bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Gene Expression in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 during Electron Acceptor Limitation and Bacterial Nanowire Formation
Authors: Barchinger Sarah E. , Pirbadian Sahand , Sambles Christine , Baker Carol S. , Leung Kar Man , Burroughs Nigel J. , El-Naggar Mohamed Y. , Golbeck John H. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTIn limiting oxygen as an electron acceptor, the dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteriumShewanella oneidensisMR-1 rapidly forms nanowires, extensions of its outer membrane containing the cytochromes MtrC and OmcA needed for extracellular electron transfer. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis was employed to determine differential gene expression over time from triplicate chemostat cultures that were limited for oxygen. We identified 465 genes with decreased expression and 677 genes with increased expression. The coordinated increased expression of heme biosynthesis, cytochrome maturation, and transport pathways indicates thatS. oneidensisMR-1 increases cytochrome production, including the transcription of genes encoding MtrA, MtrC, and OmcA, and transports these decaheme cytochromes across the cytoplasmic membrane during electron acceptor limitation and nanowire formation. In contrast, the expression of themtrAandmtrChomologsmtrFandmtrDeither remains unaffected or decreases under these conditions. TheompWgene, encoding a small outer membrane porin, has 40-fold higher expression during oxygen limitation, and it is proposed that OmpW plays a role in cation transport to maintain electrical neutrality during electron transfer. The genes encoding the anaerobic respiration regulator cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) and the extracytoplasmic function sigma factor RpoE are among the transcription factor genes with increased expression. RpoE might function by signaling the initial response to oxygen limitation. Our results show that RpoE activates transcription from promoters upstream ofmtrCandomcA. The transcriptome and mutant analyses ofS. oneidensisMR-1 nanowire production are consistent with independent regulatory mechanisms for extending the outer membrane into tubular structures and for ensuring the electron transfer function of the nanowires.IMPORTANCEShewanella oneidensisMR-1 has the capacity to transfer electrons to its external surface using extensions of the outer membrane called bacterial nanowires. These bacterial nanowires link the cell's respiratory chain to external surfaces, including oxidized metals important in bioremediation, and explain whyS. oneidensiscan be utilized as a component of microbial fuel cells, a form of renewable energy. In this work, we use differential gene expression analysis to focus on which genes function to produce the nanowires and promote extracellular electron transfer during oxygen limitation. Among the genes that are expressed at high levels are those encoding cytochrome proteins necessary for electron transfer.Shewanellacoordinates the increased expression of regulators, metabolic pathways, and transport pathways to ensure that cytochromes efficiently transfer electrons along the nanowires.
Delayed Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Missed, Low-Energy Lisfranc Injuries
Authors: Cassinelli Spenser J. , Moss Lewis K. , Lee David C. , Phillips Jayme , Harris Thomas G. 
Published: June 2016

