bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The road to success of coagulase-negative staphylococci: clinical significance of small colony variants and their pathogenic role in persistent infections
Authors: Bogut Agnieszka , Magryś Agnieszka 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBacterial small colony variants represent an important aspect of bacterial variability. They are naturally occurring microbial subpopulations with distinctive phenotypic and pathogenic traits, reported for many clinically important bacteria. In clinical terms, SCVs tend to be associated with persistence in host cells and tissues and are less susceptible to antibiotics than their wild-type (WT) counterparts. The increased tendency of SCVs to reside intracellularly where they are protected against the host immune responses and antimicrobial drugs is one of the crucial aspects linking SCVs to recurrent or chronic infections, which are difficult to treat. An important aspect of the SCV ability to persist in the host is the quiescent metabolic state, reduced immune response and expression a changed pattern of virulence factors, including a reduced expression of exotoxins and an increased expression of adhesins facilitating host cell uptake. The purpose of this review is to describe in greater detail the currently available data regarding CoNS SCV and, in particular, their clinical significance and possible mechanisms by which SCVs contribute to the pathogenesis of the chronic infections. It should be emphasized that in spite of an increasing clinical significance of this group of staphylococci, the number of studies unraveling the mechanisms of CoNS SCVs formation and their impact on the course of the infectious process is still scarce, lagging behind the studies on S. aureus SCVs.
Stackelberg pricing games with congestion effects
Authors: Harks Tobias , Schedel Anja 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe study a Stackelberg game with multiple leaders and a continuum of followers that are coupled via congestion effects. The followers’ problem constitutes a nonatomic congestion game, where a population of infinitesimal players is given and each player chooses a resource. Each resource has a linear cost function which depends on the congestion of this resource. The leaders of the Stackelberg game each control a resource and determine a price per unit as well as a service capacity for the resource influencing the slope of the linear congestion cost function. As our main result, we establish existence of pure-strategy Nash–Stackelberg equilibria for this multi-leader Stackelberg game. The existence result requires a completely new proof approach compared to previous approaches, since the leaders’ objective functions are discontinuous in our game. As a consequence, best responses of leaders do not always exist, and thus standard fixed-point arguments á la Kakutani (Duke Math J 8(3):457–458, 1941) are not directly applicable. We show that the game is C-secure (a concept introduced by Reny (Econometrica 67(5):1029–1056, 1999) and refined by McLennan et al. (Econometrica 79(5):1643–1664, 2011), which leads to the existence of an equilibrium. We furthermore show that the equilibrium is essentially unique, and analyze its efficiency compared to a social optimum. We prove that the worst-case quality is unbounded. For identical leaders, we derive a closed-form expression for the efficiency of the equilibrium.
Theory, methods, and operational results of the Young Women’s Health History Study: a study of young-onset breast cancer incidence in Black and White women
Authors: Velie Ellen M. , Marcus Lydia R. , Pathak Dorothy R. , Hamilton Ann S. , DiGaetano Ralph , Klinger Ron , Gollapudi Bibi , Houang Richard , Carnegie Nicole , Olson L. Karl , Allen Amani , Zhang Zhenzhen , Modjesk Denise , Norman Gwendolyn , Lucas Darek R. , Gupta Sapna , Rui Hallgeir , Schwartz Kendra 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The etiology of young-onset breast cancer (BC) is poorly understood, despite its greater likelihood of being hormone receptor-negative with a worse prognosis and persistent racial and socioeconomic inequities. We conducted a population-based case–control study of BC among young Black and White women and here discuss the theory that informed our study, exposures collected, study methods, and operational results.

Methods
Cases were non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and White (NHW) women age 20–49 years with invasive BC in metropolitan Detroit and Los Angeles County SEER registries 2010–2015. Controls were identified through area-based sampling from the U.S. census and frequency matched to cases on study site, race, and age. An eco-social theory of health informed life-course exposures collected from in-person interviews, including socioeconomic, reproductive, and energy balance factors. Measured anthropometry, blood (or saliva), and among cases SEER tumor characteristics and tumor tissue (from a subset of cases) were also collected.

Results
Of 5,309 identified potentially eligible cases, 2,720 sampled participants were screened and 1,812 completed interviews (682 NHB, 1140 NHW; response rate (RR): 60%). Of 24,612 sampled control households 18,612 were rostered, 2,716 participants were sampled and screened, and 1,381 completed interviews (665 NHB, 716 NHW; RR: 53%). Ninety-nine% of participants completed the main interview, 82% provided blood or saliva (75% blood only), and SEER tumor characteristics (including ER, PR and HER2 status) were obtained from 96% of cases.

