bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding the mutational spectrum of Rahman syndrome: A rare disorder with severe intellectual disability and particular facial features in two Chinese patients
Authors: Zhao Jianbo , Lyu Guizhen , Ding Changhong , Wang Xiaohui , Li Jiuwei , Zhang Weihua , Yang Xinying , Zhang Victor Wei
Published: February 2022

Background

The study aimed to investigate the clinical and genetic features of Rahman syndrome caused by HIST1H1E gene mutations.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical information and genetic testing results of a Rahman syndrome family in an outpatient clinic in August 2020 and summarized the clinical characteristics of the HIST1H1E gene mutations in conjunction with peer‐reviewed reports.

Results

A 4‐year‐old boy was diagnosed with severe developmental delay and with specific features (large head, full cheeks, high hairline, low‐set ear, sparse eyebrows, and short neck) similar to his mother (mild intellectual disability, high hairline, reduced hair, ptosis, sagging skin, and hyperkeratosis) and premature aging. Trio whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel maternal c.368dup (p.G124Rfs*72) heterozygous mutation in the HIST1H1E gene. There have been only a few reported cases with mainly de novo mutations. Only six peer‐reviewed articles in English and one in Chinese have been published regarding this syndrome. From 48 children with Rahman syndrome, 21 were males and 27 were females encompassing 25 mutations in the HIST1H1E gene. All mutations located in C‐terminal tail were frameshift mutations leading to premature protein termination.

Conclusion

Rahman syndrome, caused by the HIST1H1E gene mutation, is a rare autosomal dominant disorder in which the patient has an unusual facial appearance with high hairline and full cheeks, and clinical manifestations of mild to severe intellectual disability, motor delay and speech delay. Genetic testing may assist in the diagnosis of these patients. This diagnosis will permit early speech rehabilitation to improve their quality of life.
Benchmarking Accuracy and Generalizability of Four Graph Neural Networks Using Large In Vitro ADME Datasets from Different Chemical Spaces
Authors: Broccatelli Fabio , Trager Richard , Reutlinger Michael , Karypis George , Li Mufei
Published: February 2022

In this work, we benchmark a variety of single‐ and multi‐task graph neural network (GNN) models against lower‐bar and higher‐bar traditional machine learning approaches employing human engineered molecular features. We consider four GNN variants – Graph Convolutional Network (GCN), Graph Attention Network (GAT), Message Passing Neural Network (MPNN), and Attentive Fingerprint (AttentiveFP). So far deep learning models have been primarily benchmarked using lower‐bar traditional models solely based on fingerprints, while more realistic benchmarks employing fingerprints, whole‐molecule descriptors and predictions from other related endpoints (e. g., LogD7.4) appear to be scarce for industrial ADME datasets. In addition to time‐split test sets based on Genentech data, this study benefits from the availability of measurements from an external chemical space (Roche data). We identify GAT as a promising approach to implementing deep learning models. While all the deep learning models significantly outperform lower‐bar benchmark traditional models solely based on fingerprints, only GATs seem to offer a small but consistent improvement over higher‐bar benchmark traditional models. Finally, the accuracy of in vitro assays from different laboratories predicting the same experimental endpoints appears to be comparable with the accuracy of GAT single‐task models, suggesting that most of the observed error from the models is a function of the experimental error propagation.
Prolonged grief disorder and depression are distinguishable syndromes: A latent transition analysis for bereaved family caregivers of cancer patients
Authors: Wen Fur‐Hsing , Prigerson Holly G. , Chou Wen‐Chi , Chen Jen‐Shi , Chang Wen‐Cheng , Hsu Mei Huang , Tang Siew Tzuh
Published: February 2022

Objective

To determine whether distinctive prolonged‐grief‐disorder‐ (PGD) and depressive‐symptom states emerge among family caregivers of cancer patients over their first 2 years of bereavement. This may extend cross‐sectional evidence that PGD and major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms can co‐occur/occur independently and validate their construct distinctiveness.

Methods

In this secondary‐analysis study, PGD symptoms and depressive symptoms were measured over 666 caregivers using 11 grief symptom items of the Prolonged Grief‐13 scale and 16 items of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression scale, respectively. Distinct PGD/depressive‐symptom states were identified by latent transition analysis with dichotomous indicators (presence/absence) of PGD or depressive symptoms.

