bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NADH-dependent biosensor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: principle and validation at the single cell level
Authors: Knudsen Jan Dines , Carlquist Magnus , Gorwa-Grauslund Marie
Published: October 2014

A reporter system was constructed to measure perturbations in the NADH/NAD+co-factor balance in yeast, by using the green fluorescent protein gene under the control of theGPD2promoter that is induced under conditions of excess of NADH. High fluorescence levels were obtained in a glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase double deletion strain (gpd1Δgpd2Δ), which is deficient in the ability to regenerate NAD+via glycerol formation. The responsiveness of the reporter system to externally induced perturbations in NADH oxidation was also evaluated in thegpd1Δgpd2Δstrain background by addition of acetoin, as well as by introduction of a set of heterologous xylose reductases (XRs) having different selectivities for NADH. Addition of acetoin during cell proliferation under oxygen-limited conditions resulted in a more than 2-fold decrease in mean fluorescence intensity as compared to the control experiment. Strains carrying XRs with different selectivities for NADH could be distinguished at the single cell level, so that the XR with the highest selectivity for NADH displayed the lowest fluorescence. In conclusion, the designed system successfully allowed for monitoring perturbations in the cellular redox metabolism caused by environmental changes, or by heterologous gene expression. The reporter system displayed high resolution in distinguishing cytosolic NADH oxidation capacity and hence has potential to be used for high-throughput screening based on the fluorescence of single cells.
Phase III Comparison of Tamoxifen Versus Tamoxifen Plus Ovarian Function Suppression in Premenopausal Women With Node-Negative, Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer (E-3193, INT-0142): A Trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
Authors: Tevaarwerk Amye J. , Wang Molin , Zhao Fengmin , Fetting John H. , Cella David , Wagner Lynne I. , Martino Silvana , Ingle James N. , Sparano Joseph A. , Solin Lawrence J. , Wood William C. , Robert Nicholas J.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

The effects of ovarian function suppression (OFS) on survival and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated in a phase III trial in which premenopausal women were randomly assigned to tamoxifen with or without OFS.

Patients and Methods

Premenopausal women with axillary node-negative, hormone receptor–positive breast cancer tumors measuring ≤ 3 cm were randomly assigned to tamoxifen alone versus tamoxifen plus OFS; adjuvant chemotherapy was not permitted. Primary end points were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included toxicity and patient-reported outcomes. Patient-reported outcome data included health-related quality of life, menopausal symptoms, and sexual function. These were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and then annually for up to 5 years after registration.

Results

In all, 345 premenopausal women were enrolled: 171 on tamoxifen alone and 174 on tamoxifen plus OFS. With a median follow-up of 9.9 years, there was no significant difference between arms for DFS (5-year rate: 87.9% v 89.7%; log-rank P = .62) or OS (5-year rate: 95.2% v 97.6%; log-rank P = .67). Grade 3 or higher toxicity was more common in the tamoxifen plus OFS arm (22.4% v 12.3%; P = .004). Patients treated with tamoxifen plus OFS had more menopausal symptoms, lower sexual activity, and inferior health-related quality of life at 3-year follow-up (P < .01 for all). Differences diminished with further follow-up.

Conclusion

When added to tamoxifen, OFS results in more menopausal symptoms and sexual dysfunction, which contributes to inferior self-reported health-related quality of life. Because of early closure, this study is underpowered for drawing conclusions about the impact on survival when adding OFS to tamoxifen.
Endocrine Therapy With or Without Inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial of Fulvestrant With or Without Lapatinib for Postmenopausal Women With Hormone Receptor–Positive Advanced Breast Cancer—CALGB 40302 (Alliance)
Authors: Burstein Harold J. , Cirrincione Constance T. , Barry William T. , Chew Helen K. , Tolaney Sara M. , Lake Diana E. , Ma Cynthia , Blackwell Kimberly L. , Winer Eric P. , Hudis Clifford A.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

CALGB 40302 sought to determine whether lapatinib would improve progression-free survival (PFS) among women with hormone receptor–positive metastatic breast cancer treated with fulvestrant.

Patients and Methods

Eligible women had estrogen receptor–positive and/or progesterone receptor–positive tumors, regardless of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, and prior aromatase inhibitor treatment. Patients received fulvestrant 500 mg intramuscularly on day 1, followed by 250 mg on days 15 and 28 and every 4 weeks thereafter, and either lapatinib 1,500 mg or placebo daily. The study planned to accrue 324 patients and was powered for a 50% improvement in PFS with lapatinib from 5 to 7.5 months.

Results

At the third planned interim analysis, the futility boundary was crossed, and the data and safety monitoring board recommend study closure, having accrued 295 patients. At the final analysis, there was no difference in PFS (hazard ratio [HR] of placebo to lapatinib, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.33; P = .37); median PFS was 4.7 months for fulvestrant plus lapatinib versus 3.8 months for fulvestrant plus placebo. There was no difference in overall survival (OS) (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.21; P = .25). For HER2-normal tumors, median PFS did not differ by treatment arm (4.1 v 3.8 months). For HER2-positive tumors, lapatinib was associated with longer median PFS (5.9 v 3.3 months), but the differential treatment effect by HER2 status was not significant (P = .53). The most frequent toxicities were diarrhea, fatigue, and rash associated with lapatinib.

