bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The inflammatory cytokine TNFα cooperates with Ras in elevating metastasis and turns WT-Ras to a tumor-promoting entity in MCF-7 cells
Authors: Leibovich-Rivkin Tal , Liubomirski Yulia , Meshel Tsipi , Abashidze Anastasia , Brisker Daphna , Solomon Hilla , Rotter Varda , Weil Miguel , Ben-Baruch Adit
Published: March 2014

Background

In the present study we determined the relative contribution of two processes to breast cancer progression: (1) Intrinsic events, such as activation of the Ras pathway and down-regulation of p53; (2) The inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β, shown in our published studies to be highly expressed in tumors of >80% of breast cancer patients with recurrent disease.

Methods

Using MCF-7 human breast tumor cells originally expressing WT-Ras and WT-p53, we determined the impact of the above-mentioned elements and cooperativity between them on the expression of CXCL8 (ELISA, qRT-PCR), a member of a “cancer-related chemokine cluster” that we have previously identified. Then, we determined the mechanisms involved (Ras-binding-domain assays, Western blot, luciferase), and tested the impact of Ras + TNFα on angiogenicity (chorioallantoic membrane assays) and on tumor growth at the mammary fat pad of mice and on metastasis, in vivo.

Results

Using RasG12Vthat recapitulates multiple stimulations induced by receptor tyrosine kinases, we found that RasG12Valone induced CXCL8 expression at the mRNA and protein levels, whereas down-regulation of p53 did not. TNFα and IL-1β potently induced CXCL8 expression and synergized with RasG12V, together leading to amplified CXCL8 expression. Testing the impact of WT-Ras, which is the common form in breast cancer patients, we found that WT-Ras was not active in promoting CXCL8; however, TNFα has induced the activation of WT-Ras: joining these two elements has led to cooperative induction of CXCL8 expression, via the activation of MEK, NF-κB and AP-1. Importantly, TNFα has led to increased expression of WT-Ras in an active GTP-bound form, with properties similar to those of RasG12V. Jointly, TNFα + Ras activities have given rise to increased angiogenesis and to elevated tumor cell dissemination to lymph nodes.

Conclusions

TNFα cooperates with Ras in promoting the metastatic phenotype of MCF-7 breast tumor cells, and turns WT-Ras into a tumor-supporting entity. Thus, in breast cancer patients the cytokine may rescue the pro-cancerous potential of WT-Ras, and together these two elements may lead to a more aggressive disease. These findings have clinical relevance, suggesting that we need to consider new therapeutic regimens that inhibit Ras and TNFα, in breast cancer patients.
Practice characteristics and prior authorization costs: secondary analysis of data collected by SALT-Net in 9 central New York primary care practices
Authors: Epling John W , Mader Emily M , Morley Christopher P
Published: March 2014

Background

An increase in prior authorization (PA) requirements from health insurance companies is placing administrative and financial burdens on primary care offices across the United States. As time allocation for these cases continues to grow, physicians are concerned with additional workload and inefficiency in the workplace. The objective is to estimate the effects of practice characteristics on time spent per prior authorization request in primary care practices.

Methods

Secondary analysis was performed using data on nine primary care practices in Central New York. Practice characteristics and demographics were collected at the onset of the study. In addition, participants were instructed to complete an "event form" (EF) to document each prior authorization event during a 4–6 week period; prior authorizations included requests for medication as well as other health care services. Stepwise Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression was used to model Time in Minutes of each event as an outcome of various factors.

Results

Prior authorization events (N = 435) took roughly 20 minutes to complete (beta = 20.017, p < .001); Medicaid requests took less time (beta = −6.085, p < .001), and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system use reduced prior authorization time by about 5 minutes (beta = −5.086, p = .002).