Results

Four distinct PGD/depressive‐symptom states emerged. The resilient and subthreshold depression‐dominant states showed low and moderate probabilities of the presence of majority of depressive symptoms, respectively, with no PGD symptoms having a greater than moderate probability of presence. The depression‐dominant state was marked by a high probability of the presence for 9 of 16 depressive symptoms, with moderate probabilities for almost all PGD symptoms. The PGD‐depression comorbid state was characterized by a high probability of presence of all PGD symptoms and depressive symptoms, except for moderate probabilities of presence of two depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Our longitudinal identification of a predominantly depressive state but absence of a PGD‐dominant state provides further evidence that PGD and MDD are related but distinct constructs that can occur independently or concurrently as the PGD‐depression comorbid state. When PGD is suspected, bereaved individuals should be assessed for the potential comorbidity of MDD.
Design and Analysis of Power Balance Mode Control Using Digital Control for Boost‐Type DC‐DC Converter
Authors: Kawakami Taichi , Yamada Kenta , Umetani Kazuhiro , Morimoto Shigeo
Published: February 2022

Power balance mode control (PBMC) is a new control method that adds a function of balancing input and output powers to current‐mode control (CMC). As the input power is equal to the output power in a static state, PBMC does not operate, and the control changes to CMC. When there is a fluctuation due to a disturbance, the control to balance the power works because the input power and output powers are different. When the fluctuation is large, the control to balance the power works; when the fluctuation is small, it is equivalent to CMC. In this study, the PBMC operation was analyzed in more detail, and it was found that the PBMC operation and CMC operation switched seamlessly depending on the magnitude of fluctuation. Furthermore, a design method for digital PBMC was developed and analyzed comprehensively through experiments. As a result, even though the frequency characteristics of the open‐loop transfer function and output impedance of PBMC by small‐signal analysis are the same as those of CMC, the output voltage fluctuation is reduced to about 1/3 of that of CMC. Since the PBMC can suppress the output voltage fluctuation without requiring a high gain crossover frequency, it can ensure high response performance, noise rejection, and stability of the control system. In addition, output voltage fluctuations can be suppressed, thus contributing toward downsizing of power conversion circuits and increased power density. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Corruption, foreign aid, and international trade
Authors: Bahoo Salman , Alon Ilan , Floreani Josanco
Published: February 2022

Corruption has varying effects on international trade flows. Through the lenses of the institutional and transaction costs theories, we propose a novel institutional analysis of foreign aid as a formal institution that moderates the negative impact of corruption on international trade. We investigate this framework using a sample of the imports and exports of 30 Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) member countries and their 150 trading partners from 1995 to 2018. We analyze two main types of bilateral foreign aid within this framework: official development assistance and aid for trade. We present three main findings. First, the trading partners' corruption has a negative impact on OECD bilateral imports and exports. Second, both forms of foreign aid moderate the negative effect of the trading partners' corruption on OECD countries' exports. These findings confirm that OECD member countries are willing to export to very corrupt countries. Third, official development assistance does not moderate the relationship between corruption and imports, meaning that OECD countries do not import from corrupt locations. However, aid for trade still moderates the negative impact of corruption on OCED countries' imports. Overall, we confirm that foreign aid negatively moderates the adverse effect of corruption on exports but not on imports. Thus, foreign aid as a formal institution deserves more attention from OECD policymakers and managers of MNEs as a mechanism for reducing corruption and boosting international trade.
Triphenylmethyl Thionitrite: An Efficient NO Transfer Reagent During the Synthesis of a Triruthenium Nitrosyl Cluster
Authors: Heinemann Jan , Böttcher Hans‐Christian
Published: February 2022

The synthesis and structural characterization of the novel triruthenium nitrosyl cluster [Ru3(μ‐NO)(CO)5(μ‐H)(μ‐PBut2)2(μ‐dppm)] (2) is described. Compound 2 was obtained by the reaction of the 46‐valence electron cluster [Ru3(μ‐CO)(CO)4(μ3‐H)(μ‐H)(μ‐PBut2)2(μ‐dppm)] (1) with nitric oxide and on the other hand in a more efficient way by the reaction of 1 with the nitrosyl transfer reagent triphenylmethyl thionitrite (TTN). The reaction of 1 with NO was outlined in dichloromethane whereas the reaction with TTN was realized in THF. Both methods worked at ambient temperature affording compound 2 in high yield. Temporarily we found that the transformation of 1 with NO was accompanied by a fast side‐reaction resulting in a further substitution of CO ligands. The molecular structure of 2 in the crystal was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Investigating decadal variations of the seasonal predictability limit of sea surface temperature in the tropical Pacific
Authors: Hou Zhaolu , Li Jianping , Ding Ruiqiang , Feng Jie
Published: February 2022