Conclusion

Adding lapatinib to fulvestrant does not improve PFS or OS in advanced ER-positive breast cancer and is more toxic.
Preservation of Memory With Conformal Avoidance of the Hippocampal Neural Stem-Cell Compartment During Whole-Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases (RTOG 0933): A Phase II Multi-Institutional Trial
Authors: Gondi Vinai , Pugh Stephanie L. , Tome Wolfgang A. , Caine Chip , Corn Ben , Kanner Andrew , Rowley Howard , Kundapur Vijayananda , DeNittis Albert , Greenspoon Jeffrey N. , Konski Andre A. , Bauman Glenn S. , Shah Sunjay , Shi Wenyin , Wendland Merideth , Kachnic Lisa , Mehta Minesh P.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

Hippocampal neural stem-cell injury during whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) may play a role in memory decline. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy can be used to avoid conformally the hippocampal neural stem-cell compartment during WBRT (HA-WBRT). RTOG 0933 was a single-arm phase II study of HA-WBRT for brain metastases with prespecified comparison with a historical control of patients treated with WBRT without hippocampal avoidance.

Patients and Methods

Eligible adult patients with brain metastases received HA-WBRT to 30 Gy in 10 fractions. Standardized cognitive function and quality-of-life (QOL) assessments were performed at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 months. The primary end point was the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised Delayed Recall (HVLT-R DR) at 4 months. The historical control demonstrated a 30% mean relative decline in HVLT-R DR from baseline to 4 months. To detect a mean relative decline ≤ 15% in HVLT-R DR after HA-WBRT, 51 analyzable patients were required to ensure 80% statistical power with α = 0.05.

Results

Of 113 patients accrued from March 2011 through November 2012, 42 patients were analyzable at 4 months. Mean relative decline in HVLT-R DR from baseline to 4 months was 7.0% (95% CI, −4.7% to 18.7%), significantly lower in comparison with the historical control (P < .001). No decline in QOL scores was observed. Two grade 3 toxicities and no grade 4 to 5 toxicities were reported. Median survival was 6.8 months.

Conclusion

Conformal avoidance of the hippocampus during WBRT is associated with preservation of memory and QOL as compared with historical series.
Meta-analysis of diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET or PET/CT for detecting lymph node and distant metastases in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Shen G , Zhang W , Jia Z , Li J , Wang Q , Deng H
Published: October 2014

Objective:

We performed this meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the diagnostic performance of positron emission tomography (PET) or PET/CT for detecting lymph node and distant metastases in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods:

Through a search of four English and three Chinese databases (January 1990 to June 2013), pooled estimated sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated based on the data extracted from the included studies. We also constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves, with the area under the curve (AUC) and obtained the Q* index. Heterogeneity and subgroup analysis were also performed.

Results:

In total, 18 articles consisting 20 studies were included in this meta-analysis. On a per-patient basis, the overall pooled estimates for sensitivity and specificity of PET or PET/CT in N and M staging of NPC were 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86–0.91] and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.95–0.96), respectively. The overall DOR, AUC and Q* index were 162.07 (95% CI, 90.72–289.55), 0.9689 and 0.9181, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that AUC and Q* index were 0.9734 and 0.9255 for N staging and 0.9715 and 0.9223 for M staging, respectively.

Conclusion:

The present meta-analysis showed that PET or PET/CT has excellent diagnostic performance for detecting lymph node and distant metastases in patients with NPC.

Advances in knowledge:

To provide evidence to assess the role of PET or PET/CT in staging of NPC.
Interaction of growth hormone receptor/binding protein gene disruption and caloric restriction for insulin sensitivity and attenuated aging
Authors: Arum Oge , Saleh Jamal , Boparai Ravneet , Turner Jeremy , Kopchick John , Khardori Romesh , Bartke Andrzej
Published: October 2014

The correlation of physiological sensitivity to insulin (vis-à-vis glycemic regulation) and longevity is extensively established, creating a justifiable gerontological interest on whether insulin sensitivity is causative, or even predictive, of some or all phenotypes of slowed senescence (including longevity). The growth hormone receptor/ binding protein gene-disrupted (GHR-KO) mouse is the most extensively investigated insulin-sensitive, attenuated aging model. It was reported that, in a manner divergent from similar mutants, GHR-KO mice fail to respond to caloric restriction (CR) by altering their insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized that maximized insulin responsiveness is what causes GHR-KO mice to exhibit a suppressed survivorship response to dietary (including caloric) restriction; and attempted to refute this hypothesis by assessing the effects of CR on GHR-KO mice for varied slow-aging-associated phenotypes. In contrast to previous reports, we found GHR-KO mice on CR to be less responsive than their ad libitum (A.L.) counterparts to the hypoglycemia-inducing effects of insulin. Further, CR had negligible effects on the metabolism or cognition of GHR-KO mice. Therefore, our data suggest that the effects of CR on the insulin sensitivity of GHR-KO mice do not concur with the effects of CR on the aging of GHR-KO mice.
Hot topics at the intersection of aging and energetics: Diabetes/insulin resistance, Sirtuins, and the Microbiome
Authors: Lamming Dudley W.
Published: October 2014

