bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards Sustainable Development in the Arab Middle East and North Africa Region: A Longitudinal Analysis of Environmental Disclosure in Corporate Annual Reports
Authors: Gerged Ali M , Cowton Christopher J , Beddewela Eshani S 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper presents the first comprehensive analysis of corporate environmental disclosure in the Arab Middle East and North Africa region. Using a detailed research instrument containing 55 items, content analysis of the annual reports of 180 non‐financial companies listed on nine major stock markets was conducted over a 5‐year period. The calculation of an unweighted disclosure index indicates that, although the level of disclosure might be considered relatively low by international standards, it varies by country. Perhaps of greater significance for the future of sustainable development in the region, disclosure is shown to have increased significantly over the period 2010–2014. Further analysis shows that although there are some differences relating to categories of disclosure, this is a region‐wide phenomenon not driven by a subset of countries or types of company. This benchmark study provides a systematic picture for policy‐makers in the region and, for future researchers, both substantive findings and methodological insight. © 2017 The Authors.Business Strategy and the Environmentpublished by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Intramolecular Hydroamination by a Primary Amine of an Unactivated Alkene on Gold Nanoclusters: A DFT Study
Authors: Bobuatong Karan , Sakurai Hidehiro , Ehara Masahiro 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe front cover artwork for issue 24/2017 is a collaboration between Institute for Molecular Science and Osaka University (Japan). The image shows that colloidal gold nanocluster catalyst performs intramolecular hydroamination by a primary amine of an unactivated alkene in anti‐addition mechanism. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201700839.
A “Signal On” Photoelectrochemical Biosensor Based on Bismuth@N,O‐Codoped‐Carbon Core‐Shell Nanohybrids for Ultrasensitive Detection of Telomerase in HeLa Cells
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Zhao Shulin , Tu Wenwen , Wang Xiaoying , Wang Xiao , Bao Jianchun , Wang Yu , Han Min , Dai Zhihui 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCore‐shell nanohybrids (NHs) with good semiconducting properties are vital to promote optoelectronic, photocatalytic, biosensing and bioelectronics technologies. Although great process has been achieved, synthesis of NHs composed of semiconductor core and heteroatom‐doped nanocarbon shell remains a challenge, and their applications in photoelectronchemical (PEC) biosensors have not been explored. Herein, the synthesis and properties of a Bi nanocrystal and N,O‐codoped carbon (NOC) core–shell NHs (Bi@NOC) is described, which exhibits the typical semiconducting feature with the bandgap of 1.14 eV. Also, such NHs show good biocompatibility and their surfaces bear the carboxylic groups that facilitate further assembly of an amino‐modified primer DNA. By taking advantage of the excellent PEC activity of Bi@NOC NHs and the signal amplification effect of thioflavine‐T, a novel “signal on” PEC aptasensor for the detection of telomerase activity is constructed. The fabricated aptasensor can detect telomerase activity from 5.0×102 to 1.0×106 HeLa cells with a low detection limit of 60 cells. Also, the aptasensor shows a wide linear response ranges, high sensitivity and good reproducibility. This work not only enriches current core–shell NHs family but also offers a novel PEC biosensing platform for detecting telomerase activity that is helpful for early clinical diagnosis of cancer.