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of delayed presentation (at least 6 weeks from the time of injury) of low-energy Lisfranc injuries limited to the first and second tarsometatarsal joints treated with open reduction internal fixation. Methods: 8 patients with an average age at surgery of 39.8 years were retrospectively reviewed with a mean time to surgery from injury of 15.1 (range of 6.3 to 31.1) weeks. We used radiographic measurements, physical examination, SF-12 scores, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, VAS scores and return to work or sports as outcome measures. Patients were treated with an open reduction and internal fixation as opposed to a formal arthrodesis with a variety of internal fixation. All 8 patients were available for follow-up and outcome reporting at an average of 3.1 years (minimum 2.0) postoperatively. Results: The mean VAS improved from 8.5 to 2.8 postoperatively. The mean postoperative physical and mental SF-12 scores were 46.8 and 57.1, respectively. The mean postoperative overall and sports FAAM scores were 75.4 and 65.9, respectively. There were no radiographic signs of a late diastasis at the Lisfranc joint. All patients including 2 workers compensation cases returned to work and all were able to return to their prior sporting activity. Conclusion: A delayed open reduction internal fixation of patients with missed, low-energy Lisfranc injury was performed and resulted in decreased pain. In this series, a fair to good functional outcome was observed, and the ability to return to work or previous sport was possible for all patients studied. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
An investigation of unpaid crowdsourcing
Authors: Borromeo Ria Mae , Toyama Motomichi 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe continual advancement of internet technologies has led to the evolution of how individuals and organizations operate. For example, through the internet, we can now tap a remote workforce to help us accomplish certain tasks, a phenomenon called crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing is an approach that relies on people to perform activities that are costly or time-consuming using traditional methods. Depending on the incentive given to the crowd workers, crowdsourcing can be classified as paid or unpaid. In paid crowdsourcing, the workers are incentivized financially, enabling the formation of a robust workforce, which allows fast completion of tasks. Consequently, in unpaid crowdsourcing, the lack of financial incentive potentially leads to an unpredictable workforce and indeterminable task completion time. However, since payment to workers is not necessary, it can be an economical alternative for individuals and organizations who are more concerned about the budget than the task turnaround time. In this study, we explore unpaid crowdsourcing by reviewing crowdsourcing applications where the crowd comes from a pool of volunteers. We also evaluate its performance in sentiment analysis and data extraction projects. Our findings suggest that for such tasks, unpaid crowdsourcing completes slower but yields results of similar or higher quality compared to its paid counterpart.
Bayesian Inference Applied to Dynamic Nelson-Siegel Model with Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Caldeira João F. , Laurini Márcio P. , Portugal Marcelo S. 
Published: June 2016

In this article we propose to estimate a dynamic model for the term structure of interest rates considering two alternative specifications of the Nelson and Siegel (1987) model, generalizing several models found in literature. At first, we consider the weights of factors time-varying with conditional heteroskedasticity using a stochastic volatility model with common factors. In the second case, we consider a model where the latent factors individually follow autoregressive processes with stochastic volatility, including the possibility of leverage effects. The so-called volatility factorsseek to capture the uncertainty over time associated with the level, slope and curvature of the yield curve. The estimation is performed using Bayesian inference using Monte Carlo Markov Chain methods. The results for the term structure of DI futures and U.S. Treasuries used in this studyshow that the volatility factors are highly persistent, and also indicate that the use of stochastic volatility lead to better in-sample fits to the observed yield curve.
Identification of Gaussian Term Structure Models with Observable Factors
Authors: Matsumura Marco , Moreira Ajax , Vicente Jose Valentim Machado 
Published: June 2016

We define invariant operators for term structure models with observable factors, and show that they preserve the likelihood. Thus, the models need to be identified, and alternative restrictions are proposed. The choice of identification keeps the responses of the yield curve and of the observable factors to state variable shocks unchanged. However, it may affect the latent response.
Generalized Tests of Investment Fund Performance
Authors: Laurini Márcio Poletti , Sanvicente Antônio Zoratto , Monteiro Rogério da Costa 
Published: June 2016

The paper discusses the use of statistical methods in the comparison ofinvestment fund peThe paper discusses the use of statistical methods in the comparison ofinvestment fund performance indicators. The analysis is based on the robuststatistics proposed by Ledoit and Wolf (2008), for the pairwise comparison offunds and two generalizations for sets of multiple investment funds. The multipleinvestment fund tests use the Wald and Distance Metric statistics, based onestimation by Generalized Method of Moments using HAC matrices. In orderto correct size limitations in the GMMestimation in the case of a large number ofmoment conditions, the test distributions are obtained through block-bootstrapprocedures. We applied the proposed procedures to daily return data for thelargest 97 actively managed equity funds in the Brazilian market, covering theperiod from July 2006 to July 2008. The results indicate that there are nosignificant differences in the performances of the 97 funds in the sample, bothin pairwise and joint comparisons, thus providing what is believed to be the firstBrazilian market evidence for the so-called herding hypothesis. rformance indicators. The analysis is based on the robust statistics proposed by Ledoit and Wolf (2008), for the pairwise comparison of funds and two generalizations for sets of multiple investment funds. The multiple investment fund tests use the Wald and Distance Metric statistics, based on estimation by Generalized Method of Moments using HAC matrices.In order to correct size limitations in the GMM estimation in the case of a large number of moment conditions, the test distributions are obtained through block-bootstrap procedures. We applied the proposed procedures to daily return data for the largest 97 actively managed equity funds in the Brazilian market, covering the period from July 2006 to July 2008. The results indicate that there are no significant differences in the performances of the 97 funds in the sample, both in pairwise and joint comparisons, thus providing what is believed to be the first Brazilian market evidence for the so-called herding hypothesis.
Fiscal Policy Multipliers in a DSGE Model for Brazil
Authors: Cavalcanti Marco A. F. H. , Vereda Luciano 
Published: June 2016