A recent review in F1000Research identified the “top research priorities identified in leading publications” at the interface of Aging and Energetics. The authors identified the ten most-cited papers in each of the years 2010 through 2013, and used these forty papers to identify thematic categories. However, the search methodology used by the authors omitted many high-impact aging manuscripts. Minor modifications in the authors’ search methodology finds that Diabetes/insulin resistance, Sirtuins, and the Microbiome are also top thematic categories.
The limitations of molecular markers in phylogenetic reconstruction: The case of Centaurea sect. Phrygia (Compositae)
Authors: López-Alvarado Javier , Sáez Llorenç , Filigheddu Rossella , Garcia-Jacas Núria , Susanna Alfonso
Published: October 2014

In this paper we seek to elucidate the phylogeny of Centaurea sect. Jacea and sect. Phrygia (= sect. Lepteranthus nom. inval.) which have long been a source of controversy. A molecular phylogenetic approach is used based on nrDNA and plastid markers. The study confirmed incongruence between datasets, which can be explained both by hybridization and the occurrence of shared ancestral polymorphisms. Both factors are critical in limiting the resolution of phylogenetic trees. Despite this, we provide an interpretation of the current European distribution of sect. Phrygia, and suggest a probable eastern center of origin for the section. Our results support previous studies in Centaurea, suggesting on molecular grounds that sect. Phrygia and sect. Jacea can not be clearly separated, particularly when C. nigra s.l. or C. jacea s.l. coexist with other taxa of sect. Phrygia and sect. Jacea.
Deconstructing the Tricholomataceae (Agaricales) and introduction of the new genera Albomagister, Corneriella, Pogonoloma and Pseudotricholoma
Authors: Sánchez-García Marisol , Matheny P. Brandon , Palfner Götz , Lodge D. Jean
Published: October 2014

The family Tricholomataceae, contained within the Tricholomatoid clade, has traditionally been one of the largest families of the Agaricales. However, in this sense it is highly polyphyletic and requires emendation. Here, we present a phylogeny of the Tricholomatoid clade based on nucleotide sequence data from two nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (large subunit and small subunit) and the second‐largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2). Our aim is to delimit the Tricholomataceae and identify monophyletic groups within the Tricholomatoid clade. We also infer a separate phylogeny, based on the three genes above, in addition to sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS), in order to evaluate generic‐level boundaries within the Tricholomataceae s.str. Based on this analysis we recover seven monophyletic genera within the Tricholomataceae s.str. that correspond to Leucopaxillus, Tricholoma, Pseudotricholoma stat. nov., Porpolomas.str., Dennisiomyces, Corneriella gen. nov., and Albomagister gen. nov. Of the 98 genera that have been traditionally assigned to the Tricholomataceae sensu Singer, only four can be placed within it (Tricholoma, Porpoloma, Dennisiomyces, Leucopaxillus). The genus Porpoloma is highly polyphyletic and divided into four genera: Porpoloma s.str., Corneriella gen. nov., Pseudotricholoma stat. nov., and Pogonoloma stat. nov. In all, four new genera are proposed. Taxonomic descriptions, and a key to genera of the Tricholomat‐ aceae as emended here are also presented.
Sexuality, intimacy and motor neurone disease: matters of concern
Authors: Taylor Bridget
Published: October 2014

Background:

There is limited research considering sexuality and intimacy in people living with motor neurone disease (pwMND). To ensure that healthcare practice meets service-users' needs, it is important to consider how living with MND affects expressions of sexuality and intimacy.

Aim:

To understand experiences of sexuality and intimacy when living with MND.

Method:

In this Heideggerian phenomenological study, one-to-one, conversational interviews were held with 13 pwMND and 10 partners of pwMND.

Findings:

Thematic analysis showed sexuality and intimacy to be experienced through sexual and non-sexual touch. Barriers included the failing body, an altered sense of sexual self and the intrusion of equipment. Partners' difficulty in adapting to change or their own health problems created additional barriers. Many participants found ways to adjust, and recommended that health-care professionals provide opportunities for people to discuss any concerns.

Conclusions:

The findings greatly enhance our understanding of living with MND and indicate a role for health-care professionals in addressing sexuality.
Spiritual wellbeing and perceived uncertainty in patients with multiple sclerosis in south-east Iran
Authors: Iranmanesh Sedigheh , Tirgari Batool , Tofighi Maryam , Forouzi Mansooreh Azizzadeh
Published: October 2014

Background:

The increasing incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) over the previous decade in Iran has been examined in the literature. This chronic and unpredictable disease creates psychological impairment, including uncertainty, among patients. It is important to examine the extent of uncertainty experienced by patients with MS and their spiritual wellbeing. It could also be useful to assess the relationship between these two variables.

Purpose:

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between spiritual wellbeing and uncertainty among MS patients in south-east Iran.

Method:

The sample in this cross-sectional, descriptive study comprised 200 non-hospitalised patients with MS referred to a disease centre in Kerman (south-east Iran). Using the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS-C) and spiritual wellbeing scale (SWB), data were collected and analysed.

Results:

The study results showed that the total mean score of SWB was 93.81 (SD=15.25). The mean score of the sub-scale of religious wellbeing was greater than the sub-scale of existential wellbeing (50.80 vs 43.01). The mean score of uncertainty scale was 67.20 (12/35). The highest mean score belonged to the sub-category of ambiguity (32.24±7.90). Pearson correlation test showed that perceived uncertainty score negatively correlated with spiritual wellbeing (r=-0.345; p=0.000), existential wellbeing (r=-0.421; p=0/00) and religious wellbeing (r=-0.172; p=0.015).

