bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate Social Responsibility via Shareholders’ Proposals
Authors: Godoy Uson Maria Paz 
Published: October 2015

Corporate Social Responsibility via Shareholders’ Proposals
Can shareholders’ proposals be considered as a mainstream alternative to incorporate social and environmental policies into the core businesses strategy? Proposing non-financial resolutions at the general meeting of shareholders is a form of shareholders’ activism that is shaping company’s direction. The American court case Lovenheim v. Iroquois Brands, Ltd. confirms that social and environmental issues, when significantly related to the core business, can give rise to new business directions firmly promoted by shareholders, resting authorial power to the board of directors in conducting the company’s direction. The US SEC Rule 14a-8 is widely used by social activists and institutional investors to influence the direction of business in becoming more sustainable. In virtue of the American Rule 14a-8, shareholders may include proposals in the company’s proxy materials and, thereby, compel a vote on the issue at the annual shareholders’ meeting. The result is that American shareholders’ proposals are being considered as an effective gateway to improve corporations’ social and environmental behaviour. This article examines, from a comparative perspective, the further developments of shareholders’ social proposals with the attempt to incorporate social and environmental policies into the core business. The article also suggests that the increasing demand of social proposals promoted by American shareholders versus the limited activity of shareholders’ proposals in Continental European jurisdictions is precipitating the process of converge between the main corporate governance models; the shareholder-oriented model and the stakeholder-oriented model, respectively. The issue of CSR via shareholders’ proposals as presented here is primarily based on literature and various cases related to SEC 14a-8, more in particular on lessons drawn from Lovenheim v. Iroquois Brands, Ltd.
Coordinated airglow observations between IMAP/VISI and a ground‐based all‐sky imager on concentric gravity wave in the mesopause
Authors: Perwitasari S. , Sakanoi T. , Yamazaki A. , Otsuka Y. , Hozumi Y. , Akiya Y. , Saito A. , Shiokawa K. , Kawamura S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe present a study of concentric gravity waves (CGWs) event from the coordinated observation between Ionosphere, Mesosphere, upper Atmosphere, and Plasmasphere mapping (IMAP)/Visible and near‐Infrared Spectral Imager (VISI), all‐sky camera at Rikubetsu, Multi‐functional Transport Satellite (MTSAT), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, and MF radar at Wakkanai combined with Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Application data. IMAP/VISI is the first space‐based imager that capable of imaging the airglow in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region in the nadir‐looking direction. Therefore, it has a unique ability to observe a great extend of CGWs propagation. Arc‐like shaped, part of CGWs pattern was observed around the mesopause (~95 km) in the O2 762 nm airglow emission obtained by IMAP/VISI at 1204 UT on 18 October 2012. Similar patterns were also observed by the all‐sky imager at Rikubetsu (43.5°N, 143.8°E) in OI 557.7 nm and OH band airglow emissions from ~1100 to 1200 UT. Horizontal wavelengths of the observed small‐scale gravity waves are ~50 km (OH band and OI 557.7 nm) and ~67 km (O2 762 nm). The source is suggested to be a deep convective activity over Honshu Island which likely was an enhanced convective activity related to a typhoon in the south of Japan. The data showed that the CGWs could propagate up to ~1400–1500 km horizontally from the source to the mesopause but not farther away. Using atmospheric temperature profiles obtained by Thermospheric Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics/Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry, we conclude that this long‐distance propagation of the waves could be caused by thermal duct in the middle atmosphere. The arc‐like shaped instead of full circle pattern points out that the wind filtering effect is significant for the particular direction of wave propagation.
Synthesis of P‐Stereogenic Tetraphosphacrowns
Authors: Kato Ryosuke , Morisaki Yasuhiro , Chujo Yoshiki 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSynthetic routes to enantiopure P‐stereogenic tetraphosphacrowns, containing four chiral phosphorus atoms, using a P‐stereogenic secondary bisphosphine are reported. 18‐Tetraphosphacrown‐6 and 24‐tetraphosphacrown‐8 derivatives were prepared by a single‐step and multistep method, respectively, and their characterizations are described in detail. Removal of boranes from the 24‐tetraphosphacrown‐8 derivative and subsequent complexation with platinum(II) are also described.