Conclusions
Results from the successfully established YWHHS should expand our understanding of young-onset BC etiology overall and by tumor type and identify sources of racial and socioeconomic inequities in BC.
Bayesian Estimation of Agent-Based Models via Adaptive Particle Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Lux Thomas 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOver the last decade, agent-based models in economics have reached a state of maturity that brought the tasks of statistical inference and goodness-of-fit of such models on the agenda of the research community. While most available papers have pursued a frequentist approach adopting either likelihood-based algorithms or simulated moment estimators, here we explore Bayesian estimation using a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach (MCMC). One major problem in the design of MCMC estimators is finding a parametrization that leads to a reasonable acceptance probability for new draws from the proposal density. With agent-based models the appropriate choice of the proposal density and its parameters becomes even more complex since such models often require a numerical approximation of the likelihood. This brings in additional factors affecting the acceptance rate as it will also depend on the approximation error of the likelihood. In this paper, we take advantage of a number of recent innovations in MCMC: We combine Particle Filter Markov Chain Monte Carlo as proposed by Andrieu et al. (J R Stat Soc B 72(Part 3):269–342, 2010) with adaptive choice of the proposal distribution and delayed rejection in order to identify an appropriate design of the MCMC estimator. We illustrate the methodology using two well-known behavioral asset pricing models.
Dynamical Gibbs–non-Gibbs Transitions in the Curie–Weiss Potts Model in the Regime$$\beta <3$$
Authors: Külske Christof , Meißner Daniel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe consider the Curie–Weiss Potts model in zero external field under independent symmetric spin-flip dynamics. We investigate dynamical Gibbs–non-Gibbs transitions for a range of initial inverse temperatures $$\beta <3$$

β
<
3

, which covers the phase transition point $$\beta = 4\log 2$$

β
=
4
log
2

(Ellis and Wang in Stoch Process Appl 35(1):59–79, 1990). We show that finitely many types of trajectories of bad empirical measures appear, depending on the parameter $$\beta $$
β
, with a possibility of re-entrance into the Gibbsian regime, of which we provide a full description.
The Effect of Various Additions on the Oxidation Behavior of the γ/γ′ Ni-Based Alloy
Authors: Dąbek Jarosław , Prażuch Janusz , Migdalska Monika , Jawańska Monika , Ziąbka Magdalena , Wójcik-Bania Monika , Jedliński Jerzy 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe oxidation behavior of four γ/γ′ Ni-based alloys: without additions, and containing: Hf (1.0 wt%), a combination of Hf and Y (0.3 wt% and 0.03 wt%, respectively), and a combination of Hf and Si (1.0 wt% and 1.0 wt%, respectively) was studied in air under isothermal (50 h) and thermal cycling (up to 2225 1-h cycles) conditions. Samples were characterized using SEM, EDX and XRD techniques. The results indicated that all the additions improved the oxidation resistance of the alloy but only in the case of materials containing the (Hf + Y) combination of additions was a long-term effect achieved. Substantial weight losses were observed on the other unmodified and (Hf + Si)-containing materials during thermal cycling after short exposure periods, while on material containing only additions of Hf, they occurred significantly later. Kinetic studies showed the highest oxidation rate in the case of the (Hf + Si)-containing alloys and the fastest initial oxidation, prior to the parabolic law-obeying stage, of alloy with Hf-additions, only. The results indicate the superior effect of simultaneous application of Hf and Y additions at levels not exceeding their solubility limits and that lowering its effectiveness Hf overdoping (1 wt%) cannot be effectively counteracted by the addition of 1% Si.
Affective shifts: mood, emotion and well-being
Authors: Mitchell Jonathan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIt is a familiar feature of our affective psychology that our moods ‘crystalize’ into emotions, and that our emotions ‘diffuse’ into moods. Providing a detailed philosophical account of these affective shifts, as I will call them, is the central aim of this paper. Drawing on contemporary philosophy of emotion and mood, alongside distinctive ideas from the phenomenologically-inspired writer Robert Musil, a broadly ‘intentional’ and ‘evaluativist’ account will be defended. I argue that we do best to understand important features of these affective shifts–which I document across this paper–in terms of intentional and evaluative aspects of the respective states of moods and emotion. At same the time, the account is pitched at the phenomenological level, as dealing with affective shifts primarily in terms of moods and emotions as experiential states, with respect to which it feels-like-something to be undergoing the relevant affective experience. The paper also applies the intentional-evaluative model of affective shifts to anxiety in more detail, developing the idea that certain patterns of affective shift, particularly those that allow for a kind of ‘emotional release’, can contribute to a subject’s well-being.
Researchers working with city administrations: Reflecting on transdisciplinary collaboration under conditions of shared goals but different constraints
Authors: Home Robert , Bauer Nicole 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAcademics and city administrations generally agree that environmental management decisions should be science based, which suggests the value of collaboration between city officials and researchers. Such collaboration, termed “ecology with cities”, is an example of translational ecology that should integrate ecological and social sciences to inform decision-makers. However, there has been insufficient reflection on whether ecology with cities achieves the expected development of practical social-ecological knowledge for the common good. We addressed this gap by asking city officials and researchers, in Switzerland and with whom we have collaborated in the past, about their motivations for, and experiences with, transdisciplinary collaboration. The respondents reported largely overlapping goals and an awareness of the mutual benefits of accessing the skills and resources of the other group. However, the reflections also unearthed latent tensions related to insufficient mutual awareness of institutional boundaries and limitations. We conclude that researchers should try to include collaboration partners who have experience in translational ecology practice and should establish learning processes early in a collaboration. Building good working relationships with city administrations and establishing such processes would facilitate the creation of realistic mutual expectations in which institutional limitations are considered so that common goals of maintaining or improving the ecological quality of cities can be amicably reached.
Bie Jia Jian pill enhances the amelioration of bone mesenchymal stem cells on hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Jingjing Huang , Hongna Huang , Xiaojiao Wang , Yan Guo , Yuexue Zhong , Yueqiang Hu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The therapeutic efficiency of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in suppressing the recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been well proved.