Conclusion:

MS patients should be offered opportunities to reflect on their experiences, feelings, actions and reactions to spirituality to enhance the possibility of using their personal experiences as part of positive and constructive learning. The study results suggest that information about spirituality and spiritual care should be included in the continuous and in-service education of MS patients and nurses working with them.
Preparing for palliative caregiving as a transition in the awareness of death: family carer experiences
Authors: Janze Anna , Henriksson Anette
Published: October 2014

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore family caregivers´ experiences from partners' stories about preparing for caregiving.

Methods:

The study had a descriptive and interpretive design using qualitative interviews and qualitative content analysis.

Results:

Preparing for caregiving was described in the two sub-themes: living in uncertainty, focusing on the present and preparing for the future; and preparing for caregiving while transitioning to new roles. One overarching theme ‘preparing for caregiving in awareness of death’ was seen as a common thread throughout the results. Preparing meant dealing with changes in life, living in uncertainty and transitioning to new roles.

Conclusion:

Family (partner) caregivers continuously tried to prepare in different ways in response to their partners' illness. Preparing for caregiving meant to willingly or unwillingly prepare for the dying and death of their partner and awareness about this was always present in some way, influencing the whole experience.
Chromosomal Instability in Cell-Free DNA Is a Serum Biomarker for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Schütz Ekkehard , Akbari Mohammad R , Beck Julia , Urnovitz Howard , Zhang William W , Bornemann-Kolatzki Kirsten , Mitchell William M , Nam Robert K , Narod Steven A
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Genomic instability resulting in copy number variation is a hallmark of malignant transformation and may be identified through massive parallel sequencing. Tumor-specific cell free DNA (cfDNA) present in serum and plasma provides a real-time, easily accessible surrogate.

METHODS

DNA was extracted from serum of 204 patients with prostate cancer (Gleason score 2–10), 207 male controls, and patients with benign hyperplasia (n = 10) and prostatitis (n = 10). DNA was amplified by use of random primers, tagged with molecular identifiers, sequenced on a SOLID system, and aligned to the human genome. We evaluated the number of sequence reads of cfDNA in sliding 100-kbp intervals for variation from controls. We used chromosomal regions with significant variations in alignment hits for their ability to segregate patients and matched controls.

RESULTS

Using ROC curves to assess diagnostic performance, we evaluated the number of regions in a first subset (n = 177), with variations in alignment hits alone, provided an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81 (95% CI 0.7–0.9, P < 0.001). Using 5 rounds of 10-fold cross-validation with the full data set, we established a final model that discriminated prostate cancer from controls with an AUC of 0.92 (0.87–0.95), reaching a diagnostic accuracy of 83%. Both benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatitis could be distinguished from prostate cancer by use of cfDNA, with an accuracy of 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of a limited number of chromosomal structural instabilities by use of massive parallel sequencing of cfDNA was sufficient to distinguish between prostate cancer and controls. This large cohort demonstrates the utility of cfDNA in prostate cancer recently established in other malignant neoplasms.
Validation of DNA Methylation to Predict Outcome in Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Use of xMELP
Authors: Wertheim Gerald B W , Smith Catherine , Luskin Marlise , Rager Alison , Figueroa Maria E , Carroll Martin , Master Stephen R
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Epigenetic dysregulation involving alterations in DNA methylation is a hallmark of various types of cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although specific cancer types and clinical aggressiveness of tumors can be determined by DNA methylation status, the assessment of DNA methylation at multiple loci is not routinely performed in the clinical laboratory.

METHODS

We recently described a novel microsphere-based assay for multiplex evaluation of DNA methylation. In the current study, we validated and used an improved assay [termed expedited microsphere HpaII small fragment Enrichment by Ligation-mediated PCR (xMELP)] that can be performed with appropriate clinical turnaround time.

RESULTS

Using the xMELP assay in conjunction with a new 17-locus random forest classifier that has been trained using 344 AML samples, we were able to segregate an independent cohort of 70 primary AML patients into methylation-determined subgroups with significantly distinct mortality risk (P = 0.009). We also evaluated precision, QC parameters, and preanalytic variables of the xMELP assay and determined the sensitivity of the random forest classifier score to failure at 1 or more loci.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that xMELP performance is suitable for implementation in the clinical laboratory and predicts AML outcome in an independent patient cohort.
Are employment relations in Europe based on trust? The employee representative perspective
Authors: Elgoibar Patricia , Munduate Lourdes , Medina Francisco J. , Euwema Martin C.
Published: October 2014

