bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managerial ability and chemical releases
Authors: Sun Li 
Published: May 2017

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of managerial ability on the total amount of chemical releases reported to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) at the US Environmental Protection Agency.Design/methodology/approachRegression analysis is used to examine the association between managerial ability and chemical releases.FindingsA negative relationship was found between managerial ability and TRI’s chemical releases, suggesting that more-able managers better reduce TRI’s chemical releases, relative to less-able managers.Practical implicationsBy providing useful insights into what determines TRI’s chemical releases, this study should interest policy makers and practitioners.Originality/valueThis study contributes to and links two research schools: managerial ability in management literature and corporate social responsibility (i.e. pollution prevention) in the broad business literature. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first empirical study that performs a direct test of the association between managerial ability and TRI’s toxic chemical releases.
Emerging phenomenon of corporate social and environmental reporting in China
Authors: Yu Shengli , Rowe Anna Lee 
Published: May 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the motivations underpinning recent evolving corporate social and environmental reporting (CSER) among enterprises in China through the lenses of senior managers.Design/methodology/approachUsing the interpretive tenets of engagement research, semi-structured in-depth interviews were adopted to explore the perceptions of senior managers from 21 large companies in various industries. The aim is to make sense of the emerging CSER phenomenon occurring in the field through engagement, observation and penetrating interviews.FindingsThe findings identify the main enablers driving CSER in China as: regulations and government influence; management awareness; benefits to company image; peer pressure/reporting by peers and public pressure on controversial companies. Guided by a system-based theoretical framework in terms of motivations for CSER, this study offers insights into the effectiveness of using widely adopted Western-based theoretical approaches in a Chinese context where companies operate against a different socio-economic, political, regulatory and cultural backdrop.Research limitations/implicationsThe deep-rooted face (Mianzi) culture has the potential to influence managers to portray a positive image about their companies and themselves.Originality/valueThis engagement-based study is one of the few initiatives exploring managerial perceptions of CSER in China that adds to the scant literature pertaining to rich “emic” data in accounting, encompassing cultural influence by applying systems-oriented theoretical framework. The stimulus for CSER identified are useful for regulators and organizations to better comprehend how to set effective policies that promote CSER and fit the distinctive institutional characteristics of China.
Corporate sustainability and financial performance of Chinese banks
Authors: Weber Olaf 
Published: May 2017

PurposeThis paper analyzes the connection between the sustainability performance of Chinese banks and their financial indicators to explore whether sustainability regulations can be implemented without decreasing the financial performance of the banking sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study examined reports and websites of Chinese banks, categorized different corporate sustainability aspects and conducted panel regression and Granger causality to analyze cause and effect variables.FindingsThe environmental and social performance of Chinese banks increased significantly between 2009 and 2013. Furthermore, a bi-directional causality between financial performance and sustainability performance of Chinese banks has been found. Based on institutional theory, this interaction may be influenced by the Chinese Green Credit Policy.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that corporate sustainability performance and financial performance are not a trade-off but correlate positively. Further research is needed to analyze the effect of financial regulations, such as the Chinese Green Credit Policy.Practical implicationsAccording to the good management theory by Waddock and Graves (1997) that claims a positive impact of corporate social performance on financial performance, Chinese banks can invest in corporate sustainability to increase their financial success and re-invest parts of the additional returns – also called slack resources – in sustainability activities.Social implicationsChinese banks are able to influence the economy to become greener and less polluting without sacrificing financial returns.Originality/valueThis is the first study to explore the sustainability performance of Chinese banks, including their products and services.
Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis with rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia: The relation between the disease activity and the serum interleukin‐6 level
Authors: Yasuda Hazuki , Ikeda Takaharu , Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Furukawa Fukumi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA 67‐year‐old woman exhibited chilblain‐like erythema on the bilateral auricles, erythema with hyperkeratosis on the sides of fingers and the bilateral elbows, and erythema on the extensor/flexor sides of the finger joints and the iliac regions. Fine crackles were audible on the dorsal side of the bilateral lower lung regions. We diagnosed clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis accompanied by rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia. While we initiated immunosuppressive therapy, the respiratory failure showed no responses. We performed endotoxin adsorption therapy using polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion (PMX‐DHP). After the first PMX‐DHP session, the respiratory condition was slightly improved but it soon deteriorated. At the second PMX‐DHP session, subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema was noted. The patient died, showing no improvement in the respiratory condition. We measured the levels of serum interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐10 before and after PMX‐DHP and compared them with previously reported levels. The levels of TNF‐α and IL‐10 showed no or slight changes, but those of IL‐6 at the beginning of the treatment were higher compared with previous reports. After the first PMX‐DHP, the IL‐6 level decreased with slight improvement in respiratory condition. However, after the second PMX‐DHP, it increased markedly with exacerbation of the respiratory failure. The serum IL‐6 level is considered to be effective for the evaluation of the disease activity and prognosis under the treatment by PMX‐DHP.
Dissecting the contributions of dispersal and host properties to the local abundance of a tropical mistletoe
Authors: Caraballo‐Ortiz Marcos A. , González‐Castro Aarón , Yang Suann , dePamphilis Claude W. , Carlo Tomás A. 
Published: May 2017

