bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GRI Sustainability Reporting by INGOs: A Way Forward for Improving Accountability?
Authors: Traxler Albert Anton , Greiling Dorothea , Hebesberger Hannah 
Published: March 2018

AbstractConsidering that the members of the International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGO) Accountability Charter played a prominent role in initiating the first sector supplement of the Global Reporting Initiative for non-governmental organizations (NGO), the purpose of the paper is to investigate their sustainability reporting (SR) practices in order to evaluate to what extent INGO Charter members comply with this voluntary accountability standard for SR. The empirical analysis is based on a content analysis of sustainability reports. The findings indicate that most of the INGO Charter members are far away from a comprehensive reporting practice. Hence, critical voices could assert that their reporting behavior seems to be more in line with facade building than the idea of providing a comprehensive account. By adapting a multiperspective theoretical discourse about the potential and shortcomings of SR to the NGO context, the study contributes to a field-specific theory-based pluralistic critical evaluation of SR as a major cross-sectoral innovation in voluntary accountability initiatives.
Large herbivore‐induced changes in phytogenic hillocks: links to soil and windblown sediment on the desert steppe in China
Authors: Liu Wenting , Lü Shijie , Wang Tianle , Yan Ruirui , Wei Zhijun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPhytogenic hillocks are a type of wind‐deposited biological micro‐topography exhibiting a bulging shape under plant clusters in arid regions. In this study, we quantitatively measured the phenotypic characteristics of phytogenic hillocks, the soil particle size distribution in phytogenic hillocks and bare surfaces, and the sediment particle size distribution in hillocks of three heights under different grazing treatments. The results showed that the proportion of dense cluster phytogenic hillocks in the no grazing treatment was higher than in the moderate grazing treatment, and the proportion of scattered cluster phytogenic hillocks under moderate grazing was higher than under no grazing. The total area of dense cluster phytogenic hillocks under no grazing was higher than under heavy grazing and under moderate grazing. For the scattered cluster phytogenic hillocks, the total area was greatest under moderate grazing, followed by heavy grazing and, finally, no grazing. For single hillocks, grazing had a significant impact on the width of dense cluster phytogenic hillocks, while the heavy grazing treatment had a significant impact on the height of scattered cluster phytogenic hillocks. The results for windblown sediment showed that the only significant difference among grazing treatments occurred at a height of 2–8 cm. Grazing changed the relationships among the phenotypic characteristics of phytogenic hillocks, the soil particle size of phytogenic hillocks, and the particle size of wind‐deposited sediments. Our results suggested that grazing increased the proportion of scattered cluster phytogenic hillocks and caused the relationship between somewhat bare land and phytogenic hillocks to change from symbiosis to competition.
Seedless synthesis and efficient recyclable catalytic activity of Ag@Fe nanocomposites towards methyl orange
Authors: Alzahrani Salma Ahmed , Malik Maqsood Ahmad , Al-Thabaiti Shaeel Ahmed , Khan Zaheer 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
This work demonstrates a competitive reduction method of synthesis of nanomaterials. In this method along cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), the reduction of Ag+ and Fe3+ ions is achieved by ascorbic acid-to-bimetallic Ag@Fe yellow-colored nanomaterials. The shape of UV–visible spectra and wavelengths absorbed of Ag@Fe can be tuned from ca. 290–600 nm by controlling [CTAB] and [Ag+]. The apparent first-order rate constants were calculated within the approximation of 6.1 × 10−3 s−1. The as-prepared Ag@Fe NPs have been found to be very important catalyst in terms of depredate methyl orange in vicinity of sodium borohydride (NaBH4), which exhibits excellent efficiency and re-usability in the prototypical reaction. The cmc of cationic surfactant CTAB has been determined by conductivity method under different experimental conditions. In the presence of CTAB, Ag+ and Fe3+ ions reduce to Ag@Fe core/shell nanoparticles, comprehend a change in wavelength and intensity of SRP band. The apparent first-order rate constant, activation energy, and turnover frequency for the methyl orange reduction catalyzed by Ag@Fe NPs were found to be 1.6 × 10−3 s−1, 58.2 kJ mol−1, and 1.1 × 10−3 s−1, respectively.
IL-23-induced macrophage polarization and its pathological roles in mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis
Authors: Hou Yuzhu , Zhu Linnan , Tian Hongling , Sun Hai-Xi , Wang Ruoyu , Zhang Lianfeng , Zhao Yong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMacrophages acquire distinct phenotypes during tissue stress and inflammatory responses. Macrophages are roughly categorized into two different subsets named inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. We herein identified a unique pathogenic macrophage subpopulation driven by IL-23 with a distinct gene expression profile including defined types of cytokines. The freshly isolated resting mouse peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with different cytokines in vitro, the expression of cytokines and chemokines were detected by microarray, real-time PCR, ELISA and multiple colors flow cytometry. Adoptive transfer of macrophages and imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice were used. In contrast to M1- and M2-polarized macrophages, IL-23-treated macrophages produce large amounts of IL-17A, IL-22 and IFN-γ. Biochemical and molecular studies showed that IL-23 induces IL-17A expression in macrophages through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-retinoid related orphan receptor-γ T (RORγT) pathway. T-bet mediates the IFN-γ production in IL-23-treated macrophages. Importantly, IL-23-treated macrophages significantly promote the dermatitis pathogenesis in a psoriasis-like mouse model. IL-23-treated resting macrophages express a distinctive gene expression prolife compared with M1 and M2 macrophages. The identification of IL-23-induced macrophage polarization may help us to understand the contribution of macrophage subpopulation in Th17-cytokines-related pathogenesis.
Taking a step back: Self‐distancing dynamics in adolescent writing about peer problems