Comparing Isomeric Tridentate Carbazole‐Based Click Ligands: Metal Complexes and Redox Chemistry
Authors: Pryjomska‐Ray Iweta , Zornik Denise , Pätzel Michael , Krause Konstantin B. , Grubert Lutz , Braun‐Cula Beatrice , Hecht Stefan , Limberg Christian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTwo novel bis(triazolyl)carbazole ligands Hbtc1 (3,6‐di(tert‐butyl)‐1,8‐bis[(1‐(3,5‐di(tert‐butyl)phenyl)‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)]‐9H‐carbazole) and Hbtc2 (3,6‐di(tert‐butyl)‐1,8‐bis[(4‐(3,5‐di(tert‐butyl)phenyl)‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)]‐9H‐carbazole), differing in the regiochemistry of triazole attachment, have been synthesized by Cu‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition, the so‐called “click‐reactions”. Metalation with Ru, Zn, and Ni precursors led to the formation of M(btc)2 complexes (M=Ru, Zn, Ni), with two deprotonated ligands coordinating to the metal center in tridentate fashion, forming almost perfectly octahedral coordination spheres. The redox properties of M(btc)2 complexes have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, spectroelectrochemistry, and chemically. The CV of the ruthenium complexes revealed three quasi‐reversible one‐electron oxidation processes, one assigned as the RuII/III couple and two originating from ligand‐based oxidations. The CVs of both Zn and Ni complexes contained only two oxidation waves corresponding to the oxidation of the two ligands. The oxidation potentials of complexes derived from Hbtc1 ligands were found to be 300–400 mV lower than those of the corresponding complexes derived from Hbtc2, reflecting the significant difference in donation through the N(2) or N(3) atom of the triazole moiety.
Correlation between Ionic Liquid Cytotoxicity and Liposome–Ionic Liquid Interactions
Authors: Ruokonen Suvi‐Katriina , Sanwald Corinna , Robciuc Alexandra , Hietala Sami , Rantamäki Antti H. , Witos Joanna , King Alistair W. T. , Lämmerhofer Michael , Wiedmer Susanne K. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study aims at extending the understanding of the toxicity mechanism of ionic liquids (ILs) using various analytical methods and cytotoxicity assays. The cytotoxicity of eight ILs and one zwitterionic compound was determined using mammalian and bacterial cells. The time dependency of the IL toxicity was assessed using human corneal epithelial cells. Hemolysis was performed using human red blood cells and the results were compared with destabilization data of synthetic liposomes upon addition of ILs. The effect of the ILs on the size and zeta potential of liposomes revealed information on changes in the lipid bilayer. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to study the penetration of the ILs into the lipid bilayer. Pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine whether the ILs occurred as unimers, micelles, or if they were bound to liposomes. The results show that the investigated ILs can be divided into three groups based on the cytotoxicity mechanism: cell wall disrupting ILs, ILs exerting toxicity through both cell wall penetration and metabolic alteration, and ILs affecting solely on cell metabolism.
Sustainable Development through CSR in Human Resource Management Practices: The Effects of the Economic Crisis on Job Quality
Authors: Martínez‐Garcia Esther , Sorribes Joan , Celma Dolors 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article focuses on sustainable development and human resource management (HRM). It analyzes the effects of the economic crisis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the management of employees and its determinants, and also depicts a map of job quality for employees in Spain. Results show that the crisis has not changed the overall pattern or map; neither the characteristics of the firm, the employee, or the job that determine the map. Results also point to the fact that employees at the lower end of CSR in HRM practices have been the most affected by hard cost‐containment measures applied by firms, such as dismissals. Around one‐third of employees have low job quality in nearly all the dimensions analyzed; while two‐thirds have higher job quality, but with variability among dimensions. The analysis is conducted for the years 2006–2010, hence comprising pre‐crisis and amid the crisis years. Cross‐section repeated samples of employees are used, from the Quality of Working Life Survey, which allow us to study the evolution of HRM and CSR. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Understanding Input and Output Legitimacy of Environmental Policymaking in The Gulf Cooperation Council States
