bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do Independent Directors Behave with Respect to Sustainability Disclosure?
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis paper examines how independent directors behave with respect to sustainability disclosure, attending to its comparability, utility, and reliability, and the moderating effect of the level of socially responsible performance. A large sample of international companies from the period 2006–2014 was used to develop our models of analysis. This research evidences that independent directors show an initial opposition to this voluntary disclosure policy unless there is a higher sustainable development and performance. Several disclosure aspects are examined where, first, utility and comparability of sustainability disclosure are fomented by independent directors only under a greater social and environmental performance. Second, this performance reinforces the positive orientation of independents towards the external assurance of social and environmental disclosure. Thus, the initial opposition of independent directors towards a sustainability disclosure is avoided if there is a greater responsible performance that reduces their reputation risks associated with potentially misleading information. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of Vegetable Oils and Waste Cooking Oils to Green Diesel Using a Silica‐Supported Ir–ReOx Bimetallic Catalyst
Authors: Liu Sibao , Simonetti Trent , Zheng Weiqing , Saha Basudeb 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHigh yields of diesel‐range alkanes are prepared by hydrodeoxygenation of vegetable oils and waste cooking oils over ReOx‐modified Ir/SiO2 catalysts under mild reaction conditions. The catalyst containing a Re/Ir molar ratio of 3 exhibits the best performance, achieving 79–85 wt % yield of diesel‐range alkanes at 453 K and 2 MPa H2. The yield is nearly quantitative for the theoretical possible long‐chain alkanes on the basis of weight of the converted oils. The catalyst retains comparable activity upon regeneration through calcination. Control experiments using probe molecules as model substrates suggest that C=C bonds of unsaturated triglycerides and free fatty acids are first hydrogenated to their corresponding saturated intermediates, which are then converted to aldehyde intermediates through hydrogenolysis of acyl C−O bonds and subsequently hydrogenated to fatty alcohols. Finally, long‐chain alkanes without any carbon loss are formed by direct hydrogenolysis of the fatty alcohols. Small amounts of alkanes with one carbon fewer are also formed by decarbonylation of the aldehyde intermediates. A synergy between Ir and partially reduced ReOx sites is discussed to elucidate the high activity of Ir–ReOx/SiO2.
Thermal effect on surrounding combustibles in minivan passenger car fires
Authors: Okamoto Katsuhiro , Ichikawa Toshikazu , Shimizu Kensuke , Honma Masakatsu 
Published: March 2018

SummaryIn the fire safety design of parking lots and buildings, estimating the possibility of fire spreading to surrounding combustibles, such as neighboring buildings and cars, is essential. The ignition possibility to surrounding combustibles can be predicted from the heat flux from a burning car to the combustibles. In this study, we conducted 2 full‐scale car fire experiments using minivan passenger cars and measured the heat fluxes to their surroundings. The cars were ignited at the rear bumper with 80 g of alcohol gel fuel. The windows were closed. Heat flux gauges were placed around the car to measure the heat flux in various directions. Cedar boards were placed next to the gauges, and burn damage to the boards was observed. When the windows shattered in succession, combustion in the passenger compartment became larger. At a distance of 50 cm from the burning car, the heat flux was greater than 40 kW/m2, and most of the cedar boards were completely burned. At a distance of 1 m, the heat flux was 10 to 20 kW/m2, and some of the cedar boards were burned. We devised a method for modeling the shape and temperature of flames in the burning cars. Furthermore, we propose a method for calculating heat fluxes in the lateral direction of the burning minivan passenger car, and we compared the calculated and measured heat fluxes as a means of verifying the proposed method. The shape of flame in the burning car was approximated as a rectangular prism to calculate the heat flux. The calculation results were in good agreement with the experimental results. The proposed method is expected to be useful for fire safety engineering.