Authors: Margola Davide , Travagin Gabriele , Dennis John Lawrence 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTCan the retelling of an unpleasant experience help adolescents cope with that experience? This study answers that question by looking at the role of psychological self‐distancing when adolescents write about recently untold stressful events with peers using either a traditional expressive writing (EW) intervention or a cognitively oriented expressive writing (CEW) intervention. Extent of self‐distancing (i.e., low and high) as well as its variability (i.e., increasing or stable) were taken into account. Data, obtained from 292 written essays from 78 Italian adolescents (mean age was 12.9; 50% was female), were collected longitudinally on four occasions. Group‐based trajectory modeling determined the extent and variability in self‐distancing for the two writing interventions (i.e., EW and CEW) and two baseline peer problem conditions (i.e., low and high). Findings indicate that, for adolescents who experience high peer problems at baseline, CEW intervention fosters meaning‐making through self‐distancing, resulting in being more beneficial than traditional EW.
Usefulness of upright T wave in lead aVR for predicting short‐term prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Yang Hong‐Jie , Liu Xin , Qu Chuan , Shi Shao‐Bo , Yang Bo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundUpright T wave in lead aVR (TaVR) has recently been reported to be associated with cardiovascular death and mortality in general population and in patients with prior cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the evidence for the predictive ability of TaVR in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) is lacking.MethodsA total of 625 consecutive patients with IS (mean age: 66 ± 12 years; 379 male) were enrolled in this study between January 2013 and December 2014. Patients were divided into upright TaVR (≥0 mV; n = 201) and negative TaVR (<0 mV; n = 424) groups. All patients were evaluated with respect to clinical features and in‐hospital clinical results.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of upright TaVR was 32.2% at baseline. Patients with an upright TaVR were older, had a higher percentage of CVD and hypertension, higher level of MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CKMB), faster heart rate, higher rate of QT prolongation > 450 ms, higher rate of negative T in lead II, higher rate of negative T in lead V6, higher rate of ST depression, and longer QTc duration. During the mean follow‐up period of 20.0 ± 5.8 months, 29 (4.6%) patients experienced all‐cause death and 12 (1.9%) patients experienced cardiovascular death, the primary end point. Concomitantly, 94 (15%) patients experienced recurrence of IS, the secondary end point. After adjusting for clinical covariates, upright TaVR was independently associated with all‐cause death [hazard ratio (HR): 2.88, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.07–7.73], cardiovascular death (HR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.07–8.64), and IS recurrence (HR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.08–3.20).ConclusionsUpright TaVR in patients with IS is associated with increased mortality and recurrence of IS.
Data integration through brain atlasing: Human Brain Project tools and strategies
Authors: Bjerke Ingvild E. , Øvsthus Martin , Papp Eszter A. , Yates Sharon C. , Silvestri Ludovico , Fiorilli Julien , Pennartz Cyriel M.A. , Pavone Francesco S. , Puchades Maja A. , Leergaard Trygve B. , Bjaalie Jan G. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe Human Brain Project (HBP), an EU Flagship Initiative, is currently building an infrastructure that will allow integration of large amounts of heterogeneous neuroscience data. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a unified multi-level understanding of the brain and its diseases, and beyond this to emulate the computational capabilities of the brain. Reference atlases of the brain are one of the key components in this infrastructure. Based on a new generation of three-dimensional (3D) reference atlases, new solutions for analyzing and integrating brain data are being developed. HBP will build services for spatial query and analysis of brain data comparable to current online services for geospatial data. The services will provide interactive access to a wide range of data types that have information about anatomical location tied to them. The 3D volumetric nature of the brain, however, introduces a new level of complexity that requires a range of tools for making use of and interacting with the atlases. With such new tools, neuroscience research groups will be able to connect their data to atlas space, share their data through online data systems, and search and find other relevant data through the same systems. This new approach partly replaces earlier attempts to organize research data based only on a set of semantic terminologies describing the brain and its subdivisions.
Outcome age‐based prediction of successful cognitive aging by total cholesterol
Authors: Silverman Jeremy M. , Schmeidler James 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionSome associations of high total cholesterol with dementia risk diminish as the outcome age—age at cognitive assessment—increases.MethodsThe Framingham Heart Study provided 1897 participants with intact cognition at entry. Cox regression analysis for incident marked cognitive decline included “time‐dependent” coefficients, with associations between total cholesterol and covariates changing by outcome age. Decline within age categories of 75–84 and 85–94 years was also examined.ResultsSignificant associations of rising total cholesterol linear slope, low entry age, low education, and statin nonuse with risk diminished significantly by outcome age. At 85–94 years, falling linear slope was significant.DiscussionThe protected survival model posits a minority subpopulation with protection against mortality and cognitive decline associated with total cholesterol risk factors. It predicts the observed diminished or reversed cholesterol associations with increasing age. Protection is particularly likely for successful cognitive aging—intact cognition at very old age—despite increased risk from cholesterol.
Sexual Inhibition is a Vulnerability Factor for Orgasm Problems in Women
Authors: Tavares Inês M. , Laan Ellen T.M. , Nobre Pedro J. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
The differential role of psychological traits in the etiology and maintenance of female orgasm difficulties is yet to be consistently established.