Intramolecular Fluorocyclizations of Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids with a Stable Hypervalent Fluoroiodane Reagent
Authors: Geary Gemma C. , Hope Eric G. , Stuart Alison M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA new class of fluorinated lactones was prepared by the intramolecular fluorocyclizations of unsaturated carboxylic acids by using the stable fluoroiodane reagent in combination with AgBF4. This unique reaction incorporates a cyclization, an aryl migration, and a fluorination all in one step. The fluoroiodane reagent, prepared easily from fluoride, can also be used without a metal catalyst to give moderate yields within just 1 hour, thus demonstrating that it is a suitable reagent for developing new 18F‐labelled radiotracers for PET imaging.
Syntheses of Isoquinoline and Substituted Quinolines in Charged Microdroplets
Authors: Banerjee Shibdas , Zare Richard N. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA Pomeranz–Fritsch synthesis of isoquinoline and Friedländer and Combes syntheses of substituted quinolines were conducted in charged microdroplets produced by an electrospray process at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. In the bulk phase, all of these reactions are known to take a long time ranging from several minutes to a few days and to require very high acid concentrations. In sharp contrast, the present report provides clear evidence that all of these reactions occur on the millisecond timescale in the charged microdroplets without the addition of any external acid. Decreasing the droplet size and increasing the charge of the droplet both strongly contribute to reaction rate acceleration, suggesting that the reaction occurs in a confined environment on the charged surface of the droplet.
Assembly of Tungsten‐Oxide‐Based Pentagonal Motifs in Solution Leads to Nanoscale {W48}, {W56}, and {W92} Polyoxometalate Clusters
Authors: Zhan Cai‐Hong , Winter Ross S. , Zheng Qi , Yan Jun , Cameron Jamie M. , Long De‐Liang , Cronin Leroy 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe report an approach to synthesize molecular tungsten‐oxide‐based pentagonal building blocks, in a new {W21O72} unit, and show how this leads to a family of gigantic molecular architectures including [H12W48O164]28− {W48}, [H20W56O190]24− {W56}, and [H12W92O311]58− {W92}. The {W48} and {W56} clusters are both dimeric species incorporating two {W21} units and the {W56} species is the first example of a molecular metal oxide cluster containing a chiral “double‐stranded” motif which is stable in solution as confirmed by mass spectrometry. The {W92} anion having four {W21} units is one of the largest transition metal substituted isopolyoxotungstates known.
Genetic structuring among populations of the great egret, Ardea alba egretta, in major Brazilian wetlands
Authors: Corrêa Thaís Camilo , Del Lama Silvia Nassif , De Souza Juliana Rossi , Miño Carolina Isabel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWaterbirds are increasingly affected by climate change and human disturbances to the wetlands on which they roost, forage and breed. The evolutionary response of populations to such changes is influenced by genetic variability and gene flow patterns, which enable long‐term survival. Thus, genetic monitoring of waterbird populations can provide valuable information to support conservation measures and management policies for wetlands.This study assessed past and contemporary levels of genetic diversity, estimated effective population sizes (Ne) and investigated gene flow patterns among populations of the great egret,Ardea alba egretta, settled in major Brazilian wetlands.Samples (N= 200) were collected from the northern, central western, south‐eastern and southern regions of Brazil. AMOVA,F‐statistics, assignment tests, Bayesian clustering analyses andNewere estimated based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite loci.The populations share most mitochondrial haplotypes, suggesting a common recent past. Mismatch analyses,FsandDstatistics, andSSDandRgindices indicated significant signs of expansion in most populations. The