Numerosos investigadores provenientes de várias disciplinas concordam em que a confiança gera benefícios importantes tanto para as organizações (Dirks & Ferrin, 2001) como para seus membros (Kramer, 1999). No entanto, algumas vezes não é fácil alcançar o nível de confiança valorizado e desejado nas relações laborais. Neste artigo, em primeiro lugar, analisamos o conceito de confiança e sua importância no âmbito das relações laborais Europeias. Em segundo lugar, exploramos como os representantes sindicais (ER) na Europa percebem a sua relação com a Direcção bem como com os seus colegas de trabalho, com foco no papel da confiança. Finalmente, concluiremos com uma discussão e algumas recomendações práticas que podem ajudar aos ER a fomentar relações mais confiáveis, contribuindo dessa maneira para melhorar a sua capacidade de participação em processos de tomada de decisão e, consequentemente, para um estilo de gestão do conflito mais construtivo.
Recursos laborais, engagement e desempenho dos trabalhadores: Um estudo numa empresa da área da grande distribuição
Authors: Rebocho Rui Filipe , Semedo Carla Santarém , Santos Nuno Rebelo dos
Published: October 2014

A mudança no paradigma da gestão das empresas para uma maior preocupação com o seu capital humano tem permitido o surgimento de novas formas de encarar o sucesso organizacional. É ao ter por base esse pressuposto que o presente estudo pretende analisar as relações entre o engagement no trabalho e os recursos laborais e as implicações que os mesmos têm para o desempenho dos trabalhadores. Para isso, contámos com a participação de 101 trabalhadores duma empresa multinacional da área da grande distribuição de equipamentos para o lar, que preencheram os questionários e anexaram aos mesmos os resultados das suas avaliações de desempenho formais. Os resultados obtidos reforçam a importância dos recursos laborais no surgimento do engagement no local de trabalho e levam-nos a reflectir sobre a adequabilidade dos sistemas formais de avaliação do desempenho. As implicações deste estudo são discutidas à luz da sua relevância para a gestão de recursos humanos.
Pessoas, Qualidade e Gestão do Conhecimento
Authors: Brito Elisabeth , Cardoso Leonor
Published: October 2014

A literatura sobre a gestão da qualidade e a gestão do conhecimento sublinha a importância de um adequado modo de gerir as pessoas para que a sua implementação ocorra com o sucesso requerido. A perspectiva em que nos situamos considera as pessoas como a peça fundamental na optimização dos resultados organizacionais decorrentes da adopção destas duas filosofias de gestão. É neste contexto que no presente artigo se reflecte sobre a importância das pessoas e o papel que às mesmas é atribuído/exigido na gestão da qualidade e na gestão do conhecimento, abordando-se, ainda, as relações entre estas duas filosofias de gestão. Para a reflexão efectuada tivemos em consideração diferentes contributos teóricos oriundos da literatura a este respeito produzida, que procuraremos sistematizar e articular.
Competências no Trabalho: “Estado da Arte” da Produção Científica Portuguesa e Estrangeira
Authors: Santos Aleksandra Pereira dos , Borges-Andrade Jairo Eduardo
Published: October 2014

Esse estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma análise das principais características da publicação científica – estrangeira e portuguesa – sobre o tema competências no trabalho. Para tanto, buscou-se relatos de pesquisa empírica, em periódicos portugueses e em bases de pesquisa estrangeiras. Para se caracterizar tal produção serão discutidos os seguintes aspectos: abordagens teóricas, objetivos, natureza das pesquisas, delineamentos utilizados, instrumentos e procedimentos de análise dos dados, dentre outros. Constatou-se que, em sua maioria, as pesquisas portuguesas e estrangeiras: a) descrevem competências relevantes a determinada funções; b) possuem como desenho de investigação survey; c) apresentam pluralidade metodológica no que se refere à coleta e análise de dados; d) são realizadas, prioritariamente, no setor terciário da economia; e e) apresentam desenho transversal. Apesar da publicação disseminada por periódicos portugueses sobre o tema ser recente e muito escassa, algumas de suas características já podem ser destacadas: a utilização de múltiplas fontes de avaliação, a investigação de variáveis antecedentes e consequentes da expressão de competências no trabalho e da relação entre competências e desempenho. Foram ainda encontradas diferenças quanto à abordagem teórica utilizada pelas pesquisas estrangeiras e portuguesas.
Se o coração pensasse, pararia? – Desenvolvimento de um Instrumento de Avaliação da Inteligência Emocional Grupal
Authors: Correia Ana Cármen , Dimas Isabel Dórdio , Lourenço Paulo Renato
Published: October 2014

O modelo de Inteligência Emocional Grupal de Druskat e Wolff (2001a; 2001b) apresenta seis dimensões caracterizadoras da Inteligência Emocional, situadas a três níveis de análise, e constituídas por normas que, teoricamente, despertam e regulam as emoções nos grupos/equipas. No presente estudo, foi adaptado para a língua portuguesa o Group Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (Hamme, 2003), questionário ancorado no modelo referido e que comporta cinco dimensões (Regulação dos Membros sobre o Grupo, Auto-Consciência do Grupo, Auto-Regulação do Grupo, Consciência Social do Grupo, e Competências Sociais do Grupo). Contando com uma amostra de 333 indivíduos pertencentes a 74 grupos, foi testada a validade de constructo do Questionário de Inteligência Emocional Grupal (QIEG), através de uma Análise em Componentes Principais (ACP). Os resultados evidenciaram a emergência de quatro dimensões interpretáveis, em vez das cinco previstas com base no instrumento original. As dimensões avaliadas no QIEG – Regulação dos Membros sobre o Grupo, Auto-Consciência do Grupo, Auto-Regulação do Grupo, e Consciência/Competências Sociais do Grupo – apresentaram valores de consistência interna satisfatórios, apontando para um bom nível de fiabilidade do instrumento.
Escala de Atitudes diante de Ações Organizacionais em prol da Valorização da Diversidade
Authors: Pereira Jamille Barbosa Cavalcanti , Hanashiro Darcy Mitiko Mori
Published: October 2014

