Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non‐biofilm‐forming commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates produce biofilm in the presence of trypsin

Epidemiological studies comparing clinical and commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates suggest that biofilm formation is a discriminant biomarker. A study showed that four non‐biofilm‐forming clinical S. epidermidis isolates could form an induced biofilm by trypsin treatment, suggesting that S. epidermidis can form biofilms in a protease‐independent way and in a trypsin‐induced way. In this study, the trypsin capacity to induce biofilm formation was evaluated in non‐biofilm‐forming S. epidermidis isolates (n = 133) in order to support this mechanism and to establish the importance of total biofilms (meaning the sum of protease‐independent biofilm and trypsin‐induced biofilm). Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from ocular infections (OI; n = 24), prosthetic joint infections (PJI; n = 64), and healthy skin (HS‐1; n = 100) were screened for protease‐independent biofilm formation according to Christensen's method. The result was that there are significant differences (p < .0001) between clinical (43.2%) and commensal (17%) protease‐independent biofilm producers. Meanwhile, non‐biofilm‐forming isolates were treated with trypsin, and biofilm formation was evaluated by the same method. The number of commensal trypsin‐induced biofilm producers significantly increased from 17% to 79%. In contrast, clinical isolates increased from 43.2% to 72.7%. The comparison between clinical and commensal total biofilm yielded no significant differences (p = .392). A similar result was found when different isolation sources were compared (OI vs. HS‐1 and PJI vs. HS‐1). The genotype icaA−/aap+ was associated with the trypsin‐induced biofilm phenotype; however, no correlation was observed between aap mRNA expression and the level of trypsin‐induced biofilm phenotype. Studying another group of commensal S. epidermidis non‐biofilm‐forming isolates (HS‐2; n = 139) from different body sites, it was found that 70 isolates (60.3%) formed trypsin‐induced biofilms. In conclusion, trypsin is capable of inducing biofilm production in non‐biofilm‐forming commensal S. epidermidis isolates with the icaA−/aap+ genotype, and there is no significant difference in total biofilms when comparing clinical and commensal isolates, suggesting that total biofilms are not a discriminant biomarker.
Comparison of 3 Safety-Net Hospital Definitions and Association With Hospital Characteristics

Key Points Question Does a safety-net hospital definition based on uncompensated care identify different types of hospitals compared with other definitions? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 2066 hospitals, the Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital index identified larger teaching safety-net hospitals, whereas a definition based on uncompensated care captured smaller, rural safety-net hospitals at greater financial risk. Bad debt and charity care were approximately twice as high for safety-net hospitals as for non–safety-net hospitals, unreimbursed costs were 38% higher, and operating margins were more than 6 times lower. Meaning Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital payment formulas are evolving to emphasize uncompensated care, and hospitals may experience funding changes as a result.
Characterisation and OSL dating of modern fluvial sediments in the lower Vistula River: testing the zeroing assumption

Abstract In this study modern sediments of the lower Vistula River were investigated to determine the relationship between the structure and texture (grain size, rounding and frosting) of the deposits and the possibility of their zeroing. The samples of modern fluvial deposits were collected from the lower Vistula River at two sites in Toruń and Ciechocinek. Sand bars newly emerged from the river were selected for testing. The coarse quartz grains were separated for OSL measurements. The single-aliquot regenerative (SAR) technique was applied for measuring equivalent doses from multigrain aliquots. The obtained dose estimates were found to be very low, proving the reliability of the OSL zeroing assumption. The dose rates were estimated by gamma-ray spectrometry, demonstrating homogeneity of the radiation field. Analysis did not show significant relationships between the examined sediments’ capacity to zeroing and their structural and textural characteristics, or the sampling site. The obtained OSL ages of the studied sediments date back hundreds of years and are probably overestimated. The results related to fossil sediments of bars of the age of thousands of years confirm their suitability for the OSL dating method.
OTUB1 inhibits CNS autoimmunity by preventing IFN‐γ‐induced hyperactivation of astrocytes