time since expansion suggests that egrets colonized southern latitudes more recently, probably accompanying the supposed historical environmental changes in South America, with more stable habitats toward equatorial regions.MtDNA ФSTrevealed significant differentiation between the northern and both the central western and southern populations. Nuclear loci demonstrated significant structuring between the central western and southern populations, which showed similar effective sizes.Despite the considerable dispersal potential of the great egret, there is limited gene flow among populations located in different Brazilian wetlands. Therefore, colonies from different regions should be preserved, with special attention to the northern populations, whose allelic constitution differs from the other. This approach can be used to genetically monitor similar species in other wetlands or to great egret populations in other regions of the Americas.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular neuropathology of the synapse in sheep with CLN5 Batten disease
Authors: Amorim Inês S. , Mitchell Nadia L. , Palmer David N. , Sawiak Stephen J. , Mason Roger , Wishart Thomas M. , Gillingwater Thomas H. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimsSynapses represent a major pathological target across a broad range of neurodegenerative conditions. Recent studies addressing molecular mechanisms regulating synaptic vulnerability and degeneration have relied heavily on invertebrate and mouse models. Whether similar molecular neuropathological changes underpin synaptic breakdown in large animal models and in human patients with neurodegenerative disease remains unclear. We therefore investigated whether molecular regulators of synaptic pathophysiology, previously identified in Drosophila and mouse models, are similarly present and modified in the brain of sheep with CLN5 Batten disease.MethodsGross neuropathological analysis of CLN5 Batten disease sheep and controls was used alongside postmortem MRI imaging to identify affected brain regions. Synaptosome preparations were then generated and quantitative fluorescent Western blotting used to determine and compare levels of synaptic proteins.ResultsThe cortex was particularly affected by regional neurodegeneration and synaptic loss in CLN5 sheep, whilst the cerebellum was relatively spared. Quantitative assessment of the protein content of synaptosome preparations revealed significant changes in levels of seven out of eight synaptic neurodegeneration proteins investigated in the motor cortex, but not cerebellum, of CLN5 sheep (α‐synuclein, CSP‐α, neurofascin, ROCK2, calretinin, SIRT2, and UBR4).ConclusionsSynaptic pathology is a robust correlate of region‐specific neurodegeneration in the brain of CLN5 sheep, driven by molecular pathways similar to those reported in Drosophila and rodent models. Thus, large animal models, such as sheep, represent ideal translational systems to develop and test therapeutics aimed at delaying or halting synaptic pathology for a range of human neurodegenerative conditions.
Fully Oriented Bilirubin Oxidase on Porphyrin‐Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Electrodes for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Lalaoui Noémie , Le Goff Alan , Holzinger Michael , Cosnier Serge 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe efficient immobilization and orientation of bilirubin oxidase from Myrothecium verrucaria on multi‐walled carbon nanotube electrodes by using π‐stacked porphyrins as a direct electron‐transfer promoter is reported. By comparing the use of different types of porphyrin, the rational effect of the porphyrin structure on both the immobilization and orientation of the enzyme is demonstrated. The best performances were obtained for protoporphyrin IX, which is the natural precursor of bilirubin. These electrodes exhibit full orientation of the enzyme, as confirmed by the observable non‐catalytic redox system corresponding to the T1 copper center associated with pure Nernstian electrocatalytic behavior with high catalytic currents of almost 5 mA cm−2 at neutral pH.