Objective
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Bie Jia Jian pill (BJJP) combined with bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in HCC progression.

Methods
Flow cytometry was used to identify BMSCs isolated from BALB/c mice. The expressions of biomarkers and apoptosis rate of cancer stem cells (CSCs) enriched from Huh7 cells were also measured. The osteogenic differentiation and adipogenic differentiation ability of isolated BMSCs was determined by oil red O staining and Alizarin Red Staining. CSCs were used to establish the orthotopic HCC model. Histological changes in the liver tissues were examined by hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining and Van Gieson (VG) staining. The cell apoptotic rate in the cancer tissues was detected by TUNEL staining. The cell proliferation antigen Ki67 in the cancer tissues were detected by immunofluorescence assay and PCR, respectively. The levels of CSCs cellular surface markers (CD24, CD133 and EpCAM) and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway related proteins were detected by PCR and western blot.

Results
Treatment of BJJP or BMSCs both improved the morphology induced by HCC and suppressed the differentiation ability of CSCs, as evidenced by down-regulated expressions of CD24, CD133, EpCAM and Ki67. The protective effect of BJJP or BMSCs in cancer tissues can be enhanced by the combination of BJJP and BMSCs. In addition to that, BJJP or BMSCs alone was found to increase the expression of miR-140 and promote cell apoptosis in CSCs, while down-regulation of miR-140 partially reversed the protective effect of BMSCs or BJJP + BMSCs on cancer tissues. BJJP + BMSCs treatment together also can down-regulate the expressions of Wnt3a and β-catenin.

Conclusions
These results proved the inhibitory role of BJJP + BMSCs in HCC development through regulating miR-140 and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.
Engineering Students as Co-creators in an Ethics of Technology Course
Authors: Bombaerts Gunter , Doulougeri Karolina , Tsui Shelly , Laes Erik , Spahn Andreas , Martin Diana Adela 
Published: July 2021

AbstractResearch on the effectiveness of case studies in teaching engineering ethics in higher education is underdeveloped. To add to our knowledge, we have systematically compared the outcomes of two case approaches to an undergraduate course on the ethics of technology: a detached approach using real-life cases and a challenge-based learning (CBL) approach with students and stakeholders acting as co-creators (CC). We first developed a practical typology of case-study approaches and subsequently tested an evaluation method to assess the students’ learning experiences (basic needs and motivation) and outcomes (competence development) and staff interpretations and operationalizations, seeking to answer three questions: (1) Do students in the CBL approach report higher basic needs, motivation and competence development compared to their peers in the detached approach? (2) What is the relationship between student-perceived co-creation and their basic needs, motivation and competence development? And (3) what are the implications of CBL/CC for engineering-ethics teaching and learning? Our mixed methods analysis favored CBL as it best supported teaching and research goals while satisfying the students’ basic needs and promoting intrinsic motivation and communication competences. Competence progress in other areas did not differ between approaches, and motivation in terms of identified regulation was lower for CBL, with staff perceiving a higher workload. We propose that our case typology model is useful and that as a method to engage students as co-creators, CBL certainly merits further development and evaluation, as does our effectiveness analysis for engineering ethics instruction in general and for case-study approaches in particular.
Archives and Transitional Justice in Chile: A Crucial Relationship
Authors: Ferrara Anita 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe article, through the case study of Chile, explores the interconnections between archives, human rights and transitional justice. Chile represents a unique case globally for the early creation of thousands of records documenting the human rights violations committed under Pinochet’s 17-year dictatorship. In post-Pinochet Chile, the human rights archives have provided extremely important sources of evidence that have proven crucial in the development of transitional justice mechanisms. Truth commissions have, in turn, created their own archives, which have strongly contributed to later processes of reparation, justice and memory. The article aims to develop a better understanding of the multiple roles that archives have played as tools for achieving truth, justice and reparation over the long transitional period in Chile. The article argues that a combination of several factors and the intervention of different actors led to the archives having a significant impact in the development of subsequent transitional justice mechanisms.
3D Characterization of Acetabular Deficiency in Children with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Badrinath Raghav , Jeffords Megan E. , Bomar James D. , Ahmed S. Imraan , Pennock Andrew T. , Upasani Vidyadhar V. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study is to determine if a quantitative method can be used to identify differences in 3D morphology between normal and developmentally dysplastic hips and to identify specific areas of undercoverage in children with DDH compared to age- and sex-matched controls.