O artigo teve como objetivo desenvolver e validar uma escala para mensurar as atitudes diante de ações organizacionais em prol da valorização da diversidade. A criação dos itens da escala derivou de uma ampla revisão da literatura e de uma pesquisa qualitativa. Apresenta-se um modelo teórico que contempla tais atitudes sob duas dimensões: 1) as atitudes de aceitação e de rejeição como tendências psicológicas avaliativas; 2) as atitudes dos sujeitos dessa aceitação ou rejeição considerando-se as dimensões de diversidade (sexo, raça, ser ou não pessoa com deficiência ou qualquer outra dimensão). A validação final da escala foi realizada numa amostra de 412 brasileiros e resultou em 17 itens que agruparam as atitudes em prol da valorização da diversidade em quatro fatores: estigma, justiça social, obtenção de ganhos e dimensão reversa. O desenvolvimento dessa escala contribui de duas formas. De um lado, sistematizou um conhecimento pouco conhecido sobre as atitudes que as pessoas possuem sobre as ações voltadas à diversidade, preenchendo uma lacuna existente na literatura. Por ouro lado, a escala pode servir de um instrumento de apoio à gestão da diversidade. Uma consideração final ao uso da escala em outros contextos culturais requer, eventualmente, uma validação cultural.
The Road to Effective Remedies: Pragmatic reasons for treating cases of “sex trafficking” in the Australian sex industry as a form of “labour trafficking”
Authors: Simmons Frances , David Fiona
Published: October 2014

Internationally, it is widely recognised that labour law and associated protections are a critical part of any comprehensive response to trafficking in persons. In this article, we argue that while Australia has taken some important steps to incorporate labour protection systems into the anti-trafficking response, there is still more work to be done. In particular, the federal, and state and territory governments have yet to take up the opportunity to link anti-trafficking efforts with initiatives aimed at improving the working conditions of workers in the sex industry. We suggest this reflects a common—but unjustified—assumption that “labour trafficking” and “sex trafficking” are distinct and different species of harm. As a result of this distinction, workers in the Australian sex industry—an industry where slavery and trafficking crimes have been detected— are missing out on a suite of potentially effective prevention interventions, and access to civil remedies. We argue that there is a need to provide practical and financial support, so that the national industrial regulator, the Fair Work Ombudsman, can work directly with sex worker advocacy groups, to examine opportunities and barriers to accessing the labour law system, particularly for migrant sex workers.
Sex Trafficking, Law Enforcement and Perpetrator Accountability
Authors: Burkhalter Holly
Published: October 2014

In theory, everyone – except for criminals involved in their exploitation - agrees that children must not be in the sex industry and further, that those who prey on them must be prosecuted and punished. Virtually every country in the world has adopted national laws prohibiting the commercial sexual exploitation of children. International law is clear on this point, as well. Yet, when governments – and NGOs working with them – take action to extract children from commercial sex venues, common ground on protecting children from abuse can quickly erode with concerns about the efficacy of police intervention, the possibility of collateral harm to consenting adult sex workers or a decrease in access to HIV-prevention and related health services. The author argues that healing this divide must come through the reform of local police – and that, without the participation of law enforcement, there can be no long-term protection for children vulnerable to trafficking and related exploitation. In this article, human rights practitioner Holly Burkhalter argues that healing this divide must be accomplished through the reform of local police – and that human rights advocates, local governments and others seeking to combat trafficking cannot achieve long-term, sustainable protection for children without the involvement of law enforcement.
Educação étnico-racial na escola: uma proposta em diálogo
Authors: Poleto Valéria Gonçalves
Published: October 2014

Nas últimas décadas, a preocupação dispensada ao preconceito e à discriminação que ocorrem com as crianças negras dentro e fora do ambiente escolar vem ocasionando ações que convergem no sentido de uma reparação dessas situações. O movimento negro tem se empenhado em conseguir uma postura reparativa do governo, concretizada, inicialmente, com a promulgação da lei 10.639/03. A escola, enquanto espaço de construção do conhecimento e de socialização, necessita organizar seu currículo e sua prática educativa de forma a valorizar a influência da cultura negra na história brasileira, garantindo que a criança possa formar sua identidade privada de visões preconceituosas e estereotipadas da cultura negra. O presente artigo procura fazer uma reflexão sobre a lei 10.639/03, sua aplicabilidade no currículo escolar e sua relevância no processo de construção da identidade da criança.
Census Mapping Mashup
Authors: Hunt Paul
Published: October 2014

By mandate, the United States Census Bureau compiles and distributes data on the American population. Open data initiatives have made it possible for users to access and analyze data with simple web-based tools. A new method for requesting data from the Census Bureau is described here, along with two different mapping mashups. Using the technology described in this article, a simple web mapping interface could unlock vast amounts of available data for user exploration.
Identification of partially occluded map symbols
Authors: Korpi Jari Arvi , Haybatollahi Mohammad , Ahonen-Rainio Paula
Published: October 2014