Complicated Acute Aortic Syndromes Affecting the Descending Thoracic Aorta: Endovascular Treatment Compared With Open Repair
Authors: Eid‐Lidt Guering , Gaspar Hernández Jorge , González‐Pacheco Hector , Acevedo Gómez Pablo , Ramírez Marroquín Samuel , Herrera Alarcon Valentín , Cervantes Salazar Jorge , Martínez‐Ríos Marco 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundFor patients with complicated acute thoracic aortic syndromes, endovascular treatment, when feasible, is preferred over open surgery. However, there are limited data on the long‐term benefits of endovascular treatment in complicated acute aortic syndromes affecting the descending thoracic aorta.HypothesisThe endovascular treatment is expected to have more favorable long‐term mortality and fewer late reintervention in complicated acute thoracic aortic syndromes.MethodsOf 155 consecutive patients with acute aortic syndromes, 94 met the inclusion criteria of the study; 63 underwent endovascular repair (group 1) and 31 underwent open repair (group 2). Patients with a diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome localized in the descending thoracic aorta distal to the emergence of the left subclavian artery, complicated by rupture, malperfusion syndrome, and/or acute aortic expansion, were included. Indications for repair of the descending thoracic aorta included impending rupture in 70.2%, malperfusion syndrome in 29.8%, and persistence of pain with aortic expansion (aortic diameter >40 mm) in 2 patients.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period (63.0 ± 24.6 months), the cumulative survival free from cardiovascular death rates at 5 years was 92.0% and 51.4% in group 1 and 2, respectively (log rank P = 0.0001). Late mortality related to the aorta was 1.6% with thoracic endovascular aortic repair and 0% with surgical treatment.ConclusionsEndovascular treatment in patients with complicated acute thoracic aortic syndromes localized at the descending thoracic aorta is feasible and safe, with a lower rate of early complications and similar long‐term benefits when compared with surgical treatment.
From treatment to preventive actions: improving function in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: Sacco Isabel C N , Sartor Cristina D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDiabetic polyneuropathy is an insidious and long‐term complication of this disease. Synergistic treatments and preventive actions are crucial because there are no clear boundaries for determining when health professionals should intervene or what intervention would best avoid the consequences of neuropathy. Until now, most therapies to any diabetic individual were applied only after the patient's limb was ulcerated or amputated. The loss of muscle and joint functions is recognized as the main cause of plantar overloading. However, if foot and ankle exercises are performed following the early diagnosis of diabetes, they can enable the patient to maintain sufficient residual function to interact with the environment. This article summarizes the current knowledge about the musculoskeletal deficits and biomechanical alterations caused by neuropathy. It also describes the potential benefits of foot and ankle exercises for any diabetic patient that is not undergoing the plantar ulcer healing process. We concentrate on the prevention of the long‐term deficits of neuropathy. We also discuss the main strategies and protocols of therapeutic exercises for joints and muscles with deficits, which are applicable to all diabetic patients with mild to moderate neuropathy. We describe further efforts in exploiting the applicability of assistive technologies to improve the adherence to an exercise program. Following the contemporary trends towards self‐monitoring and self‐care, we developed a software to monitor and promote personalized exercises with the aim of improving autonomous performance in daily living tasks. Initiatives to prevent the complications of functional diabetes are highly recommended before it is too late for the patient and there is no longer an opportunity to reverse the tragic consequences of neuropathy progression. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of muscle wasting in patients with chronic heart failure using C‐terminal agrin fragment: results from the Studies Investigating Co‐morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure (SICA‐HF)
Authors: Steinbeck Lisa , Ebner Nicole , Valentova Miroslava , Bekfani Tarek , Elsner Sebastian , Dahinden Pius , Hettwer Stefan , Scherbakov Nadja , Schefold Jörg C. , Sandek Anja , Springer Jochen , Doehner Wolfram , Anker Stefan D. , von Haehling Stephan 
Published: October 2015

AimsSkeletal muscle wasting affects 20% of patients with chronic heart failure and has serious implications for their activities of daily living. Assessment of muscle wasting is technically challenging. C‐terminal agrin‐fragment (CAF), a breakdown product of the synaptically located protein agrin, has shown early promise as biomarker of muscle wasting. We sought to investigate the diagnostic properties of CAF in muscle wasting among patients with heart failure.Methods and resultsWe assessed serum CAF levels in 196 patients who participated in the Studies Investigating Co‐morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure (SICA‐HF). Muscle wasting was identified using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in 38 patients (19.4%). Patients with muscle wasting demonstrated higher CAF values than those without (125.1 ± 59.5 pmol/L vs. 103.8 ± 42.9 pmol/L, P = 0.01). Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC), we calculated the optimal CAF value to identify patients with muscle wasting as >87.5 pmol/L, which had a sensitivity of 78.9% and a specificity of 43.7%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.56–0.70). Using simple regression, we found that serum CAF was associated with handgrip (R = − 0.17, P = 0.03) and quadriceps strength (R = − 0.31, P < 0.0001), peak oxygen consumption (R = − 0.5, P < 0.0001), 6‐min walk distance (R = − 0.32, P < 0.0001), and gait speed (R = − 0.2, P = 0.001), as well as with parameters of kidney and liver function, iron metabolism and storage.ConclusionCAF shows good sensitivity for the detection of skeletal muscle wasting in patients with heart failure. Its assessment may be useful to identify patients who should undergo additional testing, such as detailed body composition analysis. As no other biomarker is currently available, further investigation is warranted.