Authors: Atalay Yasemin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article analyses environmental policymaking in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, with a focus on the output legitimacy of renewable energy uptake. Most environmental policy research so far has focused on either Western industrialized countries with established democracies or developing countries with either democratic or autocratic policymaking systems, and few studies have yet analyzed the overall effectiveness of these monarchies in environmental decisionmaking. The degree of this policy effectiveness is hence the focus of this paper. Specifically, the paper argues that, although there are a number of input legitimacy deficits in the six GCC countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman), there has been progress regarding renewable energy uptake. Thus, these monarchies may be relying more on output legitimacy than input legitimacy. Following up on the studies on input and output legitimacy, the main argument is that in certain cases useful policy results can be reached in the presence of not so strong input legitimacy, and other factors also have an impact on policymaking. The paper bases its analysis on an extensive study of primary and secondary sources, specifically institutional publications, international organization reports, newspaper articles and academic papers. With its analysis, the paper contributes to larger debates in environmental governance research on the relative effectiveness of renewable energy uptake in monarchical, resource‐rich, rentier states. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Outcomes following heart failure hospitalization in a regional Australian setting between 2005 and 2014
Authors: Al‐Omary Mohammed S. , Khan Arshad A. , Davies Allan J. , Fletcher Peter J. , Mcivor Dawn , Bastian Bruce , Oldmeadow Christopher , Sverdlov Aaron L. , Attia John R. , Boyle Andrew J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimsThe aim of the current study is to examine 10 year trends in mortality and readmission following heart failure (HF) hospitalization in metropolitan and regional Australian settings.Methods and resultsWe identified all index HF hospitalizations in the Hunter New England region from 2005 to 2014, using a 10 year ‘look back’ period. The primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause mortality or all‐cause readmission at 1 year. Secondary endpoints included all‐cause mortality, all‐cause readmission, and HF readmission at 30 days and 1 year. We used logistic regression to explore the predictors of the composite outcome of either all‐cause death or readmission at 1 year. There were 12 114 patients admitted with a first episode of HF between 2005 and 2014, followed up until death or the end of 2015. The mean age was 78 ± 12 years and 49% (n = 5906) were male. A total of 4831 (40%) resided in regional areas and the remainder in metropolitan areas. One hundred sixty‐eight patients (1.4%) were Aboriginal. Approximately 69% of patients had either died or been readmitted for any cause within 12 months of their index event. The 30 day and 1 year all‐cause mortality rates were 13% and 32%, respectively, with no change in the trend over the study period. Age, socio‐economic disadvantage, ischaemic heart disease, renal failure, and chronic lower respiratory disease were predictors of the primary endpoint.ConclusionsHeart failure hospitalizations are followed by high rates of death or readmission. There was no change in this composite endpoint over the 10 year study period.
Fabrication and Evaluation of Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Supported Novel Catalyst for Select Conversion of Cellulose to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Li Fei , Zhang Guang , Song Yinghua 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHerein, a facile method for constructing acid‐base and CrIII species multi‐functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) catalyst was reported. Acid and base, i.e., −SO3H and −NH2 groups, were first grafted on CNTs to synthesize CNTs−SO3H−NH2 bi‐functional catalyst. Then the obtained CNTs−SO3H−NH2 catalyst was further functionalized with CrIII species for further enhancement of acidity. The catalytic activity of fabricated catalysts were systematically studied for the one‐pot conversion of cellulose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in an ionic liquid solvent system. Results indicated that in the one‐pot cellulose to HMF reaction, acidic sites were necessary for dissolved cellulose hydrolysis and fructose dehydration process, and the isomerization of glucose to fructose can be regarded as rate determining step. Co‐existed base and Lewis acid sites were found to promote glucose isomerization to fructose, and Brønsted acid sites direct the dehydration of reactively formed fructose to HMF. And under the optimal conditions, the highest HMF yield of 40.2 % was achieved by multi‐functional CNTs−SO3H−NH2−CrIII catalyst. Moreover, the fabricated catalyst in this study revealed excellent stability for recycle use in HMF production from cellulose.