Maps should be legible at all scales, and the information density of a map should be adapted to fulfill this goal. However, there are situations in which overlapping symbols might not be easily avoided. These kinds of cluttered or over-plotted situations often occur today in geovisual analytics and in map mash-ups created using Web 2.0 technologies. In this research project, we examine via a user test the extent to which occluded symbols can still be identifiable. Specifically, we tested how different levels of occlusion affected the accuracy and response time of finding symbols that varied in either color hue, abstract shape, or pictogram. The results of the test show that the efficiency of the symbols decreases when the symbols become partially occluded. Still, even half-occluded complex shapes can be identified quite accurately. Symbols varying in color hue seem to tolerate occlusion the best.
Dynamic inequalities of Hardy and Copson type on time scales
Authors: Saker Samir H. , O'Regan Donal , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we will prove some new dynamic inequalities on time scales.
These inequalities as special cases contain some integral and discrete
inequalities due to Hardy and Copson. The main results will be proved by
using the Hölder inequality and a simple consequence of Keller's chain
rule on time scales.
New Hermite–Hadamard type integral inequalities for GA-convex functions with applications
Authors: Latif Muhammad Amer
Published: October 2014

In this paper, some refinements of Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities for
GA-convex functions are obtained. Applications of the obtained results to
special means are given.
Comparative analysis of breast cancer detection in mammograms and thermograms
Authors: Milosevic Marina , Jankovic Dragan , Peulic Aleksandar
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we present a system based on feature extraction techniques for detecting abnormal patterns in digital mammograms and thermograms. A comparative study of texture-analysis methods is performed for three image groups: mammograms from the Mammographic Image Analysis Society mammographic database; digital mammograms from the local database; and thermography images of the breast. Also, we present a procedure for the automatic separation of the breast region from the mammograms. Computed features based on gray-level co-occurrence matrices are used to evaluate the effectiveness of textural information possessed by mass regions. A total of 20 texture features are extracted from the region of interest. The ability of feature set in differentiating abnormal from normal tissue is investigated using a support vector machine classifier, Naive Bayes classifier and K-Nearest Neighbor classifier. To evaluate the classification performance, five-fold cross-validation method and receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed.
Relationships between flavonoids and selected elements in infusions of medicinal herbs
Authors: Konieczynski Pawel , Arceusz Agnieszka , Wesolowski Marek
Published: October 2014

The aim of the studies was to establish relationships between flavonoids and elements important for human health. Therefore, total contents of flavonoids and phosphorus were determined by UV/Vis methods, flavonoids by HPLC, and Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu by FAAS in 68 infusions of medicinal herbs. Total flavonoids content in the aqueous extracts were in the range of 0.26 - 16.40 mg per 100 mL. The mean flavonoid contents (in mg per 100 mL of aqueous extract) were 2.24, 2.01, 1.83, 1.88 for rutin, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol, respectively. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, P were determined in mg per 100 mL, and of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in μg per 100 mL. Total content of flavonoids was weakly correlated with quercetin (r = 0.41), kaempferol (r = 0.53), Cu (r = 0.43), and Ca (r = -0.30). Statistically significant correlations were also found among Cu, Ca, Mn, Zn and Fe. Cluster analysis grouped the studied herbs based on total flavonoids, also four flavonoids and essential elements contents, extracted from the whole population of herbs Sambuci flos, Betulae folium, and Sylibi mariani semen. Principal component analysis confirmed these findings and enabled identification of quercetin, kaempferol, Cu and Fe as the factors responsible for differentiation of the studied material.
A straightforward electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometry method for underivatized long chain polysaccharides
Authors: Ghiulai Roxana M. , Sarbu Mirela , Ilie Constantin , Zamfir Alina D.
Published: October 2014

Structural analysis of long chain polysaccharides by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is challenging since these molecules do not contain readily ionizable groups. Their mass spectra are dominated by singly charged ions, limiting the detection of high molecular weight species. Derivatization can enhance ionization, but analyte loss on purification decreases sensitivity. We report a method based on nanoESI-MS and MS/MS by collision induced dissociation (CID) for underivatized long chain polysaccharides. The procedure was tested on underivatized polydisperse dextrans (average molecular weight 4,000) at 2.6 kV ESI voltage and CID MS/MS at energies between 30-60 eV. 113 ions corresponding to species from Glc2 to Glc35 were detected. Ions at m/z 1,409.48, 1,107.35 and 1,438.47, assigned to [G17+2Na]2+,[G20+H+Na+K]3+ and [G35+2H+Na+K]4+, were sequenced and characterized by MS/MS. The component containing 35 Glc repeats is the longest polysaccharide chain detected by ESI-MS and structurally analyzed by MS/MS without prior derivatization and/or separation.
Synthesis, crystal structures, and fluorescent properties of zinc(II) complexes with benzazino-2-carboxalidin-2-aminophenols
Authors: Nosova Emiliya , Stupina Tatyana , Chupakhin Artem , Lipunova Galina , Valova Marina , Slepukhin Pavel , Charushin Valery
Published: October 2014

