bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delphi study for evaluating critical success factors (CSFs) for PPP power projects in Ghana
Authors: Kukah Augustine Senanu Komla , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Badu Edward , Edwards David John 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
This study aims to identify the critical success factors of public private partnership (PPP) power projects in Ghana and further evaluates the most significant critical success factors (CSFs) influencing both the public and private sector participation in PPP power projects.

Design/methodology/approach
Ranking-type Delphi survey in two rounds was conducted to establish a comprehensive list of critical success factors of PPP power projects. Using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, experts were targeted for the Delphi survey. Mean score ranking, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Kendall’s concordance were used for analysis.

Findings
From the list of 37 critical success factors, 9 CSFs were deemed to be extremely significant. The five topmost CSFs were as follows: shared authority, trust and communication between public and private sectors; necessity of power project; debt guarantee to enable private partner to raise funds from the local or international financial markets; appropriate risk allocation and risk sharing; and thorough and realistic assessment of cost, projections and benefits.

Originality/value
The CSFs identified and prioritized in this study have the propensity to trigger policy development towards the PPP power sector in Ghana and developing countries that shares similar context. This is because the study has wide implications for financing, politics, procurement, regulations, legal and capacity building.
Do environmental, social and governance practices affect portfolio returns? Evidence from the US stock market from 2002 to 2020
Authors: Kabderian Dreyer Johannes , Moreira Mateus , Smith William T. , Sharma Vivek 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate whether environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices influence stock returns in the US stock market, looking at the period from 2002 to 2020.Design/methodology/approachThe authors quasi-replicate two reference articles that found that socially responsible funds used to underperform, but that this underperformance tendency has disappeared in more recent periods.FindingsUsing US data, the authors show that independent of the ESG database used, portfolios of neutral stocks present consistently higher systematic risk (beta) than ESG portfolios, although this difference decreases over time. This may be due to the significant increase in demand for ESG portfolios in the past decade, and their consequent price inflation and increase in volatility. However, concerning risk-adjusted returns and contrary to the authors’ reference literature, the results are highly dependent on the rating provider used, and neither support underperformance nor indicate a tendency over time. These inconsistent results suggest that the “ESG label” is not a determinant of portfolio performance.Research limitations/implicationsIf ESG ratings are a legitim benchmark for sustainability, then the costs of going sustainable in stock portfolios might be marginal for fund managers.Originality/valueTwo different ESG-rating agencies, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and Thomson Reuters, are used to identify sustainable stocks. Different from the literature, the authors selected stocks for their portfolios stochastically following a uniform probability distribution, thus avoiding fund manager bias.
Significance of anti‐desmocollin autoantibodies in pemphigus
Authors: Ishii Norito 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe major autoantigens for pemphigus are desmogleins (Dsgs), cell–cell adhesive structure proteins, one of the desmosomal cadherins. Recent progress in molecular biology has revealed that IgG autoantibodies of classical pemphigus react with Dsg1 or Dsg3. Desmocollins (Dscs) also belong to the cadherin supergene family that provides structure to the desmosomes and play an important role in cell‐to‐cell adhesion. In addition to the presence of four desmosomal Dsg isoforms, i.e. Dsg1‐4, Dsc1, 2 and 3, all of which are derived from different genes, Dsc1 has been previously identified as the target antigen of IgA autoantibodies in the subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD)‐type of intercellular IgA dermatosis. In addition to the IgA anti‐Dsc1 autoantiboides, the presence of IgG anti‐Dsc autoantibodies is described in patients of some autoimmune bullous diseases. In particular, the current pemphigus detecting autoantibodies to Dscs has shown a tendency in atypical variants of pemphigus. Therefore, autoantibodies against Dscs alone may cause detachment of cell–cell adhesion in the epidermis in some pemphigus. However, except for the findings of a few in vitro and in vivo studies, there is currently no clear evidence for the pathogenicity of anti‐Dsc autoantibodies in pemphigus, whereas significance of anti‐Dsg autoantibodies is well established. This article describes the structure and function of the Dscs, and explores the evidence regarding the pathogenic role of anti‐Dsc autoantibodies in pemphigus.