Summary

The interplay between dispersal and adaptation to local environments ultimately determines the distribution of plant species, but their relative contribution remains little understood. Tropical mistletoes provide the opportunity to dissect these contributions of dispersal and adaptation, because as hemiparasitic plants, they are typically adapted to grow on a handful of species within diverse tropical communities and are non‐randomly dispersed by mutualistic frugivorous birds.

Here we hypothesized that the primary determinant of the abundance of a tropical mistletoe (Dendropemon caribaeus, Loranthaceae) in Puerto Rico will be the compatibility between the mistletoe and plant species in a community. Alternatively, the mistletoe's abundance could be primarily shaped by other factors such as the availability of potential host plants, or factors that determine how mistletoe seeds are dispersed by avian frugivores. We conducted surveys and experiments to assess the capacity of this mistletoe to grow on trees available in the local community, and measured the monthly phenology and seed dispersal patterns of the mistletoe and other bird‐dispersed plants in the community over a period of 4 years. A path model was used to evaluate how the abundance of the mistletoe was shaped by host abundance, fruiting phenology, bird dispersal and compatibilities with host plants.

Our analyses show that the compatibility between mistletoe and host tree species, measured by mistletoe survival and growth rate, was the most important factor for mistletoe abundance. The next most important factor was the phenological characteristics of the hosts; this outcome likely arose because frugivory and seed dispersal services for mistletoes and hosts are performed by the same birds.

Synthesis. Mistletoes often parasitize only a subset of the suitable plant species that are available in a given community. Our results indicate that such patterns are not only determined by host quality and abundance but also by the phenological patterns of trees that influence the probabilities of mistletoe seeds being deposited on them by shared avian seed dispersers.
Physicochemical, biochemical, microbiological and safety aspects of Pico cheese: Assessment throughout maturation and on the final product
Authors: Câmara Sandra P A , Dapkevicius Airidas , Rosa Henrique J D , Silva Célia C G , Malcata F Xavier , Enes Dapkevicius Maria L N 
Published: May 2017