Evaluation of the implementation of the Meeting Centres Support Program in Italy, Poland, and the UK; exploration of the effects on people with dementia
Authors: Brooker Dawn , Evans Simon , Evans Shirley , Bray Jennifer , Saibene Francesca Lea , Scorolli Claudia , Szcześniak Dorota , d'Arma Alessia , Urbańska Katarzyna M. , Atkinson Teresa , Farina Elisabetta , Rymaszewska Joanna , Chattat Rabih , Henderson Catherine , Rehill Amritpal , Hendriks Iris , Meiland Franka , Dröes Rose‐Marie 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesMEETINGDEM investigated whether the Dutch Meeting Centres Support Programme (MCSP) could be implemented in Italy, Poland, and the UK with comparable benefits. This paper reports on the impact on people living with dementia attending pilot Meeting Centres in the 3 countries.MethodsNine pilot Meeting Centres (MCs) participated (Italy—5, Poland—2, UK—2). Effectiveness of MCSP was compared with Usual Care (UC) on outcomes measuring behavioural and psychological symptoms (NPI), depression (CSDD), and quality of life (DQoL, QOL‐AD), analysed by ANCOVAs in a 6‐month pre‐test/post‐test controlled trial.ResultsPre/post data were collected for 85 people with dementia and 93 carers (MCSP) and 74 people with dementia /carer dyads' receiving UC. MCSP showed significant positive effects for DQoL [Self‐esteem (F = 4.8, P = 0.03); Positive Affect (F = 14.93, P < 0.00); Feelings of Belonging (F = 7.77, P = 0.01)] with medium and large effect sizes. Higher attendance levels correlated with greater neuropsychiatric symptom reduction (rho = 0.24, P = 0.03) and a greater increase in feelings of support (rho = 0.36, P = 0.001).ConclusionsMCSPs showed significant wellbeing and health benefits compared with UC, building on the evidence of effectiveness from the Netherlands. In addition to the previously reported successful implementation of MCSP in Italy, Poland, and the UK, these findings suggest that further international dissemination of MCSP is recommended.
Relationships between socio‐clinico‐demographic factors and global cognitive function in the oldest old living in the Tokyo Metropolitan area: Reanalysis of the Tokyo Oldest Old Survey on Total Health (TOOTH)
Authors: Eguchi Yoko , Tasato Kumiko , Nakajima Shinichiro , Noda Yoshihiro , Tsugawa Sakiko , Shinagawa Shunichiro , Niimura Hidehito , Hirose Nobuyoshi , Arai Yasumichi , Mimura Masaru 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundDespite a steady increase in life expectancy, a few studies have investigated cross‐sectional correlates and longitudinal predictors of cognitive function, a core domain of the successful aging, among socio‐clinico‐demographic factors in the oldest‐old exclusively.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to examine socio‐clinico‐demographic characteristics associated with global cognition and its changes in the oldest‐old.MethodsWe reanalyzed a dataset of cognitively preserved community‐dwelling subjects aged 85 years and older in the Tokyo Oldest Old Survey on Total Health, a 6‐year longitudinal observational study. This study consisted of (1) baseline cross‐sectional analyses examining correlates of global cognition (n = 248) among socio‐clinico‐demographic factors and (2) longitudinal analyses examining baseline predictors for changes of global cognition in 3‐year follow‐up (n = 195). The Mini‐Mental State Examination was used as a screening test to assess global cognition.ResultsAt baseline, higher weights were related to higher cognitive function in the oldest‐old. The baseline predictors of global cognitive decline in 3‐year follow‐up were higher global cognition, shorter education period, and lower sociocultural activities and lower instrumental activity of daily living, in this order.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that it is crucial to attain higher education during early life and avoid leanness or obesity, participate in sociocultural cognitive activities during late life, and maintain instrumental activity of daily living to preserve optimal cognitive function in the oldest‐old, which will facilitate developing prevention strategies for cognitive decline and promoting successful aging in this increasing population.