Astrocytes are critical regulators of neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Growing evidence indicates that ubiquitination of signaling molecules is an important cell‐intrinsic mechanism governing astrocyte function during MS and EAE. Here, we identified an upregulation of the deubiquitinase OTU domain, ubiquitin aldehyde binding 1 (OTUB1) in astrocytes during MS and EAE. Mice with astrocyte‐specific OTUB1 ablation developed more severe EAE due to increased leukocyte accumulation, proinflammatory gene transcription, and demyelination in the spinal cord as compared to control mice. OTUB1‐deficient astrocytes were hyperactivated in response to IFN‐γ, a fingerprint cytokine of encephalitogenic T cells, and produced more proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines than control astrocytes. Mechanistically, OTUB1 inhibited IFN‐γ‐induced Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling by K48 deubiquitination and stabilization of the JAK2 inhibitor suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1). Thus, astrocyte‐specific OTUB1 is a critical inhibitor of neuroinflammation in CNS autoimmunity.
Therapeutic Targeting of High-Mobility Group Box-1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Second, it speci ﬁ cally interferes with HMGB1/TLR4 signaling and no other known HMGB1 receptors. Third, it does not globally depress signaling through TLR4, a multifunctional immune receptor. Last, the short half-life of P5779 may prove advantageous because immunosuppression can be “ turned off ” by ceasing drug delivery. The summation of these properties make P5779 a promising therapeutic agent with far more speci ﬁ city than other anti-HMGB1 therapies tested to date, such as monoclonal antibodies or glycyrrhizin. Our results represent a promising avenue for focused research aimed at translating immunomodulation by inhibition of HMGB1/TLR4 signaling into clinical practice for patients with PAH. n
Effect of bond administration on construction project delivery

Abstract Construction bond administration involves management of bond issues from inception of obtaining bond from guarantor to the point of release of contractor by the client. This process has posted a lot of challenges to construction stakeholders; it is therefore, necessary to examine the relationship between bond administration and project success. Archival data of completed bonded building projects were gathered through a pro forma developed for this purpose. Using Pearson product moment of correlation, it was revealed that the cost of securing a construction bond has a positive and significant effect on the initial and final costs of the project, while the number of days needed to secure a construction bond has no significant effect on the initial and final durations of the construction project. In order to establish the relationship between project delivery indices of cost and time and the construction bond administration variables, iteration of linear regression was adopted to arrive at the best-fit equation. Factors affecting the cost of securing construction bonds from guarantors should be identified and given adequate attention by construction stakeholders in order to minimize the effect of construction bond administration on project delivery.
The Influence of Scheduling Style on Assortment Size

Abstract People use two types of scheduling styles to schedule their daily activities, namely clock-time or event-time. When people use clock time, they organize tasks based on a clock. When they use event-time, they organize tasks based on their order of completion. This research shows that adopting different scheduling styles influence consumers’ assortment size preferences. We demonstrate, through two studies, that consumers using event-time scheduling style prefer a larger assortment size whereas consumers using clock-time scheduling style prefer a smaller assortment size. We also show that this effect is mediated by desirability-feasibility consideration. Specifically, event-time scheduling style leads consumers to focus on the desirability considerations, which leads them to prefer larger assortment size while shopping. On the other hand, clock-time scheduling style leads consumers to focus on the feasibility considerations, which leads them to prefer smaller assortment size while shopping. We also discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of our research.
An exercise in decision support modelling for islands: a case study for a ‘typical’ Mediterranean island

Decision support for island management must be based on quantitative tools able to integrate the natural, economic, and social environment, including the effects of recent climate change. In this context, a decision support framework is proposed, characterized by generality and flexibility, to be adapted to the specific characteristics of each island. The framework includes: (a) compilation of existing information and organization in a DPSIR framework; (b) selection of the main economic activities; (c) calculation of environmental, economic, and social indicators through models; (d) development of scenarios for future evolution; and (e) ranking for their preferability using a multicriteria methodology. Scenario development and weighting of indicators and criteria can be based on stakeholders’ and public views collected through questionnaires. The proposed framework is applied to a ‘typical’ fictitious Mediterranean island where tourism, services, and low-rate agriculture are the main economic activities. Midand long-term (including climate change) scenario analyses are performed as an exercise with three scenarios expressing different policies in terms of economic and environmental priorities. Advantages and limitations of the proposed framework for real-world applications are discussed.
Are US real house prices stationary? New evidence from univariate and panel data

Abstract Many papers in the housing literature treat the intertemporal evolution of the logarithm of US real house prices as a unit root process. They also study the cointegration relationship among the logarithm of real house prices and fundamental economic variables such as income and they apply an error correction specification for modeling and forecasting real house prices. This paper argues that the logarithm of US real house price is not a unit root process. Instead, the evidence from a 120-year national dataset and metro area level and state level panel data sets supports the notion that US house prices are trend stationary. One result of this conclusion is that the validity of analyses of US house prices based on cointegration and error correction models needs to be reconsidered.
Hard International Law-Contributing Organizations as Networks