Methods
Subjects were included if they were typically developing children with no other underlying conditions affecting their musculoskeletal system and had an available pelvic CT scan (67 hips). Custom software was used to measure standard variables defining acetabular morphology (version, tilt, surface area). Acetabuli were divided into equal octants; coverage angles were measured for each octant of interest. Variables were compared with age- and sex-matched controls (128 hips) using analysis of variance or the Mann–Whitney test.

Results
Hips with DDH were more anteverted compared to normal hips (DDH: 22.6˚, Control: 16.4˚, p < 0.001). The surface area was similar between groups. 28% of hips had a global deficiency, 24% were anteriorly deficient, 19% were laterally deficient, 10% were anteverted (under covered anteriorly and over covered posteriorly), 3% were posteriorly deficient, and 15% of hips had borderline undercoverage. None of the hips in this cohort were found to be retroverted.

Conclusions
This is the first study to quantify the 3D acetabular deficiency in children with DDH compared to age- and sex-matched controls. We found wide variability in coverage patterns among dysplastic hips. It is imperative to define the specific acetabular deficiency for each individual patient prior to surgical correction.

Level of evidence
III – Case–control study.
Alternative Care Sites During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Policy Implications for Pandemic Surge Planning
Authors: Bell Sue Anne , Krienke Lydia , Quanstrom Kathryn 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAlternative care sites (ACS) across the United States were widely underutilized during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, while the volume and severity of COVID-19 cases overwhelmed health systems across the United States. The challenges presented by the pandemic have shown the need to design surge capacity principles with consideration for demand that strains multiple response capabilities. We reviewed current policy and previous literature from past ACS as well as highlighted challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, to make recommendations that can inform future surge capacity planning. Our recommendations include: (1) Preparedness actions need to be continuous and flexible; (2) staffing needs must be met as they arise with solutions that are specific to the pandemic; 3) health equity must be a focus of ACS establishment and planning; and (4) ACS should be designed to function without compromising safe and effective care. A critical opportunity exists to identify improvements for future use of ACS in pandemics.
Reducing Model Misspecification and Bias in the Estimation of Interactions
Authors: Blackwell Matthew , Olson Michael P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAnalyzing variation in treatment effects across subsets of the population is an important way for social scientists to evaluate theoretical arguments. A common strategy in assessing such treatment effect heterogeneity is to include a multiplicative interaction term between the treatment and a hypothesized effect modifier in a regression model. Unfortunately, this approach can result in biased inferences due to unmodeled interactions between the effect modifier and other covariates, and including these interactions can lead to unstable estimates due to overfitting. In this paper, we explore the usefulness of machine learning algorithms for stabilizing these estimates and show how many off-the-shelf adaptive methods lead to two forms of bias: direct and indirect regularization bias. To overcome these issues, we use a post-double selection approach that utilizes several lasso estimators to select the interactions to include in the final model. We extend this approach to estimate uncertainty for both interaction and marginal effects. Simulation evidence shows that this approach has better performance than competing methods, even when the number of covariates is large. We show in two empirical examples that the choice of method leads to dramatically different conclusions about effect heterogeneity.
Why We Should Use the Gini Coefficient to Assess Punctuated Equilibrium Theory
Authors: Kaplaner Constantin , Steinebach Yves 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPunctuated Equilibrium Theory posits that policy-making is generally characterized by long periods of stability that are interrupted by short periods of fundamental policy change. The literature converged on the measure of kurtosis and L-kurtosis to assess these change patterns. In this letter, we critically discuss these measures and propose the Gini coefficient as a (1) comparable, but (2) more intuitive, and (3) more precise measure of “punctuated” change patterns.