El Niño and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO) have a worldwide impact on seasonal to yearly climate. However, there are decadal variations in the seasonal prediction skill of ENSO in dynamical and statistical models; in particular, ENSO prediction skill has declined since 2000. The shortcomings of models mean that it is very important to study ENSO seasonal predictability and its decadal variation using observational/reanalysis data. Here we quantitatively estimate the seasonal predictability limit (PL) of ENSO from 1900 to 2015 using Nonlinear local Lyapunov exponent (NLLE) theory with an observational/reanalysis dataset and explore its decadal variations. The mean PL of sea surface temperature (SST) is high in the central/eastern tropical Pacific and low in the western tropical Pacific, reaching 12–15 and 7–8 months, respectively. The PL in the tropical Pacific varies on a decadal timescale, with an interdecadal standard deviation of up to 2 months in the central tropical Pacific that has similar spatial structure to the mean PL. Taking the PL of SST in the Niño 3.4 region as representative of the PL in the central/eastern tropical Pacific, there are clearly higher values in the 1900s, mid-1930s, mid-1960s, and mid-1990s, and lower values in the 1920s, mid-1940s, and mid-2010s. Meanwhile, the PL of SST in the Niño 6 region—whose average value is 7 months—is in good agreement with the PL of most regions in the western tropical Pacific, with higher values in the 1910s, 1940s, and 1980s and lower values in the 1930s, 1950s, and mid-1990s. In the framework of NLLE theory, the PL is determined by the error growth rate (representing the dissipation rate of the predictable signal) and the saturation value of relative error (representing predictable signal intensity). We reveal that the spatial structure of the mean PL in the tropical Pacific is determined mainly by the error growth rate. The decadal variability of PL is affected more by the variation of the saturation value of relative error in the equatorial Pacific, whereas the error growth rate cannot be ignored in the PL of some regions. As an important source of predictability in ENSO dynamics, the relationship between warm water volume and SST in the Niño 3.4 region has a critical role in the decadal variability of PL in the tropical Pacific through the error growth rate and saturation value of relative error. This strong relationship reduces the error growth rate in the initial period and increases the saturated relative error, contributing to the high PL.
Delirium on stroke units: a prospective, multicentric quality-improvement project
Authors: Nydahl Peter , Baumgarte Friederike , Berg Daniela , Bergjan Manuela , Borzikowsky Christoph , Franke Christiana , Green Diana , Hannig Anisa , Hansen Hans Christian , Hauss Armin , Hansen Uta , Istel Rahel , Krämer Norma , Krause Karita , Lohrmann Renée , Mohammadzadeh-Vazifeh Mohammad , Osterbrink Jürgen , Palm Frederick , Petersen Telse , Schöller Bernd , Stolze Henning , Zilezinski Max , Meyne Johannes , Margraf Nils G.
Published: February 2022

Background

Post-stroke delirium (POD) in patients on stroke units (SU) is associated with an increased risk for complications and poorer clinical outcome. The objective was to reduce the severity of POD by implementing an interprofessional delirium-management.

Methods

Multicentric quality-improvement project on five SU implementing a delirium-management with pre/post-comparison. Primary outcome was severity of POD, assessed with the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). Secondary outcome parameters were POD incidence, duration, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), length of stay in SU and hospital, mortality, and others.

Results

Out of a total of 799 patients, 59.4% (n = 475) could be included with 9.5% (n = 45) being delirious. Implementation of a delirium-management led to reduced POD severity; Nu-DESC median: pre: 3.5 (interquartile range 2.6–4.7) vs. post 3.0 (2.2–4.0), albeit not significant (p = 0.154). Other outcome parameters were not meaningful different. In the post-period, delirium-management could be delivered to 75% (n = 18) of delirious patients, and only 24 (53.3%) of delirious patients required pharmacological treatments. Patients with a more severe stroke and POD remained on their disability levels, compared to similar affected, non-delirious patients who improved.

Conclusions

Implementation of delirium-management on SU is feasible and can be delivered to most patients, but with limited effects. Nursing interventions as first choice could be delivered to the majority of patients, and only the half required pharmacological treatments. Delirium-management may lead to reduced severity of POD but had only partial effects on duration of POD or length of stay. POD hampers rehabilitation, especially in patients with more severe stroke.

Registry

DRKS, DRKS00021436. Registered 04/17/2020, www.drks.de/DRKS00021436.
Alternative prostate cancer grading systems incorporating percent pattern 4/5 (IQ-Gleason) and cribriform architecture (cGrade) improve prediction of outcome after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Seyrek Neslisah , Hollemans Eva , Andrinopoulou Eleni-Rosalina , Osanto Susanne , Pelger Rob C. M. , van der Poel Henk G. , Bekers Elise , Remmers Sebastiaan , Schoots Ivo G. , van Leenders Geert J. L. H.
Published: February 2022