This paper quanties and compares the macroeconomic eects of shocks to dierent types of public expenditure public investment, social transfers and public employees payroll under various scal policy rules. The analysis is based on a medium-sized DSGE model developed and calibrated to represent the Brazilian economy. The model incorporates a realistic public sector capable of intervening in the economy through several channels;in particular, the model explicitly considers the existence of public employment. The main simulation results are: (i) shocks to social transfers spending increase output in the short run, but generate negative multipliers in the medium run under all scal rules considered; (ii) public investment multipliers may be negative in the short run but are always positive in the medium run; (iii) scal rules relying on distortionary taxation to balance the primary budget can lead to both lower output andhigher in ation; (iv) policy rules based on a more protracted scal adjustment strategy may benet economic activity in the short or medium run,but imply a higher adjustment cost in the long run.
Tax Filing Choices for the Household
Authors: Da Costa Carlos Eugênio , Oliveira Érica Diniz 
Published: June 2016

Giving couples the option to either file individually or jointly is equivalent to offering the envelope budget set if household choices may be rationalized by a utility maximization problem. This need not be the case if instead a collective model best describes household behavior. We study tax filing choices under the assumption that households’ decisions are outcomes of Nash bargains. Threat points for the bargain are minimum utilities that spouses perceived as being available in case of disagreement, modeled as the utilities attained by each spouse as a follower in counter-factual Stackelberg games. If individual filing is an option the utility thus attained establishes a lower bound for the threat points. We assess the allocative impact of allowing couples to file individually. Our numeric exercises show that redistribution across spouses due to this effect may be substantial even when this option is never chosen. This places filing options as a non-trivial aspect of tax policies for the household.
Identifying disease-specific distress in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Woodward Sue , Dibley Lesley , Combes Sarah , Bellamy Andrew , Clark Calum , Czuber-Dochan Wladyslawa , Everelm Leslie , Kutner Sandra , Sturt Jackie , Norton Christine 
Published: June 2016

Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) imposes a significant burden on patients. The authors have noticed an underlying presence of distress, seemingly distinct from anxiety and depression, in qualitative data collected for previous studies. Disease-related distress has been explored in diabetes, but has not been addressed in IBD. The authors aimed to determine the presence of IBD distress to inform development of a scale for assessing the phenomenon. Methods: This three-phase study used (1) a conceptual framework based on diabetes distress to conduct secondary analysis of qualitative data from four previous IBD studies (n=49 transcripts). Patient advisors confirmed the themes identified as causing distress, which guided (2) a focus group with people with IBD (n=8) and (3) items generated from phase 1 and 2 were subsequently used for a modified Delphi survey of IBD health professionals. Results: Five IBD-distress themes were identified: emotional distress; healthcare-related distress; interpersonal/social distress; treatment-related distress; and symptom-related distress. Discussion: Disease-specific distress in IBD was identified and is distinct from stress, anxiety and depression. Some causes of IBD distress overlap with diabetes distress, but existing diabetes-distress scales do not explain all the distress experienced by people with IBD and development of a new IBD-distress scale is warranted.
The integration of BRCA testing into oncology clinics
Authors: Percival Natalie , George Angela , Gyertson Jennifer , Hamill Monica , Fernandes Andreia , Davies Emily , Rahman Nazneen , Banerjee Susana 
Published: June 2016