Atypical chronic myeloid leukaemia: A case of an orphan disease—A multicenter report by the Polish Adult Leukemia Group
Authors: Drozd‐Sokołowska Joanna , Mądry Krzysztof , Waszczuk‐Gajda Anna , Biecek Przemysław , Szwedyk Paweł , Budziszewska Katarzyna , Raźny Magdalena , Dutka Magdalena , Obara Agata , Wasilewska Ewa , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Piekarska Agnieszka , Bober Grażyna , Krzemień Helena , Stella‐Hołowiecka Beata , Kapelko‐Słowik Katarzyna , Sawicki Waldemar , Paszkowska‐Kowalewska Małgorzata , Machowicz Rafał , Dwilewicz‐Trojaczek Jadwiga 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAtypical chronic myeloid leukaemia (aCML) belongs to myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms. Because of its rarity and changing diagnostic criteria throughout subsequent classifications, data on aCML are very scarce. Therefore, we at the Polish Adult Leukemia Group performed a nationwide survey on aCML. Eleven biggest Polish centres participated in the study. Altogether, 45 patients were reported, among whom only 18 patients (40%) fulfilled diagnostic criteria. Among misdiagnosed patients, myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative syndrome unclassifiable and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia were the most frequent diagnoses. Thirteen patients were male, median age 64.6 years (range 40.4‐80.9). The median parameters at diagnosis were as follows: white blood cell count 97 × 109/L (23.8‐342) with immature progenitors amounting at 27.5% (12‐72), haemoglobin 8.6 g/dL (3.9‐14.9), and platelet count 66 × 109/L (34‐833). Cytoreductive treatment was used in all patients, and 2 patients underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The median overall survival was 14.1 months (95% CI, 7.2), with median acute myeloid leukaemia‐free survival of 13.3 months (95% CI, 3.6‐22.6). Cumulative incidence of acute myeloid leukaemia transformation after 1 year in aCML group was 12.5% (95% CI, 0%‐29.6%). To conclude, aCML harbours a poor prognosis. Treatment options are limited, with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation being the only curative method at present, although only a minority of patients are transplant eligible. Educational measures are needed to improve the quality of diagnoses.
Aluminium foil as an alternative substrate for the spectroscopic interrogation of endometrial cancer
Authors: Paraskevaidi Maria , Morais Camilo L.M. , Raglan Olivia , Lima Kássio M.G. , Paraskevaidis Evangelos , Martin‐Hirsch Pierre L. , Kyrgiou Maria , Martin Francis L. 
Published: March 2018

Biospectroscopy has the potential to investigate and characterize biological samples and could, therefore, be utilized to diagnose various diseases in a clinical environment. An important consideration in spectrochemical studies is the cost‐effectiveness of the substrate used to support the sample, as high expense would limit their translation into clinic. In this paper, the performance of low‐cost aluminium (Al) foil substrates was compared with the commonly used low‐emissivity (low‐E) slides. Attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to analyse blood plasma and serum samples from women with endometrial cancer and healthy controls. The 2 populations were differentiated using principal component analysis with support vector machines with 100% sensitivity in plasma samples (endometrial cancer = 70; healthy controls = 15) using both Al foil and low‐E slides as substrates. The same sensitivity results (100%) were achieved for serum samples (endometrial cancer = 60; healthy controls = 15). Specificity was found higher using Al foil (90%) in comparison to low‐E slides (85%) and lower using Al foil (70%) in comparison to low‐E slides in serum samples. The establishment of Al foil as low‐cost and highly performing substrate would pave the way for large‐scale, multicentre studies and potentially for routine clinical use.image
Synthesis and characterization of four novel palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with 1‐(2‐aminoethyl)pyrrolidine, diclofenac and mefenamic acid: In vitro effect of these complexes on human serum paraoxanase1 activity
Authors: Dilek Esra , Caglar Sema , Erdogan Kübra , Caglar Bülent , Sahin Onur 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this study, the effects of four novel mononuclear palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes on the activity of human serum paraoxanase1 were examined. First, four novel mononuclear palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes were synthesized with a nitrogen donor ligand 1‐(2‐aminoethyl)pyrrolidine and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs diclofenac, mefenamic acid. These complexes were characterized by spectroscopic, thermal, and elemental analyses. The crystal structures of complex [Pd(2‐amepyr)2](dicl)2 1 and [Pd(2‐amepyr)2](mef)2 3 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Then, paraoxonase1 enzyme was purified from human serum. The effects of these complexes on enzyme were evaluated in vitro. The complexes consist of the cationic unit and the counterions. The diclofenac and mefenamic acid acted as a counterion in the complexes. It was observed that all the complexes were stable up to high temperatures. These complexes, even at low doses, inhibited the activity of the enzyme with different inhibition mechanisms.