Abstract This paper explores the networks that intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) create in the international system and explore how states relate to each other in such networks. It focuses in particular on the network of IGOs that act as creators of and agents for hard international law. We introduce new data that allows us to investigate which institutional traits and functions are most closely related to IGOs’ contribution to the implementation and enforcement of informal international law. We map out and explore the network of “highly legalized” IGOs for the years 1980–2005 as well as the affiliation networks emerging from states’ membership in such IGOs. Combining international relations theory with network theory, we raise novel hypotheses on the potential impact of highly legalized IGO networks on states’ conflict behavior and peace.
A folic acid-induced rat model of renal injury to identify biomarkers of tubulointerstitial fibrosis from urinary exosomes

Abstract Background Chronic tubulointerstitial (TI) fibrosis is difficult to diagnose. Urinary exosomes contain many potential biomarkers, and may be useful to identify biomarkers of TI fibrosis. However, a suitable animal model to investigate urinary exosome biomarkers for TI fibrosis has not yet been specifically identified. Objective To test the suitability of a folic-acid induced rat model of renal injury for identifying potential biomarkers of fibrosis from urinary exosomes. Methods We employed a rat model of renal injury using a single intraperitoneal injection of folic acid. Urinary exosomes were isolated and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) Results We demonstrated severe acute kidney injury after folic acid injection by a 6-fold decrease in creatinine clearance at day 2, severe inflammatory cell infiltration in the TI area at day 7, and renal fibrosis at day 14. We collected 24 h urine samples from folic acid-injected rats and vehicle-injected control rats at days 7 and 14, then isolated urinary exosomes using a differential centrifugation method. We found that levels of exosomal marker proteins ALG-2-interacting protein 1 (ALIX; PDCD6IP) and tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) were higher in folic acid-injected rats than in control rats. LC-MS/MS analysis of urinary exosomal proteins from the folic acid-injected and control rats identified 372 proteins, including various potential TI fibrosis biomarkers Conclusion We demonstrated the feasibility of using a folic acid-induced rat model of TI fibrosis for urinary proteomic analysis. These rats excreted sufficient urinary exosomes permitting the large-scale analysis and discovery of potential biomarkers of renal fibrosis.
Colorimetry Technique as a Tool for Determining Release Kinetics and Mass Transfer Parameters of Anthocyanins Encapsulated in W1/O/W2 Double Emulsions

Abstract Anthocyanin extract (AE) was encapsulated in W1/O/W2 double emulsions and colorimetry technique using the CIE L*a*b* system was used to determine the release kinetics. Parameters a* and b* better correlated the variations in color of emulsions due to the release of AE into the external phase. Chroma value (C*) was used for tracking these color variations and to determine the release kinetics. The emulsions showed high stability, droplet sizes didn’t change after 30 days of storage (D4,3=4.74±0.12 μm), and 2.7 % AE was released to the external phase after this time. The possible release mechanism of AE from the internal phase of the emulsion is diffusion controlled with good accordance to Fick’s first law (R2=0.9938) with a diffusion coefficient of 7.15×10−8 cm2/d.
Statistical Capacity Building of Official Statisticians in Practice: Case of the Consumer Price Index

Abstract This article focuses on the issue of statistical capacity building of official statisticians using the case of the consumer price index (CPI) as an illustrative example. Although used for indexation of salaries, pensions, and social welfare benefits, but also as an approximation of the general inflation rate, there are several unresolved methodological issues associated with CPI’s calculation. Apart from the choice among two alternative concepts, the challenge of how to include owner-occupied housing (OOH) in CPI has also not been adequately resolved yet. Analysis in the article is based on Slovenian data. The results show that accuracy of the CPI significantly improves if it is calculated using one of the superlative and symmetric formulas, and that it makes sense to include OOH in CPI using the total acquisitions approach. The analysis further indicates that the choice of the index formula for calculating CPI has a much greater impact on the CPI value than inclusion of OOH. Academic research findings such as these should not remain unknown to the wide professional community of official statisticians. Formal channels for knowledge transfer from academia to official statistics providers should be established to facilitate continuous statistical capacity building of official statisticians.
Interpretation at the Controller’s Edge: Designing Graphical User Interfaces for the Digital Publication of the Excavations at Gabii (Italy)