Purpose: The PARP inhibitor, Olaparib, is approved for women with BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer. Therefore there is an urgent need to test patients and obtain results in time to influence treatment. Models of BRCA testing, such as the mainstreaming oncogenetic pathway, involving oncology health professionals are being used. The authors report on the establishment of the extended role of the clinical nurse specialist in consenting women for BRCA testing in routine gynaecology-oncology clinics using the mainstreaming model. Methods: Nurses undertook generic consent training and specific counselling training for BRCA testing in the form of a series of online videos, written materials and checklists before obtaining approval to consent patients for germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Results: Between July 2013 and December 2015, 108 women with ovarian cancer were counselled and consented by nurses in the medical oncology clinics at a single centre (The Royal Marsden, UK). This represented 36% of all ovarian cancer patients offered BRCA testing in the oncology clinics at the centre. Feedback from patients and nurses was encouraging with no significant issues raised in the counselling and consenting process. Conclusion: The mainstreaming model allows for greater access to BRCA testing for ovarian cancer patients, many of whom may benefit from personalised therapy (PARP inhibitors). This is the first report of oncology nurses in the BRCA testing pathway. Specialist oncology nurses trained in BRCA testing have an important role within a multidisciplinary team counselling and consenting patients to undergo BRCA testing.
Wenig gebildet, viel sanktioniert? Zur Selektivität von Sanktionen in der Grundsicherung des SGB II
Authors: Zahradnik Franz , Schreyer Franziska , Moczall Andreas , Gschwind Lutz , Trappmann Mark 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Welfare benefit recipients who are subject to benefit sanctions live below the subsistence level for a fixed period of time. Individuals with low education bear an increased risk of being sanctioned. Quantitative analyses of linked administrative and survey data indicate that this increased risk cannot be attributed to a lower motivation to work or a lower willingness to make concessions regarding job offers. Our analyses of qualitative interviews and individual case files reveal complex processes: Low cultural capital when dealing with administrative matters, a habitual distance vis-à-vis job center employees as well as previous negative attributions in case files can advance the sanctioning of low-skilled welfare recipients. In this way, sanctions contribute to the (re)production of social inequality.
BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL PATHOGENS IN THE TRANSPLANTATION AND DIALYSIS CENTER. ANALYSIS FOR EIGHTEEN YEARS (1998–2015)
Authors: Vatazin A. V. , Zulkarnaev A. B. , Rusanova E. V. , Budnikova N. E. 
Published: June 2016

Aim: to analyze the dynamics of the microflora and its sensitivity to antibiotics in patients of dialysis and transplantation center.Materials and methods. We have examined the bacteriological test results of 1282 patients with chronic kidney disease, stage 5 (renal transplant recipients and dialysis patients) in 1998–2015: 1998–2003 («2003» period), 2008–2011 («2011» period) and 2012–2015 («2015» period). Biomaterial: urine, blood, wound effluent, sputum.Results. The incidence (share of all samples) of gram «–», gram «+» and fungi was 38, 56, 7% for «2003» period; 48, 69, 13% for «2011» period; 61, 54, 18% for «2015» period. The incidence of gram «–» in blood has significantly increased: 22% in «2003», 13% in «2011», and 45% in «2015», respectively. The incidence of Candida fungi is growing in sputum and urine: 15, 33, 41% and 8, 14, 18% (in 2003, 2011, 2015 respectively). The species composition of the fl ora has also significantly changed. In «2003» the shares of Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. were 50 and 33%, in «2015» – 34 and 53% respectively. The shares of E. coli, Klebsiella spp., P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. were in «2003» 32, 21, 15, 11% respectively, and in «2015» – 17, 32, 9, 22%, respectively. The share of a «problem» genus of Candida: C. glabrata and C. krusei has significantly increased. Their combined share increased from 26 to 38% (2003–2015). There was a significant increase in antibiotic resistance, which is mostly pronounced in Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella spp. and Acinetobacter spp. All gram «+» bacteria in «2003» were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid, but in «2015» 6% of Enterococcus were resistant to vancomycin. Conclusion. Bacterial profile has significantly changed. Regular analysis of the bacterial fl ora is necessary due to the growing antibiotic resistance.
EFFECT OF ULTRASOUND-GUIDED DIRECT VITAMIN D INJECTIONS INTO PARATHYROID GLANDS ON LABORATORY MARKERS AND SURVIVAL OF PATIENTS WITH REFRACTORY SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
Authors: Gerasimchuk R. P. , Zemchenkov A. Yu. 
Published: June 2016