Ventricular arrhythmias in patients with Takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Möller Christian , Eitel Charlotte , Thiele Holger , Eitel Ingo , Stiermaier Thomas 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTakotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a unique nonischemic cardiac disease characterized by acute myocardial dysfunction of the left and/or right ventricle. Patients are predominantly postmenopausal women and usually present with symptoms indistinguishable from acute coronary syndrome. Although the exact pathomechanisms of TTS remain elusive, increasing evidence suggests that sympathetic overdrive and catecholamine excess might play a central role. Despite the complete recovery of ventricular dysfunction within several days to weeks, patients with TTS exhibit considerable short‐ and long‐term mortality rates and ventricular arrhythmias have been identified as key contributor to morbidity and mortality. This article summarizes the prevalence, underlying mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, and prognostic implications of ventricular arrhythmias in TTS. Furthermore, the need for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators is discussed in view of the transient character of the disease.
Pembrolizumab‐induced auto‐immune type‐1 diabetes in a patient with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Reslan Zainab , Bennett Michael , Wong Eugene , Jacques Sarah , Lee Adrian 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundImmunotherapy for metastatic melanoma has improved response rates and progression‐free survival significantly compared to traditional chemotherapy. However, our understanding of their unique side‐effect profile remains limited given the novelty of these treatments. Unlike traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy, immunotherapy is often associated with autoimmune‐related toxicities, including colitis, thyroiditis, pneumonitis or hepatitis. However, autoimmune endocrinopathies are much less well described. These experiences are concerning as the use of these agents is becoming more widespread in other cancer subtypes and they require very different approaches in regard to toxicity management. We report a case of pembrolizumab‐induced auto‐immune diabetes and hepatitis in a patient undergoing treatment for metastatic melanoma.Clinical detailsA 79‐year‐old Caucasian man was referred by his general practitioner to the emergency department with hyperglycaemia and elevated liver function tests on a background of recurrent metastatic melanoma on pembrolizumab treatment. The patient had a long history of hypertension but no other significant past medical history. The patient did not have a personal or family history of diabetes or autoimmune disease.OutcomesThe patient was treated with a basal‐bolus insulin regimen for his new‐onset diabetes and a reducing dose of prednisolone for hepatitis.ConclusionNew emerging immunotherapy treatments are changing the outcomes of patients with metastatic melanoma; however, their side effect profile differs from traditional chemotherapeutic agents and has not been fully explored. Healthcare professionals and patients should be aware that autoimmune side effects, such as diabetes and hepatitis, do occur in the context of these new treatments.
A qualitative exploration of healthcare providers’ perspectives on patients’ non‐recreational, prescription medicines sharing behaviours
Authors: Beyene Kebede A. , Aspden Trudi J. , Sheridan Janie L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrescription medicine sharing has been associated with several negative health outcomes. Much of the research has focused on patient perspectives. In this study we explore the views and experiences of health professionals involved in medicines supply.AimTo explore healthcare providers’ experiences of, and attitudes toward, factors influencing non‐recreational, prescription medicine‐sharing behaviours, the consequences of sharing, and the types of prescription medicines they believe patients commonly share.MethodsFace‐to‐face, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with purposively sampled pharmacists (n = 8), doctors (n = 4) and nurses (n = 6) practising in a variety of community or hospital settings in Auckland, New Zealand. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a general inductive approach.ResultsResponses fell within three overarching themes: ‘perceived benefits of medicine sharing’ such as saving time and money, and strengthening social relationships; ‘perceived negative consequences of sharing’ such as drug resistance, adverse drug events, delay in seeking professional help, and loss of medicine instructions; ‘reasons for medicine sharing’ such as inadequate medication knowledge, forgetfulness, altruistic reasons, lack of access to health services or medicines, illness denial and embarrassment, and cultural and linguistic barriers.ConclusionsPrescription medicine sharing, as viewed by healthcare providers, is a multidimensional behaviour with both positive and negative outcomes. Any intervention to reduce the risks/harms of medicine sharing should consider both the healthcare system constraints and the psychosocial, cultural, economic and behavioural aspects of medicine use. The findings can be used to inform development of specific interventions to reduce risks/harms of sharing.