Percentage Gleason pattern 4, invasive cribriform and/or intraductal carcinoma (IC/IDC) and minor pattern 5 are recognized as independent parameters for prostate cancer outcome, but are not incorporated in current grade groups (GGs). Two proof-of-principle studies have proposed alternative grading schemes based on percentage Gleason pattern 4/5 (integrated quantitative Gleason score; IQ-Gleason) and IC/IDC presence (cribriform grade; cGrade). Our objective was to compare the performance of GG, IQ-Gleason and cGrade for predicting biochemical recurrence and metastasis after radical prostatectomy (RP). RP specimens of 1064 patients were pathologically reviewed and graded according to the three schemes. Discriminative power for prediction of biochemical recurrence-free (BCRFS) and metastasis-free (MFS) survival was compared using Harrell’s c-index. The GG distribution at RP was 207 (19.4%) GG1, 472 (44.4%) GG2, 126 (11.8%) GG3, 140 (13.2%) GG4 and 119 (11.2%) GG5. Grading according to 5-tier IQ-Gleason and cGrade systems led to categorical shifts in 49.8% and 29.7% of cases, respectively. Continuous IQ-Gleason had the best performance for predicting BCRFS (c-index 0.743, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.715–0.771), followed by cGrade (c-index 0.738, 95%CI 0.712–0.759), 5-tier categorical IQ-Gleason (c-index 0.723, 95%CI 0.695–0.750) and GG (c-index 0.718, 95%CI 0.691–0.744). Continuous IQ-Gleason (c-index 0.834, 95%CI 0.802–0.863) and cGrade (c-index 0.834, 95%CI 0.808–0.866) both had better predictive value for MFS than categorical IQ-Gleason (c-index 0.823, 95%CI 0.788–0.857) and GG (c-index 0.806, 95%CI 0.777–0.839). In conclusion, the performance of prostate cancer grading can be improved by alternative grading schemes incorporating percent Gleason pattern 4/5 and IC/IDC.
Barriers and facilitators to exercise among adult cancer survivors in Singapore
Authors: Chan Alexandre , Ports Kayleen , Neo Patricia , Ramalingam Mothi Babu , Lim Ang Tee , Tan Benedict , Hart Nicolas H. , Chan Raymond J. , Loh Kiley
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Exercise can help cancer survivors manage sequela, treatment side effects, improve overall quality of life, and is recommended for most. The purpose of this study was to investigate exercise behavior and factors influencing exercise engagement among cancer survivors at the National Cancer Centre, Singapore (NCCS).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was inclusive of survivors of all cancer types and stages who were at least 21 years of age and had undergone chemotherapy at the NCCS. Surveys were utilized to assess survivor barriers and facilitators to exercise and to retrospectively assess physical activity and exercise behaviors at 4 cancer-related time periods (pre-diagnosis and post-diagnosis before, during, or after chemotherapy).

Results

A total of 102 cancer survivors were enrolled; 60% were diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Predominant cancer types included lower gastrointestinal tract (25.5%) and breast cancer (21.6%). Prior to cancer diagnosis, 90.2% of participants reported aerobic activity satisfying NCCN guidelines. Significant reductions in reported exercise, and physical activity, were observed following cancer diagnosis that persisted during chemotherapy. Key exercise facilitators included the desire to remain healthy (86.3%) and to improve sleep and mental well-being (73.5%). Key barriers included side effects of treatment (52.0%). Only 46.1% of survivors reported receiving exercise guidance from healthcare professionals following diagnosis.

Conclusion

Overall, even among this notably active cohort of Singaporean survivors, opportunities for increased exercise engagement throughout the survivorship continuum remain. Increased education regarding the benefits of exercise to survivors as well as guidance regarding exercise modalities including resistance training is greatly needed as well.
Shocks to issue salience and electoral competition
Authors: Aragonès Enriqueta , Ponsatí Clara
Published: February 2022

We propose a two party electoral competition model to analyze the effects of an exogenous shock over the relative issue salience on the strategic policy choices of the parties. We find that both parties strategically shift their policy choices from their ideal points towards the ideal point of the median voter of the newly salient issue. The polarization of the distribution of the voters preferences produces a disadvantage for one of the parties, which is forced to implement a large policy shift. We argue that a large policy shift may break a party internal balance among its different factions, which in turn may produce important disruptions in the party system. We illustrate our arguments with an analysis of recent events in Catalonia and the UK.
Drivers of ecosystem vulnerability to Corbicula invasions in southeastern North America
Authors: Ferreira-Rodríguez Noé , Gangloff Michael , Shafer Gregory , Atkinson Carla L.
Published: February 2022

Invasive species introduction is one of the major ongoing ecological global crises. Identifying factors responsible for the success of invasive species is key for the implementation of effective management actions. The invasive filter-feeding bivalve, Corbicula, is of particular interest because it has become ubiquitous in many river basins across North America and elsewhere. Here we sampled bivalve assemblages, environmental indicators, and land cover parameters in the Ouachita highlands in southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas, and in the Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama to test three working models (using structural equation modeling, SEM) based on a priori scientific knowledge regarding Corbicula invasions. Our models tested three competing hypotheses: (1) Native mussel declines are related to land use changes at the watershed level and subsequent Corbicula colonization is a result of an empty niche; (2) Corbicula abundance is one of the factors responsible for native mussel declines and has an interactive effect with land use change at the watershed level; (3) Native mussel declines and Corbicula success are both related to land use changes at the watershed level. We found no evidence for the first two hypotheses. However, we found that environmental indicators and land cover parameters at the watershed scale were robust predictors of Corbicula abundance. In particular, agricultural land cover was positively related with Corbicula density. These results suggest that further improvement of conventional agricultural practices including the optimization of fertilizer delivery systems may represent an opportunity to manage this species by limiting nutrient inputs to stream ecosystems. Preservation of extensive floodplain habitats may help buffer these inputs by providing key ecosystem services including sediment and nutrient retention.
The Protective Role of Celastrol in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Activating Nrf2/HO-1, PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathways, Modulating NF-κb Signaling Pathways, and Inhibiting ERK Phosphorylation
Authors: Younis Nancy S. , Ghanim Amal M. H.
Published: February 2022