Unique protein signatures evolve during the course of a delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction in human skin
Authors: Han Joseph , Stratman Scott , Young Jade N. , Poplausky Dina , Owji Shayan , Luu Yen , Estrada Yeriel , Correa da Rosa Joel , Krueger James G. , Gulati Nicholas 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDiphencyprone (DPCP) is a hapten that causes a delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction when applied topically. It has clinical uses in the treatment of various conditions such as melanoma metastases, warts, and alopecia areata, but the mechanisms are currently not well understood in humans. To further characterize the immunologic effects of DPCP, the authors performed a proteomic analysis of normal skin of eight healthy volunteers following a single application of DPCP and compared them with placebo‐treated skin from the same volunteers. A total of 96 proteins were examined using the Olink immuno‐oncology panel at 3 days (peak response), 14 days (partially resolved response), and 120 days (completely resolved response). Our analysis revealed significant upregulation of markers of immune cell activation (interleukin [IL] 8), vascular and tissue remodeling (matrix metallopeptidase 12 [MMP12], nitric oxide synthase 3 [NOS3]), antineoplastic markers (granzyme B [GZMB]), and the Th1 axis (interferon gamma [IFNG], chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand [CXCL] 9, CXCL10, CXCL11) at days 3 and 14 compared with placebo (p < 0.05). In addition, several negative regulators of immune function such as programmed cell death 1 (PD1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1) (p < 0.001), and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3) (p < 0.05) were significantly upregulated at days 3 and 14. This induction of negative regulators may explain the seemingly paradoxical therapeutic benefits of DPCP in autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata. The current analysis also indicated IL‐4 upregulation only at day 3, followed by IL‐12 upregulation only at day 14, suggesting a transient Th2 response followed by Th1 polarization. Overall, these data suggest a complex and evolving immunological delayed‐type hypersensitivity response to a single application of DPCP over time. Future proteomic studies of samples from patients with melanoma metastases, warts, and alopecia areata treated long term with DPCP are needed to further evaluate its pharmacologic mechanisms.
KaiC‐like proteins contribute to stress resistance and biofilm formation in environmental Pseudomonas species
Authors: Terrettaz Céline , Cabete Bruno , Geiser Johan , Valentini Martina , Gonzalez Diego 
Published: December 2022

AbstractKaiC is the central cog of the circadian clock in Cyanobacteria. Close homologues of this protein are widespread among nonphotosynthetic bacteria, but the function, interaction network, and mechanism of action of these proteins are still largely unknown. Here, we focus on KaiC homologues found in environmental Pseudomonas species. Using bioinformatics, we describe the distribution of this protein family in the genus and reveal a conserved interaction network comprising a histidine kinase and response regulator. We characterize experimentally the only KaiC homologue present in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and Pseudomonas protegens CHA0. Through phenotypic assays and transcriptomics, we show that KaiC is involved in osmotic and oxidative stress resistance in P. putida and in biofilm production in both species. KaiC homologues are found in different phosphorylation states and physically interact with a cognate histidine kinase and response regulator. In contrast with cyanobacterial counterparts, the expression and phosphorylation of KaiC homologues do not correlate with light variations under 12:12 light: dark cycles in either Pseudomonas species, and KaiC itself is not required to support a light‐driven behaviour in P. putida. Overall, this suggests that KaiC homologues in Pseudomonas species are involved in environmental stress resistance but not in responses to diurnal rhythms.