Aim
To investigate the contribution of different psychological trait features (personality, sexual inhibition and excitation, and sexual beliefs) to predict female orgasm and to assess the degree to which these dispositional factors moderate the association between sexual activity and orgasm occurrence in a large community sample of Portuguese women.

Methods
1,002 women (18–72 years, mean age = 26.27, SD = 8.74) completed questionnaires assessing personality traits (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), sexual inhibition and sexual excitation (Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales–Short Form [SIS/SES]), sexual beliefs (Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire), sexual behavior (frequency of sexual activities and frequency of orgasm occurrence), and social desirability (Socially Desirable Response Set). Hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analyses were conducted while controlling for the effect of covariates such as social desirability, sociodemographic and medical characteristics, and relationship factors.

Outcomes
The main outcome measurement was orgasm frequency as predicted and moderated by personality, SIS/SES dimensions, and sexual beliefs.

Results
Results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated a significant predictive role for sexual inhibition (associated with fear of performance failure [SIS1] and related to the threat of performance consequences) and body image beliefs in female orgasm occurrence. The significant predictive effect of extraversion and of sexual excitation on orgasm frequency ceased to be significant with the insertion of all trait predictors in the final model. Furthermore, SIS1 significantly moderated the relation between sexual activity and orgasm occurrence.