Celastrol, a natural triterpenoid derived from Tripterygium wilfordii, possesses numerous biological effects. We investigated celastrol’s antioxidant potential through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and its effect on phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) rat model. Rats were given celastrol 2 mg/kg orally for 1 week before subjection to renal ischemia-reperfusion surgery. Kidney functions, renal MDA, and reduced glutathione were determined; also, renal levels of ERK1/2, HO-1, PI3K, IL-6, TNF-α, IκBα, NF-κB/p65, and cleaved caspase-3 were measured. In addition, gene expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), Nrf-2, and AKT were determined. Celastrol pretreatment attenuated oxidative stress and increased Nrf2 gene expression and HO-1 level. Also, it activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and decreased the p-ERK:t- ERK ratio and NFκBp65 level, with a remarkable decrease in inflammatory cytokines and cleaved caspase-3 levels compared with those in renal IRI rats. Conclusively, celastrol showed a reno-protective potential against renal IRI by suppressing oxidative stress through enhancing the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, augmenting cell survival PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, and reducing inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB activation.
Synchronous Tremor Modulation During the Passage of 2012 Super-typhoon Jelawat in Nankai Trough: By Chance or Real Consequence?
Authors: Kundu Bhaskar
Published: February 2022

Episodic tremor and slow-slip events are sensitive to the exogenous stress perturbations process. Although tidal and remote triggering phenomena of tremors are well-established facts; however, the triggering mechanism induced by low-barometric pressure of typhoons or larger storms remains poorly addressed. In this paper, a time-synchronous tremor modulation is presented from the northern Kii Peninsula in western Japan, associated with a large Super Typhoon Jelawat, which occurred on September 30, 2012. It has been argued that such tremor excitation may not be correlated with other types of signal, such as the short-term or long-term slow-slip events, tidal effect, or remote triggering. The atmospheric low-pressure condition during the passage of super typhoon Jelawat causes vertical crustal uplift by a negative load and hence possibly enhances the thrust motion due to unclamping effects on the fault. Therefore, it is suggested that the synchronous tremor modulation process in the northern Kii Peninsula is a real consequence induced by super typhoon Jelawat.
Earthquake Swarm and Quiescence Precursory to the NE Himalaya 2011 Sikkim Earthquake (M 6.9)
Authors: Parija Mahesh Prasad
Published: February 2022

The September 18, 2011 earthquake of M 6.9 has been critically examined and found to be associated with episodes of precursory swarms, quiescence, mainshock and aftershocks. This earthquake was clearly preceded by precursory swarm activity for almost one year followed by quiescence for one year. The precursory swarm and quiescence period consists of four earthquake swarms and one foreshock event of magnitude (mb ≥ 4.5) in the epicenter preparatory zone of the 2011 Sikkim earthquake. The 2011 Sikkim earthquake recorded about five aftershocks of magnitude (mb) ≥ 4.5 between 2011 and 2014 for the same region. This study shows that the 2011 Sikkim earthquake followed the same sequence of activities as observed for other major earthquakes in the northeast Himalaya.
Petrography and Geochemistry of Sandstones of Eocene Kopili Formation, Shillong Plateau: Implications on Paleo-weathering, Provenance and Tectonic Setting
Authors: Sonowal Poly , Khan Tavheed , Gogoi Mousumi , Kumar T. Satish , Walling Temsulemba , Phukan Sarat
Published: February 2022

Geochemical and mineralogical studies were carried out on the sandstones of the Eocene Kopili Formation, Shillong Plateau to evaluate paleo-weathering, provenance and tectonic setting. The study area is located on the bank of the Lubha River along the Badarpur-Jowai road section. The Kopili Formation is represented by a sequence of alternation of shales and sandstones. The sandstone beds are usually thin, fine grained, ferruginous and mostly parallel laminated. The thickness of the sandstone beds increases towards the top with decreasing numbers of shale beds. Petrographically the sandstones are dominated by monocrystalline and polycrystalline quartz followed by feldspar, mica and rock fragments. The matrix content does not exceed 15% and hence the sandstones can be classified as arenite. The Kopili sandstones are classified as quartz arenite to sublitharenite, and arkose to sublitharenite based on their petrographic and geochemical parameters respectively. Arenitic composition and high SiO2/Al2O3 ratio indicate that the Kopili sandstones are highly mature. The weathering indices mostly indicate low to moderate (except 49D sample) degree of chemical weathering under arid to semi humid climatic conditions. The major and trace element-based diagrams and their ratios indicate that the Kopili sandstone received sediments from felsic dominated source with minor contribution from basic source rocks and are deposited in tectonically passive margin setting.
Reuse of Waste Plastics in Developing Countries: Properties of Waste Plastic-Sand Composites
Authors: Kumi-Larbi Jnr Alexander , Galpin Richard , Manjula Silva , Lenkiewicz Zoe , Cheeseman Christopher
Published: February 2022