Abstract This paper discusses the authors’ approach to designing an interface for the Gabii Project’s digital volumes that attempts to fuse elements of traditional synthetic publications and site reports with rich digital datasets. Archaeology, and classical archaeology in particular, has long engaged with questions of the formation and lived experience of towns and cities. Such studies might draw on evidence of local topography, the arrangement of the built environment, and the placement of architectural details, monuments and inscriptions (e.g. Johnson and Millett 2012). Fundamental to the continued development of these studies is the growing body of evidence emerging from new excavations. Digital techniques for recording evidence “on the ground,” notably SFM (structure from motion aka close range photogrammetry) for the creation of detailed 3D models and for scene-level modeling in 3D have advanced rapidly in recent years. These parallel developments have opened the door for approaches to the study of the creation and experience of urban space driven by a combination of scene-level reconstruction models (van Roode et al. 2012, Paliou et al. 2011, Paliou 2013) explicitly combined with detailed SFM or scanning based 3D models representing stratigraphic evidence. It is essential to understand the subtle but crucial impact of the design of the user interface on the interpretation of these models. In this paper we focus on the impact of design choices for the user interface, and make connections between design choices and the broader discourse in archaeological theory surrounding the practice of the creation and consumption of archaeological knowledge. As a case in point we take the prototype interface being developed within the Gabii Project for the publication of the Tincu House. In discussing our own evolving practices in engagement with the archaeological record created at Gabii, we highlight some of the challenges of undertaking theoretically-situated user interface design, and their implications for the publication and study of archaeological materials.
Effects of filtering data on testing asymmetry in threshold autoregressive models

Abstract Empirical macroeconomic research on business cycle typically filters economic time series in order to obtain cyclical components. This paper examines the effects of filtering data on the test for a linear autoregression against a threshold autoregression. Monte Carlo simulation shows that (1) filtering data in general reduces the power of the test, (2) the power is sensitive to the choice of filters and the specification of the trend and cyclical components, (3) regime-varying variance of the error term can affect the rejection frequency. Empirical evidences for cyclical asymmetry are provided for the quarterly US real GNP.
Sustainability Leadership for Competitiveness in the Hospitality Industry in Mazatlán Mexico

Abstract In recent years sustainability has become an important issue in business in a variety of industries. Those companies that succeed to integrate a fair balance between economic interests and the concerns about environment and social equity have had to integrate a core of sustainability values that guide their behavior in the way to do business. The leaders of the organizations have to design strategies not just to add value to their products or services, but to match the new frame of ethical and moral values of the company. This new way to do business is having a deep impact in the competitiveness of organizations as a result of the savings in the supply chain and in the way they are perceived by consumers and society. The postmodern vision of the business organization has incorporated new and far-reaching modifications to the traditional view of leadership resulting in a new type called “sustainability leadership”. This work uses a case study mixed method research will focus on determining and analyzing the characteristics of this new kind of leadership and its relationship with competitiveness in a very traditional and influencing hotel of Mazatlán, an important tourist destination of Mexico, which has been successful in reaching sustainability certifications for a number of years. The study will show the perception of key informants about the leadership and its degree of success regarding the business competitiveness and sustainability issues. It will also show the degree of fulfillment of sustainability according to an instrument designed for this purpose.
Glass structure, melt structure, and dynamics: Some concepts for petrology

Abstract The thermodynamic and transport properties of the aluminosilicate melts at the heart of most magmatic processes vary in complex ways with composition, temperature, and pressure. Insights into these properties can come from information on the structure of the melts themselves, and more commonly from their glassy, quenched equivalents. Although most such connections remain qualitative or semi-quantitative, they are fundamentally important in interpretation of observations on igneous systems in nature and the laboratory, and in the formulation of physically accurate models. This review presents some of the important concepts of aluminosilicate glass and melt structure and dynamics that are most relevant to furthering our understanding of the igneous processes so central to how our planet has formed and evolved. The relationships among glasses, melts, and crystals are introduced. The structural underpinnings of temperature and pressure effects on melt free energies, densities, and viscosities, constraints on the extent of order/disorder among cations and anions in melts, why silica activity varies so strongly with composition, and how liquid-liquid phase separation can be understood, are discussed. Some simple, but useful, general views are presented on melt disorder and the shapes of liquidus surfaces (key to magmatic phase equilibria), as are links between atomic-scale dynamics and viscous flow and diffusion.
Public Goods, Private Consumption, and Human Capital: Using Boosted Regression Trees to Model Volunteer Labour Supply

Abstract Economists use three types of models to describe volunteer labour supply: the public-goods model, the private-consumption model, and the human-capital model. We used data from an online survey questionnaire of volunteers working for the German Red Cross to study the extent to which utility components representing these three types help to explain volunteer labour supply. We analysed the survey data using boosted regression trees, where we controlled for several other potentially important socioeconomic correlates of volunteer labour supply. We used measures of relative influence and partial dependence plots to analyse the strength and the direction of the correlation of the utility components and the other socioeconomic variables with volunteer labour supply.
A Note on a Methodological Issue Pertaining to the Empirical Specification of the Probability of Crisis Initiation

Abstract This note examines a methodological issue pertaining to the empirical specification of the probability of crisis initiation. We show that the empirical specification of the probability of crisis initiation encounters an insurmountable methodological problem, and, by example, that the problem leads empirical researchers to incorrect conclusions regarding the relationship between regime type and crisis initiation, in particular.