Complexes ZnL2 with novel fluorinated benzazines as tridentate ligands (HL = 6,7-difluoroquinoxalinand 6,7-difluoroquinolincarboxalidin-2-aminophenol) have been prepared. The photophisical properties of the ligands and the complexes has been studied.
Titanium dioxide high aspect ratio nanoparticle hydrothermal synthesis optimization
Authors: Półrolniczak Paulina , Walkowiak Mariusz
Published: October 2014

TiO2-B (bronze) nanowires were synthesized via simple hydrothermal treatment of commercial titanium dioxide nanopowder in aqueous NaOH. The reaction temperature, calcination temperature, reaction time, NaOH concentration, autoclave filing fraction and precursor were systematically varied to optimize the nanowire morphology. The crystal structure, morphology and particle size were investigated by XRD, SEM and TEM. The morphology and structure are sensitive to experimental conditions. A reaction temperature of at least 150°C and NaOH concentration at least 10 M are essential, but reaction time from 24 to 72 h makes little difference. Nanowires obtained at 150°C were 60-180 nm wide and 2-4 μm long, while those after treatment at 200°C were thinner (40-100 nm) and longer (2-6 μm).

The relationship between reaction conditions and morphology is discussed and practical guidelines for titanium dioxide nanowire synthesis are suggested
Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic analysis of volatile organic compounds in distillate of fermented Sorbus domestica fruit
Authors: Vyviurska Olga , Pysarevska Solomiya , Jánošková Nikoleta , Špánik Ivan
Published: October 2014

The Slovak-Czech spirit distilled from Sorbus domestica was analyzed by GCxGC with headspace solid phase microextraction and liquid-liquid extraction. Two column combinations, nonpolar × medium-polar and polar × medium-polar were tested. The second column setup provided more exploited 2D separation space with better distribution of peaks in chromatogram. Effects of the first column on the elution order of γ-lactones, benzyl esters, and unsaturated aldehydes in the second separation were observed. More than 500 compounds were detected; nearly 100 were confirmed with standards.
Spontaneous non-linear oscillations of interfacial tension at oil/water interface
Authors: Kovalchuk Nina M.
Published: October 2014

Three particular systems are considered where transfer of a surfactant across the interface between two immiscible liquids, water and oil, is accompanied by spontaneous oscillations of relaxation type with an abrupt decrease of interfacial tension followed by its gradual increase. These oscillations cannot be explained in the frameworks of linear stability analysis, because they are related to essentially non-linear effects. The oscillations characteristics depend on the properties of a surfactant (interfacial activity, solubility, partition coefficient, density difference between the surfactant solution and pure solvent), other solutes present in one or both liquid phases, and, usually, also on the system geometry. If the transferred surfactant is an ionic one, then, the oscillations of interfacial tension are synchronised with the oscillations of electric potential across the interface. The available hypothesis about oscillations mechanism are discussed, in particular, the model proposed recently for oscillations due to Marangoni instability by surfactant transfer from a point source located in one of the liquid bulk phases.
Compactness and
non-compactness for the Yamabe problem on manifolds with boundary
Authors: Disconzi Marcelo M. , Khuri Marcus A.
Published: October 2014

We study the problem of conformal deformation of Riemannian structure to
constant scalar curvature with zero mean curvature on the boundary. We
prove compactness for the full set of solutions when the boundary is
umbilic and the dimension

n
≤
24

${n\leq 24}$

. The Weyl Vanishing Theorem is
also established under these hypotheses, and we provide counter-examples
to compactness when

n
≥
25

${n\geq 25}$

. Lastly, our methods point towards a
vanishing theorem for the umbilicity tensor, which will be fundamental for
a study of the non-umbilic case.
On pliability of del Pezzo fibrations and Cox rings
Authors: Ahmadinezhad Hamid
Published: October 2014

We develop some concrete methods to build Sarkisov links, starting from Mori fibre spaces. This is done by studying low rank Cox rings and their properties. As part of this development, we give an algorithm to construct explicitly the coarse moduli space of a toric Deligne–Mumford stack. This can be viewed as the generalisation of the notion of well-formedness for weighted projective spaces to homogeneous coordinate ring of toric varieties. As an illustration, we apply these methods to study birational transformations of certain fibrations of del Pezzo surfaces over

ℙ
1

${\mathbb{P}^{1}}$

, into other Mori fibre spaces, using Cox rings and variation of geometric invariant theory. We show that the pliability of these Mori fibre spaces is at least three and they are not rational.
Hydrolysis of Hazelnut Shells as a Carbon Source for Bioprocessing Applications and Fermentation
Authors: Uzuner Sibel , Cekmecelioglu Deniz
Published: October 2014

Hazelnut shells are generated in large amounts from hazelnut processing. Currently, it is used as fuel. However, reuse in bioprocessing can release remarkable content of sugars, which can be used for production of additives such as enzymes widely used in the food industry. Thus, the present study was undertaken to determine the effect of single and combined chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis on the production of fermentable sugars from hazelnut shells. Batch hydrolysis was carried out under various conditions to select optimal conditions. The results revealed that an optimal sugar concentration of about 19.2 g/l was achieved after 3.42% (w/w) dilute acid pretreatment conducted at 130°C for 31.7 min and enzymatic load of 200 U/g for 24 h. The overall sugar yield was calculated as 72.4% (g reducing sugar/g total carbohydrate). Therefore, hazelnut shells can be considered a suitable feedstock to compete with synthetic sugars used in fermentations.