Waste plastics are a major problem in developing countries, where efficient collection and recycling systems often do not exist. Plastic bonded sand composites provide a low-cost recycling alternative for selected waste plastics. This research has investigated the production and properties of plastic bonded sand manufactured using low-density and high-density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE). Plastic bonded sand production in The Gambia was used as a case study to identify potential barriers to the technology. Processing was done by oven moulding, or a heat-mixing technique, and the properties of the LDPE and HDPE bonded sand samples formed have been determined. Processing at temperatures between 250 °C and 325 °C produced optimum compressive and flexural strengths. Higher processing temperatures reduced strength and lower temperatures produced inhomogeneous samples. Thermal plastic degradation occurs at 400 °C in N2 and 250 °C in air. Processing at temperatures below 250 °C in anoxic conditions is necessary to control off-gases. The optimum sand addition to produce the highest compressive strength was between 65 and 80%, depending on the sand particle size. HDPE produced higher maximum compressive strengths (37.1 MPa) compared to LDPE (27.2 MPa). Plastic bonded sand has increased strength, toughness, ductility, and thermal conductivity compared to C20/25 concrete and sandcrete and it can be used for wall construction blocks and paving tiles. The potential applications and implications of processing waste plastics in developing countries into plastic bonded sand are discussed.

Graphical Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Feng Yanru , Luo Jialin , Liu Peng , Zhu Yuan , Cheng Guoping , Zheng Linfeng , Liu Luying
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the role of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Methods

Between February 2012 and February 2018, 103 patients with LARC treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (neoCRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) were included. PD-L1, mTOR and p-mTOR of pair-matched pre-neoCRT biopsies and post-neoCRT surgical tissue were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The mean combined positive score (CPS), tumor proportion score (TPS) and immune cell score (IC) of pre-neoCRT were 2.24 (0–70), 1.87 (0–70) and 0.67 (0–10), respectively. The mean CPS, TPS and IC of post-neoCRT were 2.19 (0–80), 1.38 (0–80) and 1.60 (0–20), respectively. Significant difference was observed in terms of IC between pre-neoCRT and post-neoCRT (p = 0.010). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate of the whole group was 62.4%. Multivariate analysis by Cox model indicated that pre-neoCRT TPS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.052, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.020–1.086, p = 0.001] and post-neoCRT CPS (HR 0.733, 95% CI 0.555–0.967, p = 0.028) were associated with DFS. In the 89 patients without pathological complete response, p-mTOR and IC were upregulated after neoCRT.

Conclusions

For patients with LARC treated by neoCRT and TME, p-mTOR and IC were upregulated after neoCRT. Pre-neoCRT TPS and post-neoCRT CPS were independent prognostic predictors of DFS.
Compound urban crises
Authors: Westman Linda , Patterson James , Macrorie Rachel , Orr Christopher J. , Ashcraft Catherine M. , Castán Broto Vanesa , Dolan Dana , Gupta Mukesh , van der Heijden Jeroen , Hickmann Thomas , Hobbins Robert , Papin Marielle , Robin Enora , Rosan Christina , Torrens Jonas , Webb Robert
Published: February 2022

The crises that cities face—such as climate change, pandemics, economic downturn, and racism—are tightly interlinked and cannot be addressed in isolation. This paper addresses compound urban crises as a unique type of problem, in which discrete solutions that tackle each crisis independently are insufficient. Few scholarly debates address compound urban crises and there is, to date, a lack of interdisciplinary insights to inform urban governance responses. Combining ideas from complex adaptive systems and critical urban studies, we develop a set of boundary concepts (unsettlement, unevenness, and unbounding) to understand the complexities of compound urban crises from an interdisciplinary perspective. We employ these concepts to set a research agenda on compound urban crises, highlighting multiple interconnections between urban politics and global dynamics. We conclude by suggesting how these entry points provide a theoretical anchor to develop practical insights to inform and reform urban governance.
The spectrum of building block conformers sustains the biophysical properties of clinically-oriented self-assembling protein nanoparticles
Authors: Voltà-Durán Eric , Sánchez Julieta M. , López-Laguna Hèctor , Parladé Eloi , Sánchez-García Laura , Sánchez-Chardi Alejandro , de Marco Ario , Unzueta Ugutz , Vázquez Esther , Villaverde Antonio
Published: February 2022

Histidine-rich peptides confer self-assembling properties to recombinant proteins through the supramolecular coordination with divalent cations. This fact allows the cost-effective, large-scale generation of microscopic and macroscopic protein materials with intriguing biomedical properties. Among such materials, resulting from the simple bioproduction of protein building blocks, homomeric nanoparticles are of special value as multivalent interactors and drug carriers. Interestingly, we have here identified that the assembly of a given His-tagged protein might render distinguishable categories of self-assembling protein nanoparticles. This fact has been scrutinized through the nanobody-containing fusion proteins EM1-GFP-H6 and A3C8-GFP-H6, whose biosynthesis results in two distinguishable populations of building blocks. In one of them, the assembling and disassembling is controllable by cations. However, a second population immediately self-assembles upon purification through a non-regulatable pathway, rendering larger nanoparticles with specific biological properties. The structural analyses of both model proteins and nanoparticles revealed important conformational variability in the building blocks. This fact renders different structural and functional categories of the final soft materials resulting from the participation of energetically unstable intermediates in the oligomerization process. These data illustrate the complexity of the Hismediated protein assembling in recombinant proteins but they also offer clues for a better design and refinement of protein-based nanomedicines, which, resulting from biological fabrication, show an architectonic flexibility unusual among biomaterials.
Clinical view of gynecologic intraoperative frozen section diagnosis
Authors: Olawaiye Alexander B. , Zhao Chengquan
Published: February 2022