Aftermath of Terror: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study of Posttraumatic Stress and Worry Across the Decade Following the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Garfin Dana Rose , Poulin Michael J. , Blum Scott , Silver Roxane Cohen 
Published: March 2018

AbstractResearch conducted in the early years after the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC demonstrated adverse psychological outcomes among residents of the United States who were exposed to the attacks both directly and indirectly via the media. However, less is known about the impact of this collective trauma over time. Beginning at the end of December 2006, a longitudinal study of a nationally representative sample of U.S. residents (Cohort 2, N = 1,613) examined the long‐term effects of 9/11, with annual assessments administered every year for 3 years. We assessed rates of 9/11‐related posttraumatic stress (PTS) annually during the first 2 years of the study; during the second and third years of the study, we assessed fear and worry regarding future terrorism. Rates of PTS among participants were compared with those assessed annually in a nationally representative sample between 2002 and 2004 (Cohort 1); results indicated a relatively stable pattern of 9/11‐related PTS symptoms for 6 years following the attacks. Five to six years after 9/11, we found an association between 9/11‐related PTS and both direct, B = 8.45, 95% CI [4.32, 12.59] and media‐based (live television), B = 1.78, 95% CI [0.90, 2.65] exposure to the attacks. Six to 7 years post‐9/11, fear and worry regarding future terrorism were predicted by 9/11‐related PTS symptoms that had been reported approximately 5 years after the attacks, B = 0.04, 95% CI [0.03, 0.05]. The psychological legacy of 9/11 was perceptible among many U.S. residents throughout the decade that followed.
Facial sinus endoscopic evaluation, radiologic assessment, and classification
Authors: Alicandri‐Ciufelli Matteo , Fermi Matteo , Bonali Marco , Presutti Livio , Marchioni Daniele , Todeschini Alessandra , Anschuetz Lukas 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo describe facial sinus anatomy from an endoscopic perspective and present a radiologic classification.MethodsFacial sinus was studied by endoscopy and high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan in 39 temporal bones that underwent exclusive transcanal endoscopic approach. A radiomorphologic classification based on the relationship between the facial sinus and the mastoid portion of the facial nerve is created as follows. In type A facial sinus, the pneumatization of the facial sinus did not extend medially or posteriorly to the mastoid portion of the facial nerve. In type B facial sinus, the pneumatization extended posteriorly to the mastoid portion of the facial nerve. In type C facial sinus, the pneumatization extended posteriorly and medially to the mastoid portion of the facial nerve.ResultsIn all the specimens that underwent HRCT (n = 31), facial sinus could be identified, and its depth classified, in relation to the facial nerve. In this group, 58% type A, 29% type B, and 13% type C facial sinuses were identified. In all the specimens (n = 39), the facial sinus could be assessed by means of an exclusive endoscopic transcanal approach, and anatomical variants of the chordiculus, previously known as chordal ridge, could be described: ridge (39%), bridge (18%), incomplete (15%), and absent (28%).ConclusionEndoscopic exploration of the retrotympanum guarantees a very good exposure of the facial sinus, allowing detailed anatomic descriptions of its conformation and relationships with other structures. Improvement in our knowledge of its anatomy might decrease the possibility of residual disease during cholesteatoma surgery. Angled endoscopes (e.g. 45 °, 70 °) can guarantee a better view of the facial sinus.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:2397–2402, 2018