Clinical Implications
Attention should be given to individual factors impairing orgasmic response in women, particularly sexual inhibition processes. The development of clinical strategies to address and regulate them is recommended.

Strengths and Limitations
Although this study investigated a large community sample, this sample was composed of heterosexual, relatively young women and thus generalization of the present results demands some caution. Social desirability was controlled for in the analyses and questionnaires were not collected face to face, which constitutes a strength of this study because social desirability is lower in self-administered online questionnaires compared with paper-and-pencil questionnaires, particularly for more sensitive sexual issues.

Conclusion
SIS1 was found to be a vulnerability factor for female orgasmic difficulties. Future research should test these findings with different samples, particularly clinical samples of women with orgasmic problems, preferably with the use of longitudinal designs.
Male Sexuality, Fertility, and Urinary Continence in Bladder Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex
Authors: Reynaud Nelly , Courtois Frédérique , Mouriquand Pierre , Morel-Journel Nicolas , Charvier Kathleen , Gérard Marina , Ruffion Alain , Terrier Jean-Etienne 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex is a rare congenital malformation associated with severe dysfunction of the genital and urinary tracts and requiring a staged surgical reconstruction.AimThe primary aims of this study were to report the sexuality, infertility, and urinary incontinence outcomes in a cohort of men born with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex. The secondary aim was to highlight some predictive factors of infertility in this population.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study of men diagnosed with classic presentations of bladder exstrophy or epispadias.OutcomesPatients were asked to complete 4 validated questionnaires: the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5, the Erection Hardness Score (EHS), the Self-Esteem and Relationship, and the International Consultation Incontinence modular Questionnaire-Short Form. Fertility potential was assessed with semen analysis and a non-validated questionnaire.Results38 Patients 18–64 years old (M [mean] = 32.2) completed the questionnaires. The average IIEF-5 score was 18.1/25 (ranging from 3–25; SE = 7.62), with results indicating that 55% of the sample had normal erectile function. Results also showed higher scores for patients with normal spermatozoa concentration (M = 22.75, SE = 1.89, P = .08) than for those with oligospermia (M = 17.30, SE = 8.53, P = .08). Results on the IIEF-5 also indicated higher scores for patients who conceived children without assisted reproductive technologies (ART) (M = 22.83, SE = 2.317, P = .02) than for patients without children (M = 15.76, SE = 8.342, P = .02). The average EHS was 3.43/4 (ranging from 1–4, SE = 0.9). EHS was higher for patients who had reconstruction than for patients who had cystectomy (M = 3.88, SE = 1.07 and 2.78, SE = 1.09, P = .02). The average total Self-Esteem and Relationship score was 67.04/100 (ranging from 10.71–96.43, SE = 22.11). The average total International Consultation Incontinence modular Questionnaire-Short Form score was 4.97/21 (ranging from 0–18, SE = 5.44), higher score indicating more urinary incontinence. Among the patients surveyed, 31.6% were parents at the time of study and 50% of them benefited from ART. With regards to the 14 semen analyses performed, only 7.1% produced normal results and 44.7% indicated that ejaculation was weak and dribbling.Clinical TranslationErectile function appears to be decreased and psychological aspects of sexuality indicate low self-esteem about sexual relationship. Although ethical problems could not allow prospective spermograms, our cohort is large enough to provide significant data.ConclusionsEarly sperm storage for future ART, sexual medicine management, and complementary genital reconstruction in adulthood constitute potential treatment options for this population.
Sexual Activity, Sexual Dysfunction, and Sexual Life Quality Among Psychiatric Hospital Inpatients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Ma Mi-Chia , Chao Jian-Kang , Hung Jia-Yi , Sung Su-Ching , Chao I-Hsin Candy 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
Sexual dysfunction occurs commonly in patients with psychiatric illness and may be related to the primary mental disorder, comorbidity with sexual disorders or medical illness, or medications used for mental disorders treatment, but the magnitude of this problem is unknown.

Aim
To estimate the prevalence of current sexual activity, sexual dysfunction, and sexual attitude and influence of factors on patients with schizophrenia.