Intraoperative consultation includes gross evaluation and frozen section, which is an integral component of surgical oncology for many reasons. First, it allows appropriate surgical procedures to be undertaken. Second, it can potentially protect the patient from a second procedure. Third, it helps towards counselling of patients and their family members and lastly, it facilitates early management planning. Utilization of frozen section is justified by the reported sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values all of which are as high as 90-100% in some studies. It is very important for gynecologists to have good communication with pathologists, especially for cases with an indeterminate, frozen result. Discussion with the pathologist can help the gynecologist understand the diagnostic dilemma and the differential diagnosis, which can help them make best surgical decisions.
Firm-specific characteristics, political connections, and financial outcomes: Evidence from Indian firms
Authors: Komera Surender Rao , Tiwari Santosh Kumar
Published: February 2022

Our selection and endogeneity corrected findings suggest that firms' political connections negatively influence their market value. We find that firms with a larger size, more operationally efficient in utilizing their assets, and those operating in more concentrated industries benefit more from the political connections than the otherwise corresponding firms. We also report that political connections do not influence firms' leverage choices. However, we find that politically connected firms with higher leverage have significantly lower market value. Further, we note that political connections help the firms operating in unregulated but more concentrated industries, probably to obtain ‘private benefits’, leading to their higher market value. Overall, our results indicate that the effect of political connections is not homogeneous across the sample firms. They also raise questions on the motivation of sample firms' political connections, suggesting that these firms probably obtain political connections for reasons other than enhancing their market value.
Epidemiology of extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacterales in five US sites participating in the Emerging Infections Program, 2017
Authors: Duffy Nadezhda , Karlsson Maria , Reses Hannah E. , Campbell Davina , Daniels Jonathan , Stanton Richard A. , Janelle Sarah J. , Schutz Kyle , Bamberg Wendy , Rebolledo Paulina A. , Bower Chris , Blakney Rebekah , Jacob Jesse T. , Phipps Erin C. , Flores Kristina G. , Dumyati Ghinwa , Kopin Hannah , Tsay Rebecca , Kainer Marion A. , Muleta Daniel , Byrd-Warner Benji , Grass Julian E. , Lutgring Joseph D. , Rasheed J. Kamile , Elkins Christopher A. , Magill Shelley S. , See Isaac
Published: February 2022

Objective

The incidence of infections from extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) is increasing in the United States. We describe the epidemiology of ESBL-E at 5 Emerging Infections Program (EIP) sites.

Methods

During October–December 2017, we piloted active laboratory- and population-based (New York, New Mexico, Tennessee) or sentinel (Colorado, Georgia) ESBL-E surveillance. An incident case was the first isolation from normally sterile body sites or urine of Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae/oxytoca resistant to ≥1 extended-spectrum cephalosporin and nonresistant to all carbapenems tested at a clinical laboratory from a surveillance area resident in a 30-day period. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) performed reference antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing on a convenience sample of case isolates.

Results

We identified 884 incident cases. The estimated annual incidence in sites conducting population-based surveillance was 199.7 per 100,000 population. Overall, 800 isolates (96%) were from urine, and 790 (89%) were E. coli. Also, 393 cases (47%) were community-associated. Among 136 isolates (15%) tested at the CDC, 122 (90%) met the surveillance definition phenotype; 114 (93%) of 122 were shown to be ESBL producers by clavulanate testing. In total, 111 (97%) of confirmed ESBL producers harbored a blaCTX-M gene. Among ESBL-producing E. coli isolates, 52 (54%) were ST131; 44% of these cases were community associated.

Conclusions

The burden of ESBL-E was high across surveillance sites, with nearly half of cases acquired in the community. EIP has implemented ongoing ESBL-E surveillance to inform prevention efforts, particularly in the community and to watch for the emergence of new ESBL-E strains.
Occupational risk factors for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare personnel: A 6-month prospective analysis of the COVID-19 Prevention in Emory Healthcare Personnel (COPE) Study
Authors: Howard-Anderson Jessica R. , Adams Carly , Dube William C. , Smith Teresa C. , Sherman Amy C. , Edupuganti Neena , Mendez Minerva , Chea Nora , Magill Shelley S. , Espinoza Daniel O. , Zhu Yerun , Phadke Varun K. , Edupuganti Srilatha , Steinberg James P. , Lopman Benjamin A. , Jacob Jesse T. , Fridkin Scott K. , Collins Matthew H.
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

To determine the incidence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare personnel (HCP) and to assess occupational risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Design:

Prospective cohort of healthcare personnel (HCP) followed for 6 months from May through December 2020.