Aim. To evaluate the effect of local vitamin D injections into parathyroid glands on laboratory markers and survival in refractory hyperparathyroidism. Materials and methods. A comparison of the dynamics of secondary hyperparathyroidism laboratory markers and survival was performed in 37 patients with local vitamin D injections into the parathyroid glands under ultrasound guidance and in 62 patients with PTH higher than 600 pg/ml without reduction in PTH levels by more than 10% during 6 months, who continued to receive available conservative therapy. The mean duration of follow-up for groups was 40.5 and 33.2 months, respectively.Results. In the local injection group (LIG) PTH level reduced by 347 ± 360 pg/ml (38%) during the first month after injection course, and by 214 ± 255 pg/ml (28%) between annual average levels before and after injection course, while in control group (CG) it rose by 84 ± 277 pg/ml (11%). In LIG phosphate level significantly reduced by 0.18 ± 0.24 mmol/l (9%) after injection course and annual average level did not change. In CG annual average phosphate level significantly rose by 0.15 ± 0.37 mmol/l (7%). Cumulative survival by Kaplan–Maier was significantly higher in LIG (p = 0.025). Differences in survival in univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were significantly associated only with the fact of local injections course (p =0.04 inboth models).Conclusion. In current clinical practice the application of ultrasound-guided local vitamin D injections into parathyroid glands in patients with refractory hyperparathyroidism leads to a better control over laboratory markers and to significantly improved survival.
LONG-TERM RESULTS OF TRANSMYOCARDIAL LASER REVASCULARIZATION COMBINED WITH IMPLANTATION OF AUTOLOGOUS BONE MARROW MONONUCLEAR FRACTION IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC ISCHEMIC HEART DISEAS
Authors: Chernyavsky A. M. , Fomichev A. V. , Chernyavsky M. A. , Cheban A. V. 
Published: June 2016

Aim. Clinical and instrumental assessment of long-term results of autologous bone marrow cells (BMC) implantation in laser channels in surgery of ischemic heart disease with diffuse and distal coronary disease.Materials and Methods. In the period of 2007–2008 35 CHD patients with diffuse and distal coronary disease underwent BMC implantation in laser channels during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The control group consisted of 29 patients. All patients in this group underwent only direct myocardial revascularization (DMR). In the long-term period we examined only 30 patients of the first group. Clinical and instrumental assessment of the method efficacy was carried out in 2 weeks, 6 months and 6 years after surgery.Results. FC (NYHA) mean value in indirect revascularization group significantly decreased from 2.57 ± 0.61 preoperatively to 1.77 ±0.66 in6 months after surgery (p = 0.043). After 6 years FC (NYHA) was not significantly changed – 1.84 ± 0.42 (p = 0.053). Perfusion scintigraphy revealed a slight decrease of stable perfusion defect (SPD) in the immediate postoperative period, a more pronounced reduction of SPD in 6 months after surgery. The average value of SPD before surgery was 20.46 ± 10.75%, in 2 weeks after the operation – 19.07 ± 9.69%, in 6 months after surgery – 15.22 ± 9.49%. In the long-term period (6 years) SPD was 14.8 ± 8.43% (p = 0.047). A similar pattern was observed in the analysis of transient perfusion defect: baseline – 30 ± 2.2%, in 6 months – 15 ± 1.3%, in the long term period – 20 ± 6.1% (p = 0.047). The average value of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before surgery was 55 ± 10.4%, in 2 weeks after the operation – 55.7 ± 9.3%, in 6 months – 56.7 ± 10%, after 6 years – 54 ± 12%. The dynamics is unauthentic (p = 0.068).Conclusion. BMC implantation in laser channels in addition to CABG is a safe and effective method of surgical treatment in case of CABG inability. The effect of indirect revascularization is formed in the first 6 months after surgery and remains at the same level for 6 years.