Methods
This study used a cross-sectional design with a total of 317 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The subjects completed a demographic questionnaire, sexual attitude scale, sexual dysfunction scale, and sexual behavior scale. Descriptive analysis, difference analysis, and logistic regression model were used to identify relevant variables that may affect sexual life quality.

Outcomes
Age, sexual satisfaction, and patient symptoms may predict sexual life quality on patients with schizophrenia.

Results
The mean age of patients was 47.71 ± 9.54 years old. About the sexual activities, 53% of subjects had sexual intercourse experience, and 41.3% reported currently having sexual intercourse. The mean ± SD age for first sexual intercourse was 20.83 ± 5.95 years old (median was 20.0 years old). Moreover, women older than 50 years had significantly higher medians for the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) score, higher proportions of sexual dysfunction, and lower proportions of feeling important to sexual life quality than men. For participants with age ≤50 years old, there was a significant relationship among BPRS group (mean score &gt;2.5 vs ≤2.5), sexual dysfunction (P &lt; .001), sexual life quality (P &lt; .001), and sexual satisfaction (P = .006). Among the predictors of feeling important to sexual life quality, sexual satisfaction (odds ratio = 7.005, 95% CI = 4.126–11.892, P &lt; .001) and BPRS score (odds ratio = 4.501, 95% CI = 2.042–9.923, P &lt; .001) were significant independent factors after adding the interaction of age group and BPRS group.

Clinical Translation
This study also reveals the close relationship between sexual satisfaction and BPRS score, which may predict sexual life quality of patients with schizophrenia. Limitations include the possibility of underreporting and bias associated with self-report measurement.

Conclusion
Sexual life quality and sexual dysfunction on patients with schizophrenia are associated with interaction among psychological, sociological, and biochemical-pharmacological factors.
Amelioration of Cavernosal Fibrosis and Erectile Function by Lysyl Oxidase Inhibition in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Wan Zhi-Hua , Li Guo-Hao , Guo Yong-Lian , Li Wen-Zhou , Chen Lin , Zhang Yuan-Jie 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
Cavernous nerve injury (CNI) causes fibrosis and loss of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the corpus cavernosum and leads to erectile dysfunction, and lysyl oxidase (LOX) activation has been found to play an important role in fibrotic diseases.

Aim
To evaluate the role of LOX in penile fibrosis after bilateral CNI (BCNI).

Methods
Rats underwent BCNI or a sham operation and were treated with vehicle or β-aminopropionitrile, a specific LOX activity inhibitor. 30 days after BCNI, rats were tested for erectile function before penile tissue harvest. LOX and extracellular matrix component expression levels in the corpus cavernosum, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), fibronectin (FN), collagen (COL) I, and COL IV, were evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Corporal fibrosis was evaluated by Masson trichrome staining. Localization of LOX and SMC content in the corpus cavernosum were assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Outcomes
Ratio of intracavernous pressure to mean arterial blood pressure; LOX, MMPs, TIMPs, COL I, COL IV, and FN expression; penile fibrosis; penile SMC content.

Results
After BCNI, there was an increase in penile LOX expression and activity, increased penile fibrosis, decreased SMC content, and impaired erectile function. TIMP1, TIMP2, COL I, COL IV, and FN expression was markedly upregulated, whereas the enzyme activity of MMPs was decreased after BCNI. β-Aminopropionitrile treatment, at least in part, prevented a decrease in the ratio of intracavernous pressure to mean arterial blood pressure, decreased penile expression of TIMP1, TIMP2, COL I, COL IV, and FN, increased MMP activity, prevented corporal fibrosis, and preserved SMC content.

Clinical Translation
LOX over-activation contributes to penile fibrosis and LOX inhibition could be a promising strategy in preventing the progression of CNI-induced erectile dysfunction.

Strengths and Limitations
This is the 1st study to demonstrate the role of LOX activation in penile fibrosis. However, the exact mechanism of how LOX influences extracellular matrix protein synthesis and SMC content preservation awaits further investigation.

Conclusion
CNI induced LOX over-activation in cavernous tissue, and inhibition of LOX preserved penile morphology and improved erectile function in a rat model of BCNI.