A Quasi 2D Flexible Micro‐Supercapacitor Based on MnO2//NiCo2O4 as a Miniaturized Energy‐Storage Device
Authors: Patil Swati J. , Park Jong Sung , Kim Young‐Bae , Lee Dong‐Weon 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA miniaturized and flexible asymmetric micro‐supercapacitor (ASC) based on surface‐modified MnO2@Au and thin nanosheets of NiCo2O4@Au (termed 2D‐qMnO2//NiCo2O4 micro‐supercapacitor) is reported. A lightweight and superior flexible micro‐supercapacitor is successfully achieved using conventional microfabrication techniques. The proposed electrodeposition method is very effective for the surface modification and, as a result, uniform and high‐quality 2D‐quasi MnO2 and NiCo2O4 thin‐film formation on a collector current is achieved. The fabricated 2D‐qMnO2//NiCo2O4@Au and polymeric gel electrolyte‐based micro‐supercapacitor has advantageous features, with a high areal capacitance of 5.36 mF cm−2. The 2D‐qMnO2//NiCo2O4 MSC delivers a high energy density of 0.42 mWh cm−2 at 48.90 mW cm−2 power density with superior cycling stability (89.62 %) over initial 5000 cycles. Impedance analysis showed that the 2D‐qMnO2//NiCo2O4 MSC device has a phase angle of −73° with an extremely small relaxation time constant of 14 ms. Finally, excellent device performance of the 2D‐qMnO2//NiCo2O4 MSC under different bending and twisting is demonstrated to evaluate its mechanical flexibility.
Evaluation of chemical components in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium of different cultivars collected from different regions by GC–MS and HPLC
Authors: Luo Meixia , Luo Hujie , Hu Pingjun , Yang Yiting , Wu Bo , Zheng Guodong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTo discriminate the feasible differences and find potential similarities and relationships of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), this work was accomplished by a comprehensive and reliable method using gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) to analyze the volatile oils and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) simultaneously to determine the contents of five bioactive flavonoids, namely hesperidin, nobiletin, 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′‐heptamethoxyflavone, tangeretin, and 5‐hydroxy‐6,7,8,3′,4′‐pentamethoxyflavone in 25 batches of CRP samples of 10 cultivars collected from different regions in China. The GC–MS analyses indicated that 98 compounds were successfully identified from the volatile oils obtained and the major constituents of volatile oil are d‐limonene, γ‐terpinene, α‐pinene, linalool, and myrcene. Even 2‐(methylamino) benzoate was found in all cultivar samples harvested at maturation stage. Under the optimal condition, the quantitative analyses of five bioactive flavonoids were successfully performed by HPLC and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Results showed significant differences among cultivars in the contents of five bioactive flavonoids mentioned earlier. The HCA and GC–MS results provided a convenient approach which might be applied for rapid similarity evaluation and also holds the potential for analysis of compounds present in other plants. Therefore, this work obtained offers scientific basis to control quality and develop medicinal value of the medicinal materials in CRP.
Elemental, isotopic, and geochronological variability in Mogollon‐Datil volcanic province archaeological obsidian, southwestern USA: Solving issues of intersource discrimination
Authors: Shackley M. Steven , Morgan Leah , Pyle Douglas 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSolving issues of intersource discrimination in archaeological obsidian is a recurring problem in geoarchaeological investigation, particularly since the number of known sources of archaeological obsidian worldwide has grown nearly exponentially in the last few decades, and the complexity of archaeological questions asked has grown equally so. These two parallel aspects of archaeological investigation have required more exacting understanding of the geological relationship between sources and the more accurate analysis of these sources of archaeological obsidian. This is particularly the case in the North American Southwest where the frequency of archaeological investigation is some of the highest in the world, and the theory and method used to interpret that record has become increasingly nuanced. Here, we attempt to unravel the elemental similarity of archaeological obsidian in the Mogollon‐Datil volcanic province of southwestern New Mexico where some of the most important and extensively distributed sources are located and the elemental similarity between the sources is great even though the distance between the sources is large. Uniting elemental, isotopic, and geochronological analyses as an intensive pilot study, we unpack this complexity to provide greater understanding of these important sources of archaeological obsidian.