Income‐related disparities in Medicare advantage behavioral health care quality
Authors: Breslau Joshua , Haviland Amelia M. , Klein David J. , Martino Steven , Adams John , Dembosky Jacob W. , Tamayo Loida , Gaillot Sarah , Overton Yvette , Elliott Marc N. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo inform efforts to improve equity in the quality of behavioral health care by examining income‐related differences in performance on HEDIS behavioral health measures in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.Data Sources and Study SettingReporting Year 2019 MA HEDIS data were obtained and analyzed.Study DesignLogistic regression models were used to estimate differences in performance related to enrollee income, adjusting for sex, age, and race‐and‐ethnicity. Low‐income enrollees were identified by Dual Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid or receipt of the Low‐Income Subsidy (DE/LIS). Models without and with random effects for plans were used to estimate overall and within‐plan differences in measure performance. Heterogeneity by race‐and‐ethnicity in the associations of low‐income with behavioral health quality were examined using models with interaction terms.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsData were included for all MA contracts in the 50 states and the District of Columbia that collect HEDIS data.Principal FindingsFor six of the eight measures, enrollees with DE/LIS coverage were more likely to have behavioral health conditions that qualify for HEDIS measures than higher income enrollees. In mixed‐effects logistic regression models, DE/LIS coverage was associated with statistically significantly worse overall performance on five measures, with four large (>5 percentage point) differences (−7.5 to −11.1 percentage points) related to follow‐up after hospitalization and avoidance of drug‐disease interactions. Where the differences were large, they were primarily within‐plan rather than between‐plan. Interactions between DE/LIS and race‐and‐ethnicity were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all measures; income‐based quality gaps were larger for White enrollees than for Black or Hispanic enrollees.ConclusionsLow income is associated with lower performance on behavioral health HEDIS measures in MA, but these associations differ across racial‐and‐ethnic groups. Improving care integration and addressing barriers to care for low‐income enrollees may improve equity across income levels in behavioral health care.
Peripheral blood subpopulations of Bregs producing IL‐35 in women with endometriosis
Authors: Slawek Anna , Lorek Daria , Kedzierska Anna Ewa , Kubik Paulina , Pajak Jaroslaw , Chrobak Agnieszka , Chelmonska‐Soyta Anna 
Published: December 2022

AbstractProblemInterleukin 35 (IL‐35) is involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis by suppressing immunoreaction and promoting endometrial cell proliferation. It may also be an essential cytokine in forming the immunosuppressive functions of regulatory B lymphocytes (Bregs). The involvement of Bregs in the pathogenesis of endometriosis has not been previously investigated. In this study, we determined the frequencies of different Breg subpopulations, namely, B10, immature B‐cells, and plasmablasts, and their abilities to produce IL‐35 in women with endometriosis compared to healthy women.MethodsThe frequencies of different subpopulations of Bregs producing IL‐35 were measured in the peripheral blood of women with endometriosis (total pool), women with deep infiltration endometriosis (DIE), women with ovarian endometriosis, and healthy women as a control by flow cytometry.ResultsWe observed a decrease in the percentage of B10 cells and plasmablasts in women with endometriosis and an increase in the percentage of these Breg populations producing IL‐35 in the same experimental group. Interestingly, we also revealed that women with DIE had increased percentages of B10 cells and plasmablasts producing IL‐35.ConclusionTaken together, our findings are the first to reveal the frequencies of different subpopulations of Bregs producing IL‐35 in women with endometriosis. The results suggest that IL‐35 expression in B lymphocytes could be used as a peripheral marker of endometriosis; however, further studies are needed.