Pico cheese is a traditional variety manufactured on the eponymous Azorean Island (Portugal). In total, 153 cheeses were analysed. The average total solids (TS) content by the end of maturation was 63.3 ± 0.3 g/100 g, Aw 0.943–0.966, salt‐in‐moisture 2.12–4.17 g/100 g and pH 4.89–5.11 ± 0.02. Proteolysis was similar to that of other Iberian raw milk cheeses, but the free fatty acid content was generally higher. Lactococci were the predominant bacteria. Coagulase‐positive staphylococci constituted the most severe hygiene problem. Positive correlations were found between maturation time and TS, titratable acidity, Aw, proteolysis indices and Enterobacteriaceae and coagulase‐positive staphylococcus viable numbers.
Ascending Aortic Rupture through a Penetrating Atherosclerotic Ulcer: A Rare Cause of Sudden Unexpected Death
Authors: Srettabunjong Supawon 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSpontaneous rupture of the aorta through an atherosclerotic lesion without preexisting aortic aneurysm, dissection, or history of trauma is very rare. Without prompt aortic repair, all cases result in sudden death with a definitive diagnosis made only intraoperatively or during autopsy. The phenomenon has been uniformly found in individuals with hypertension. The author reports a sudden unexpected death caused by spontaneous rupture of the ascending aorta in a 57‐year‐old man with a history of hypertension. The ascending aortic wall showed a longitudinal intimal tear measuring approximately 1 cm in length and rupture of the ascending aorta through an atherosclerotic ulcer, leading to massive hemopericardium and eventual death. Chronic hypertension and a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer of the ascending aorta were the apparent underlying etiologies of the aortic rupture in the present case. This case illustrates not only the association between a rupture and a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer with a silent death, but also raises awareness of possible such deaths.
Tenebrio molitor Gram‐negative‐binding protein 3 (TmGNBP3) is essential for inducing downstream antifungal Tenecin 1 gene expression against infection with Beauveria bassiana JEF‐007
Authors: Yang Yi‐Ting , Lee Mi Rong , Lee Se Jin , Kim Sihyeon , Nai Yu‐Shin , Kim Jae Su 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe Toll signaling pathway is responsible for defense against both Gram‐positive bacteria and fungi. Gram‐negative binding protein 3 (GNBP3) has a strong affinity for the fungal cell wall component, β‐1,3‐glucan, which can activate the prophenoloxidase (proPO) cascade and induce the Toll signaling pathway. Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is an intracellular adaptor protein involved in the Toll signaling pathway. In this study, we monitored the response of 5 key genes (TmGNBP3, TmMyD88, and Tenecin 1, 2, and 3) in the Toll pathway of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor immune system against the fungus Beauveria bassiana JEF‐007 using RT‐PCR. TmGNBP3, Tenecin 1, and Tenecin 2 were significantly upregulated after fungal infection. To better understand the roles of the Toll signaling pathway in the mealworm immune system, TmGNBP3 and TmMyD88 were knocked down by RNAi silencing. Target gene expression levels decreased at 2 d postknockdown and were dramatically reduced at 6 d post‐dsRNA injection. Therefore, mealworms were compromised by B. bassiana JEF‐007 at 6 d post‐dsRNA injection. Silencing of TmMyD88 and TmGNBP3 resulted in reduced resistance of the host to fungal infection. Particularly, reducing TmGNBP3 levels obviously downregulated Tenecin 1 and Tenecin 2 expression levels, whereas silencing TmMyD88 expression resulted in decreased Tenecin 2 expression. These results indicate that TmGNBP3 is essential to induce downstream antifungal peptide Tenecin 1 expression against B. bassiana JEF‐007.
Diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors in Cambodia: Results from two screening studies
Authors: Wagner Julie , Naranjo Diana , Khun Touch , Seng Serey , Horn Ien S. , Suttiratana Sakinah C. , Keuky Lim 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundDespite growing attention to diabetes throughout Asia, data from Southeast Asia are limited. This article reports rates of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity in Cambodia.MethodsTwo studies were conducted across different regions of Cambodia: (i) a 2012 screening study across urban, semi‐urban, and rural areas that used point‐of‐care capillary glucose for determination of diabetes (n = 13 997); and (ii) a 2005 epidemiological study with random selection from two main urban areas that used oral glucose tolerance tests for determination of diabetes (n = 1863). Blood pressure and anthropometrics were also measured.ResultsIn the screening study, rates of diabetes were significantly higher in urban than rural sites, with intermediate rates in semi‐urban areas. There was a significant dose–response effect for urbanicity on overweight, obesity, and waist:hip ratio, with higher rates for urban versus semi‐urban and for semi‐urban versus rural locales. Rural sites had the lowest rates of hypertension, followed by urban and semi‐urban sites. Among people who screened positive for diabetes, there was a dose–response effect for urbanicity on undiagnosed diabetes; rates of previously undiagnosed diabetes were lowest in urban (51%), followed by semi‐urban (55%) and rural (67%) locales. Rural participants reported the highest rates of smoking and alcohol use. In the urban epidemiological study, prevalence rates of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance were approximately 10%, indicating a prevalence of total glucose intolerance of approximately 20%.ConclusionsIn Cambodia, diabetes rates are high among urban residents and undiagnosed diabetes is highest among rural residents. A country‐wide public health response is urgently needed; as development continues, rates of diabetes are expected to rise.
β‐Cell function in postmenopausal women with isolated post‐challenge hyperglycemia
Authors: Hwu Chii‐Min , Lin Yi‐Chun , Lin Kuan‐Hung 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundIsolated post‐challenge hyperglycemia (IPH) is an early stage of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with fasting glucose <126 mg/dL and 2‐h glucose ≥200 mg/dL. Observations of insulin secretion profile in subjects with IPH may provide an insight into the pathogenesis of T2DM in older women.MethodsWe recruited 555 naturally postmenopausal women without a history of T2DM to the present study. All participants received a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test to determine whether they had IPH. General linear models were used to compare differences in glucose metabolism among subjects.ResultsEarly phase insulin responses to oral glucose were significantly decreased in women with IPH versus those with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and normal glucose tolerance (geometric mean [95% confidence interval] insulinogenic index 61 [54–79] vs 90 [83–97] and 105 [96–116], respectively;