The neural dynamics of competition resolution for language production in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Bourguignon Nicolas J. , Ohashi Hiroki , Nguyen Don , Gracco Vincent L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPrevious research suggests a pivotal role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in word selection during tasks of confrontation naming (CN) and verb generation (VG), both of which feature varying degrees of competition between candidate responses. However, discrepancies in prefrontal activity have also been reported between the two tasks, in particular more widespread and intense activation in VG extending into (left) ventrolateral PFC, the functional significance of which remains unclear. We propose that these variations reflect differences in competition resolution processes tied to distinct underlying lexico‐semantic operations: Although CN involves selecting lexical entries out of limited sets of alternatives, VG requires exploration of possible semantic relations not readily evident from the object itself, requiring prefrontal areas previously shown to be recruited in top‐down retrieval of information from lexico‐semantic memory. We tested this hypothesis through combined independent component analysis of functional imaging data and information‐theoretic measurements of variations in selection competition associated with participants’ performance in overt CN and VG tasks. Selection competition during CN engaged the anterior insula and surrounding opercular tissue, while competition during VG recruited additional activity of left ventrolateral PFC. These patterns remained after controlling for participants’ speech onset latencies indicative of possible task differences in mental effort. These findings have implications for understanding the neural–computational dynamics of cognitive control in language production and how it relates to the functional architecture of adaptive behavior.
Preclinical safety and immunological efficacy of Alternaria alternata polymerized extracts
Authors: Morales María , Gallego María T. , Iraola Victor , Moya Raquel , Santana Soraya , Carnés Jerónimo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionAlternaria alternata is a widespread fungi whose allergy is a risk factor for asthma development. The use of a polymerized allergen extract (allergoid) may be safer than native extract based treatments while maintaining efficacy. The objective of this study was to characterize biochemically and immunochemically a new Alternaria alternata allergoid.MethodsCharacterization of native and allergoid extracts was performed by determination of protein content, protein and allergenic profile, biological potency, identification of Alternaria allergens, and Alt a 1 quantification. Safety was evaluated in toxicological assays (Ames test, limit test, and fish embryo acute toxicity test in zebrafish, and maximum tolerated dose and Dose‐range finding study in rats). Efficacy was evaluated as the capacity to induce IgG antibodies that block IgE‐binding to the allergen and cytokine induction (IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐α) in PBMC from atopic donors.ResultsProtein and antigenic profiles showed significant modification of the depigmented allergoid with respect to the native extract, inducing a lower IgE binding capacity. Alt a 1, Alt a 3, Alt a 6, and Alt a 8 allergen sequences were identified in the polymer. No toxicological nor genotoxicity effects were observed. The polymer induced IgG antibodies that blocked human IgE binding epitopes, and it induced higher IL‐10 levels and similar levels of the other cytokines than native extract in PBMC.ConclusionsThis new A. alternata allergoid could be an effective immunotherapy treatment leading to cytokine stimulation and inducing synthesis of IgG antibodies able to block IgE binding to the allergen. In addition, no toxicological effect was observed, and it may be safer than native extract due to its lower IgE binding capacity and cytokine induction that suggest tolerance induction via T cell shift to Treg (IL‐10).
Poly(ε‐caprolactone) and Poly(ω‐pentadecalactone)‐Based Networks with Two‐Way Shape‐Memory Effect through [2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Pilate Florence , Stoclet Gregory , Mincheva Rosica , Dubois Philippe , Raquez Jean‐Marie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this work, the synthesis and characterization of triple‐shape and two‐way shape‐memory effect of novel poly(ester‐urethane)s (PURs) made of a poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(ω‐pentadecalactone) (PPDL) segments and N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)cinnamide (BHECA) monomer by reactive extrusion (REx) is reported. PCL and PPDL are chosen as semicrystalline segments because of their inherent ability to undergo tensile elongation upon cooling, as prerequisite for the two‐way shape‐memory effect. BHECA is used as the “cross‐linker” due to its ability to participate in reversible [2+2] cycloaddition reaction and to mainly maintain the crystalline features of semicrystalline precursors within these PURs. This novel simple strategy is considered extremely versatile and adaptive because of the possibility to vary crystallizable segments and coupling agents, thus paving the way to the design of a multitude of triple (or more) shape‐memory polymers with two‐way behavior. Feasibility with PURs containing PCL, PPDL, and BHECA is demonstrated by adjusting the shape‐memory behavior (one and two‐way effects), and studying the structure–property relationships of the resulting PURs by DSC, DMTA, and 2D wide angle X‐ray scattering analyses while varying the weight composition of the two semicrystalline segments.