Metabolic assessment in children with neuromuscular disorders shows risk of liver enlargement, steatosis and fibrosis
Authors: Naume Marie Mostue , Jørgensen Marianne Hørby , Høi‐Hansen Christina Engel , Born Alfred Peter , Vissing John , Borgwardt Lise , Stærk Dorte Marianne Rohde , Ørngreen Mette Cathrine 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to conduct a metabolic and nutritional assessment of children with neuromuscular disorders, including the investigation of the liver and bone mineral density.MethodsIn this observational study, we included 44 children with neuromuscular disorders. The nutritional status, bone health and liver were assessed by ultrasound, transient elastography, dual X‐ray absorptiometry scan, blood samples, anthropometric measurements and 3‐day diet registration.ResultsLiver involvement was found in 31.0%: liver enlargement in 7.1%, steatosis in 4.8%, fibrosis in 14.3% and liver enlargement together with steatosis or fibrosis was found in 4.8%. These changes were found in 9/23 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 4/9 patients with spinal muscular atrophy type II and 0/12 patients with other neuromuscular diagnoses. Low bone mineral density was found in 44.0% of the patients, though the majority used daily vitamin D and calcium supplements. Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency was found in 22.6%.ConclusionThe metabolic assessment in children with neuromuscular disorders shows an increased risk of liver enlargement, steatosis and fibrosis. Possible causes are obesity, decreased mobility, low skeletal muscle mass and for a subgroup the use of glucocorticoids. The findings suggest that monitoring liver function should be part of the nutritional assessment in patients with neuromuscular disorders.
Proof‐of‐concept randomized controlled trial of single‐session nitrous oxide treatment for refractory bipolar depression: Focus on cerebrovascular target engagement
Authors: Kim William S. H. , Dimick Mikaela K. , Omrin Danielle , Mitchell Rachel H. B. , Riegert Daniel , Levitt Anthony , Schaffer Ayal , Belo Susan , Iazzetta John , Detzler Garfield , Choi Mabel , Choi Stephen , Herrmann Nathan , McIntyre Roger S. , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Orser Beverley A. , Goldstein Benjamin I. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere remain few efficacious treatments for bipolar depression, which dominates the course of bipolar disorder (BD). Despite multiple studies reporting associations between depression and cerebral blood flow (CBF), little is known regarding CBF as a treatment target, or predictor and/or indicator of treatment response, in BD. Nitrous oxide, an anesthetic gas with vasoactive and putative antidepressant properties, has a long history as a neuroimaging probe. We undertook an experimental medicine paradigm, coupling in‐scanner single‐session nitrous oxide treatment of bipolar depression with repeated measures of CBF.MethodsIn this double‐blind randomized controlled trial, 25 adults with BD I/II and current treatment‐refractory depression received either: (1) nitrous oxide (20 min at 25% concentration) plus intravenous saline (n = 12), or (2) medical air plus intravenous midazolam (2 mg total; n = 13). Study outcomes included changes in depression severity (Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale scores, primary) and changes in CBF (via arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging).ResultsThere were no significant between‐group differences in 24‐h post‐treatment MADRS change or treatment response. However, the nitrous oxide group had significantly greater same‐day reductions in depression severity. Lower baseline regional CBF predicted greater 24‐h post‐treatment MADRS reductions with nitrous oxide but not midazolam. In region‐of‐interest and voxel‐wise analyses, there was a pattern of regional CBF reductions following treatment with midazolam versus nitrous oxide.ConclusionsPresent findings, while tentative and based on secondary endpoints, suggest differential associations of nitrous oxide versus midazolam with bipolar depression severity and cerebral hemodynamics. Larger studies integrating neuroimaging targets and repeated nitrous oxide treatment sessions are warranted.