Setting:

Large academic healthcare system including 4 hospitals and affiliated clinics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Participants:

HCP, including those with and without direct patient-care activities, working during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods:

Incident SARS-CoV-2 infections were determined through serologic testing for SARS-CoV-2 IgG at enrollment, at 3 months, and at 6 months. HCP completed monthly surveys regarding occupational activities. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify occupational factors that increased the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results:

Of the 304 evaluable HCP that were seronegative at enrollment, 26 (9%) seroconverted for SARS-CoV-2 IgG by 6 months. Overall, 219 participants (73%) self-identified as White race, 119 (40%) were nurses, and 121 (40%) worked on inpatient medical-surgical floors. In a multivariable analysis, HCP who identified as Black race were more likely to seroconvert than HCP who identified as White (odds ratio, 4.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–14.2). Increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection was not identified for any occupational activity, including spending >50% of a typical shift at a patient’s bedside, working in a COVID-19 unit, or performing or being present for aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs).

Conclusions:

In our study cohort of HCP working in an academic healthcare system, <10% had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection over 6 months. No specific occupational activities were identified as increasing risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
“A Definitive but Unsatisfying Answer”: The Evangelical Response to Gay Christians
Authors: Neumann David J.
Published: February 2022

As an amorphous, nonhierarchical collection of associations, evangelicalism has always lacked a clear source of authority. Since Christianity Today's beginning in 1956, it has aspired to serve as the mouthpiece of authoritative evangelical views, presenting itself as the voice of moderation while espousing conservative views with a combative, culture-war stance. With the emergence of the gay rights movement, evangelicals launched a culture war against “homosexuals” as the implicitly secular, liberal Other and then were forced to wrestle with how to apply this stance toward their gay Christian brothers and sisters. Evangelicals' self-conception led to a contradictory stance that they managed to maintain with little variation for decades. Committed to biblical inerrancy, they were definitive in condemning gay sexual behavior, but as self-identified postfundamentalists, they also desired to be compassionate toward gay people. They encouraged gay Christians to change their sexual orientation and simultaneously admitted that such change was impossible for most. Though evangelicals were slow to welcome the ex-gay movement, they eventually embraced it fully as the only plausible escape from their contradictory ideology. The collapse of the movement thus came as a major blow. Many evangelicals began to question the premise that sexual orientation was a chosen, changeable identity and began to rethink the theology of inerrancy that undergirded evangelical hermeneutics. Since 2010, a number of evangelical leaders have challenged CT's claim to represent the evangelical consensus on the issue. In the coming years, the progressive views of younger evangelicals will undoubtedly increase acceptance of same-sex relationships.
The effect of infant vitamin B12supplementation on neurodevelopment: a follow-up of a randomised placebo-controlled trial in Nepal
Authors: Ulak Manjeswori , Kvestad Ingrid , Chandyo Ram Krishna , Ranjitkar Suman , Hysing Mari , Schwinger Catherine , Shrestha Merina , Basnet Sudha , Shrestha Laxman P. , Strand Tor A.
Published: February 2022

The most critical period for brain development is before a child’s second birthday. Standardised tests measuring neurodevelopment are more reliable when administered after this period. Severe vitamin B12deficiency affects brain development and function. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 600 Nepalese infants (6–11 months at enrolment), we found no effect of 2 µg vitamin B12daily for a year on neurodevelopment. The primary objective of the current study was to measure the effect of the intervention on the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ). We measured the effect on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd edition at age 30–35 months (n555). At age 42–47 months (n533), we used the WPPSI-IV and subtests from the Neuropsychological Assessment, 2nd edition (NEPSY-II). We also used the FSIQ to estimate subgroup specific effects. The mean (sd) WPPSI-IV FSIQ in the vitamin B12group was 84·4 (8·4) and 85·0 (8·6) in the placebo group (mean difference −0·5 (95 % CI -1·97, 0·94),P= 0·48). There were no effect of the vitamin B12on any of the other neurodevelopmental outcomes and no beneficial effect in any of the subgroups. In conclusion, providing 2 µg of vitamin B12for a year in infants at risk of vitamin B12deficiency does not improve preschool cognitive function.
‘Navigating’ the Value of Lived Experience in Support Work with Multiply Disadvantaged Adults
Authors: PARR SADIE
Published: February 2022

This article furthers understanding of the value of experiential knowledge for social policy and practice. It draws on new empirical material to critically explore the opportunities and challenges inherent in lived experience support work with multiply disadvantaged adults. Reflecting on the experiences of those delivering a ‘navigator’ service, particular attention is paid to an ambiguity around the ways in which experiential knowledge might generate more productive models of relationship-based work, the positioning of lived experience in relation to ‘expert’ ways of knowing as well as the potential risks that the navigator role poses to those employed in the position. The discussion is situated within a wider body of literature that helps us to understand these practical, ideological and political tensions within the wider context of neoliberal welfare reforms.