Development and quality characteristics of shelf‐stable soy‐agushie: a residual by‐product of soymilk production
Authors: Nti Christina A. , Plahar Wisdom A. , Annan Nana T. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA process was developed for the production of a high‐protein food ingredient, soy‐agushie, from the residual by‐product of soymilk production. The product, with a moisture content of about 6%, was evaluated for its quality characteristics and performance in traditional dishes. The protein content was about 26% with similar amino acids content as that of the whole soybean. Lysine remained high in the dehydrated product (6.57 g/16 g N). While over 60% of the original B vitamins content in the beans was extracted with the milk, high proportions of the minerals were found to be retained in the residual by‐product. The process adequately reduced the trypsin inhibitor levels in the beans from 25 to 1.5 mg/g. High sensory scores were obtained for recipes developed with soy‐agushie in traditional dishes. The scope of utilization of the soy‐agushie could be widened to include several traditional foods and bakery products for maximum nutritional benefits.
CHOP or THP‐COP regimens in the treatment of newly diagnosed peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: a comparison of doxorubicin and pirarubicin
Authors: Shibata Yuhei , Hara Takeshi , Kasahara Senji , Yamada Toshiki , Sawada Michio , Mabuchi Ryoko , Matsumoto Takuro , Nakamura Nobuhiko , Nakamura Hiroshi , Ninomiya Soranobu , Kitagawa Junichi , Kanemura Nobuhiro , Kito Yusuke , Goto Naoe , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Takami Tsuyoshi , Takeuchi Tamotsu , Shimizu Masahito , Tsurumi Hisashi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe CHOP regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (DOX), vincristine and prednisolone has been the most used regimen for peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS). Pirarubicin [tetrahydropyranyladriamycin (THP)], a derivative of DOX, is an anthracycline with reportedly less cardiotoxicity than DOX. Here, we confirmed the efficacy of THP‐COP using THP instead of DOX in the treatment of PTCL‐NOS. The study protocol employed a retrospective, consecutive entry design. We retrospectively analysed 56 patients with PTCL‐NOS who had received THP‐COP or CHOP. These regimens were performed every 21 days. Twenty‐nine patients received THP‐COP, and 27 received CHOP. There were no significant differences in known prognostic factors, including in the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the prognostic index for T‐cell lymphoma (PIT), between the two groups. Complete remission rates in patients with THP‐COP and CHOP were 52% in both groups; the 3‐year overall survival (OS) rates were 67% and 52% (p = 0.074), and the 3‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 51% and 29% (p = 0.070), respectively. In patients with low IPI (low or low‐intermediate), THP‐COP had significantly better 3‐year OS (100% vs. 64%; p < 0.001) and 3‐year PFS (75% vs. 33%; p < 0.05) than CHOP. Similar differences between THP‐COP and CHOP were observed in patients with a low PIT (groups 1 or 2). Our study showed that THP‐COP produced results equivalent to CHOP regarding efficacy and safety in patients with PTCL‐NOS. In patients with low IPI or PIT, THP‐COP resulted in significantly better prognosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.