Hydrothermal silicification and hypogene dissolution of an exhumed Neoproterozoic carbonate sequence in Brazil: Insights from fluid inclusion microthermometry and silicon‐oxygen isotopes
Authors: Pisani Luca , Koltai Gabriella , Dublyansky Yuri , Kleine Barbara I. , Whitehouse Martin J. , Skrzypek Etienne , Carbone Cristina , Spötl Christoph , Antonellini Marco , Bezerra Francisco H. , De Waele Jo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHypogene dissolution‐precipitation processes strongly affect the petrophysical properties of carbonate rocks and fluid migration pathways in sedimentary basins. In many deep carbonate reservoirs, hypogene cavernous voids are often associated with silicified horizons. The diagenesis of silica in carbonate sequences is still a poorly‐investigated research topic. Studies exploring the complexity of silica dissolution‐precipitation patterns in hypogene cave analogues are therefore fundamental to unravel the diagenetic and speleogenetic processes that may affect this kind of reservoir. In this work, we investigated an exhumed and silicified Neoproterozoic carbonate sequence in Brazil hosting a 1.4 km‐long cave. Quartz mineralization and silicified textures were analyzed with a multidisciplinary approach combining petrography, fluid inclusion microthermometry, silicon‐oxygen stable isotope analyses and U‐Th‐Pb dating of monazite crystals. We found that an early silicification event caused the replacement of the dolostone layers with micro‐crystalline quartz forming chert nodules. This event was likely associated with mixing fluids (ancient Neoproterozoic seawater and hydrothermal solutions sourced from the underlying Mesoproterozoic basement) at relatively low temperatures (ca. 50–100°C) and shallow depth. After the tectonic deformation produced by the Brasiliano orogeny, silica dissolution was promoted by high temperature and alkaline hydrothermal solutions rising from the quartzite basement along deep‐rooted structures. Hypogene hydrothermal alteration promoted the dissolution of the cherty layers and the precipitation of chalcedony and megaquartz. Homogenization temperatures from primary fluid inclusions in megaquartz cement indicate minimum formation temperatures of 165–210°C. Similar temperature estimates (110–200°C) were obtained from the δ30Si and δ18O isotope systematics of quartz precipitated from hydrothermal solutions. The dissolved salts in the fluid inclusions were evaluated as NaCl + CaCl2 from microthermometric data combined with cryogenic Raman spectroscopy, corresponding to salinity ranging between 17 and 25 wt.%. No reliable age constraints for hydrothermal silica dissolution‐precipitation phases were obtained from monazite U‐Th‐Pb dating. However, our results, interpreted in the regional context of the São Francisco Craton, suggest that the Cambrian tectono‐thermal events could have been amongst the possible drivers for this hypogene process in the basin.
The importance of parent self‐regulation and parent–child coregulation in research on parental discipline
Authors: Lunkenheimer Erika , Sturge‐Apple Melissa L. , Kelm Madison R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractParent self‐regulation (PSR) is multifaceted, involving emotional, cognitive, and biological processes that support or constrain parenting behavior. It is highly relevant to disciplinary contexts in which parents' regulatory difficulties can contribute to harsh discipline, which is linked to children's maladjustment. In this article, we address why parents' self‐regulation is an essential focus for basic and applied research on parental discipline. We emphasize the need to (1) incorporate and test multiple domains of PSR to understand their respective and interactive contributions and (2) understand how PSR interfaces with parent–child coregulation in delineating mechanistic pathways of the effects of harsh discipline on children's adjustment. These foci will more fully inform the etiology of children's maladjustment related to harsh discipline and knowledge regarding specific, malleable intervention targets aimed at reducing harsh discipline.
Looked after children's right to contact with birth parents: An Australian study
Authors: Healy Karen , Walsh Tamara , Venables Jemma , Thompson Kate 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn Australia, there are more than 46 000 children in out‐of‐home care (OOHC). Most of these children have been in OOHC for more than 2 years. Similarly, there are more than 407 000 children in the United States and over 80 800 in England who are ‘looked after’ with approximately one third of these children being in OOHC for more than 2 years. This paper concerns ‘looked after’ children's rights to contact with their birth parents. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) requires child protection systems to recognize the rights of children to maintain contact with their families except where this is not in the child's ‘best interests’. In this paper, we report on a qualitative study conducted in Australia exploring legal and family support practitioners' perceptions of barriers to contact between children in OOHC and their birth parents. The thematic analysis identified four themes: These were as follows: a focus on systems driven responses; lack of cultural recognition and responsiveness; carers' disconnection from birth parents; and parents' exclusion. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding and recognizing children's right to contact with birth parents.