with the untreated allografts (wall‐thickness: 53 ± 3 μm vs. 95 ± 19 μm, P < 0.01; lumen area: 8.8 ± 2.4 × 104 μm2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.1 × 104 μm2, P < 0.01) on the 4th week. In conclusion, the PV transplantation model in mice using two‐cuff technique is a feasible procedure with a high survival rate. The PV allografts responded well to the CTLA4‐Ig therapy in our preliminary research by the model. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
A discrete element model for kaolinite aggregate formation during sedimentation
Authors: Lu Ning , Anderson Matthew T. , Likos William J. , Mustoe Graham W. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe formation of colloidal aggregates during sedimentation is an important process when considering geotechnical and environmental engineering problems including wastewater treatment systems and slurry wall constructions for waste isolation. In this paper, a quasi three‐dimensional discrete element framework is developed to model aggregate formation during sedimentation by considering the following microscopic inter‐particle forces present in the clay–water–electrolyte system: van der Waals attraction, electrical double‐layer repulsion, Born's repulsion, hydrodynamic viscous drag, and gravity. The role of these physico‐chemical forces in the formation of clay clusters during sedimentation is investigated using an integrated numerical and experimental approach. The discrete element method (DEM) framework has been previously shown to accurately model clay behavior at the microscopic level. The model is validated with experimental data for comparison of distributions of aggregate density and aggregate size. Good agreement between the model prediction and the experimental results is obtained, suggesting that the DEM can be a powerful tool to better understand the aggregate formation process at the microscopic scale. For particle sizes ranging from 0.05 to 1 µm it is also shown, through numerical simulations, that ionic strength of the fluid medium is the controlling factor for aggregate size and density and that at aggregate sizes less than 20 µm, face‐to‐face interactions dominate the force regime between a pair of particles. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.