P
< 0.0001). In addition, there were significant decreases in late‐phase insulin release as metabolic status shifted from normal glucose tolerance to IGT to IPH. In the present cohort, the relative contribution of early insulin secretion to 2‐h glucose was no longer significant (
P
= 0.15) after multiple factors, including indicators of insulin resistance and late‐phase insulin release, were entered into the regression model simultaneously.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that postmenopausal women with IPH are characterized by impaired β‐cell function. There were significant decreases in early and late‐phase insulin release as glucose intolerance escalated. Disturbance in β‐cell function seems to be an important factor associated with early T2DM in postmenopausal women.
Impact of Hospital “Best Practice” Mandates on Prescription Opioid Dispensing After an Emergency Department Visit
Authors: Sun Benjamin C. , Lupulescu‐Mann Nicoleta , Charlesworth Christina J. , Kim Hyunjee , Hartung Daniel M. , Deyo Richard A. , John McConnell K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveWashington State mandated seven hospital “best practices” in July 2012, several of which may affect emergency department (ED) opioid prescribing and provide a policy template for addressing the opioid prescription epidemic. We tested the hypothesis that the mandates would reduce opioid dispensing after an ED visit. We further assessed for a selective effect in patients with prior risky or chronic opioid use.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, observational analysis of ED visits by Medicaid fee‐for‐service beneficiaries in Washington State, between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2013. We used an interrupted time‐series design to control for temporal trends and patient characteristics. The primary outcome was any opioid dispensing within 3 days after an ED visit. The secondary outcome was total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) dispensed within 3 days.ResultsWe analyzed 266,614 ED visits. Mandates were associated with a small reduction in opioid dispensing after an ED visit (–1.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = –2.8% to –0.15%). The mandates were associated with decreased opioid dispensing in 42,496 ED visits by patients with prior risky opioid use behavior (–4.7%, 95% CI = –7.1% to –2.3%) and in 20,238 visits by patients with chronic opioid use (–3.6%, 95% CI = –5.6% to –1.7%). Mandates were not associated with reductions in MMEs per dispense in the overall cohort or in either subgroup.ConclusionsWashington State best practice mandates were associated with small but nonselective reductions in opioid prescribing rates. States should focus on alternative policies to further reduce opioid dispensing in subgroups of high‐risk and chronic users.
Altered secretion of Sertoli cells hormones in 2‐year‐old prepubertal cryptorchid boys: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hamdi S. M. , Almont T. , Galinier P. , Mieusset R. , Thonneau P. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryIn cryptorchid boys, failures in germ cell development have been clearly established. Some studies reported some abnormalities in Sertoli cells morphology but the results regarding their endocrine secretion remain controversial. To compare testicular hormone levels in young boys with and without cryptorchidism, we performed a cross‐sectional hospital‐based study. From surgery appointment records, we identified a case group of boys with unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism and a control group undergoing dental care, minor osteoarticular or dermal surgery. Blood samples were withdrawn during the surgical procedure to perform testosterone, inhibin B and anti‐müllerian hormone (AMH) immunoassays. We included 27 cryptorchid boys and 27 controls aged of 26.6 vs. 24.2 months, respectively (p = 0.172) far from the post‐natal mini‐puberty and the corresponding hormonal surges. Age‐adjusted AMH and inhibin B levels were significantly lower in cryptorchid than in control boys (AMH: 87 ng/mL vs. 135 ng/mL; p = 0.009, inhibin B: 97 pg/mL vs. 133 pg/mL; p = 0.019, respectively). Moreover, AMH and inhibin B levels were significantly lower in the bilateral cryptorchid subgroup, being 50% lower than in the controls (p = 0.011 and 0.019, respectively) and while both hormones levels were independent in controls, they became strongly correlated in bilateral cryptorchid boys (R² = 0.75, p = 0.001). In addition, testosterone levels were still detectable in some boys, with significantly lower levels in cryptorchid group than in controls. Overall, 2‐year‐old cryptorchid patients presented a simultaneous and significant drop in AMH and inhibin B levels, suggesting a functional defect of Sertoli cells. This deficiency appeared more pronounced in bilateral cryptorchidism and thus, regarding the pivotal role of Sertoli cells in germ cell development, it may explain the compromised fertility found later in men born with such a malformation.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of the anticancer activity of 2‐amino‐aryl‐7‐aryl‐benzoxazole compounds
Authors: Khajondetchairit Patcharaporn , Phuangsawai Oraphan , Suphakun Praphasri , Rattanabunyong Siriruk , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Gleeson Matthew Paul 
Published: May 2017

A series of 2‐amino‐aryl‐7‐aryl‐benzoxazole derivatives have been designed, synthesized, and evaluated as anticancer agents. Fourteen of the compounds exhibited cytotoxic effects toward human A549 lung cancer cells. We found 12l was the most potent with an EC50 of 0.4 μm, equivalent to the anticancer drug doxorubicin, but had low selectivity following cross screening in monkey kidney Vero cells. Eight of the most potent or most selective compounds were further profiled in additional cell lines (MCF7, NCI‐H187, and KB) to better understand their cytotoxic activity. Only compound 12l had a measurable EC50 in a single cell line (3.3 μm in the KB cell line). Taken together, this data suggest the series as a whole display specific cytotoxicity toward A549 cells. Cheminformatics searches pointed to JAK2 as a possible target. A subset of compounds assayed at this target showed IC50s ranging from 10 to 0.08 μm; however, no clear correlation between JAK2 potency and A549 cytotoxicity was observed.