Conclusions

While prior authorization events impose substantial costs to primary care offices, it appears that Medicaid requests take less time than private payer requests. Results from the study provide support that Electronic Health Record usage may also reduce time required to complete prior authorization requests.
Higher serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product levels and lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Japanese adult men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Momma Haruki , Niu Kaijun , Kobayashi Yoritoshi , Huang Cong , Chujo Masahiko , Otomo Atsushi , Tadaura Hiroko , Miyata Toshio , Nagatomi Ryoichi
Published: March 2014

Background

Although several studies showed that decreased soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), inflammation level has not been considered, even though ligand–RAGE interaction induces inflammation. The objective of the study was to determine the association between sRAGE and MetS among Japanese adult in a cross-sectional survey, taking the level of low grade inflammation into consideration.

Methods

Serum soluble RAGE (sRAGE) were measured in 712 men and 176 women aged 30–83 years with serum C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration below 3 mg/L. MetS was defined using the criteria of the American Heart Association Scientific Statements of 2009.

Results

After multivariable adjustment, among men, higher sRAGE levels were associated with lower odds of MetS as well as central obesity and elevated blood pressure. Comparing the extreme tertiles of sRAGE, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 0.58 (0.36–0.95; P for trend = 0.001) for MetS; 0.41 (0.25–0.52; P for trend < 0.001) for central obesity; and 0.45 (0.29–0.70; P for trend < 0.001) for elevated blood pressure. Moreover, participants were categorized according to their median hsCRP and sRAGE values. Men in the higher hsCRP/higher sRAGE category had a 40% lower odds ratio for MetS than those in the higher hsCRP/lower sRAGE category (P = 0.031). Among women, there was no association between sRAGE levels and the prevalence of MetS.

Conclusions

Higher circulating RAGE concentrations were associated with lower prevalence of MetS and its components among Japanese men.
T-helper 17 cell cytokines and interferon type I: partners in crime in systemic lupus erythematosus?
Authors: Brkic Zana , Corneth Odilia BJ , van Helden-Meeuwsen Cornelia G , Dolhain Radboud JEM , Maria Naomi I , Paulissen Sandra MJ , Davelaar Nadine , van Hamburg Jan Piet , van Daele Paul L , Dalm Virgil A , van Hagen P Martin , Hazes Johanna MW , Versnel Marjan A , Lubberts Erik
Published: March 2014

Introduction

A hallmark of systemic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the increased expression of interferon (IFN) type I inducible genes, so-called IFN type I signature. Recently, T-helper 17 subset (Th17 cells), which produces IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22, has been implicated in SLE. As CCR6 enriches for Th17 cells, we used this approach to investigate whether CCR6+ memory T-helper cells producing IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and/or IL-22 are increased in SLE patients and whether this increase is related to the presence of IFN type I signature.

Methods

In total, 25 SLE patients and 15 healthy controls (HCs) were included. SLE patients were divided into IFN type I signature-positive (IFN+) (n = 16) and negative (IFN-) (n = 9) patients, as assessed by mRNA expression of IFN-inducible genes (IFIGs) in monocytes. Expression of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22 by CD4+CD45RO+CCR6+ T cells (CCR6+ cells) was measured with flow cytometry and compared between IFN+, IFN- patients and HCs.

Results

Increased percentages of IL-17A and IL-17A/IL-17F double-producing CCR6+ cells were observed in IFN+ patients compared with IFN- patients and HCs. IL-17A and IL-17F expression within CCR6+ cells correlated significantly with IFIG expression. In addition, we found significant correlation between B-cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis family (BAFF)–a factor strongly correlating with IFN type I - and IL-21 producing CCR6+ cells.

Conclusions

We show for the first time higher percentages of IL-17A and IL-17A/IL-17F double-producing CCR6+ memory T-helper cells in IFN+ SLE patients, supporting the hypothesis that IFN type I co-acts with Th17 cytokines in SLE pathogenesis.
Indoxyl Sulfate-Induced Activation of (Pro)Renin Receptor Is Involved in Expression of TGF-β1 and α-Smooth Muscle Actin in Proximal Tubular Cells
Authors: Saito Shinichi , Shimizu Hidehisa , Yisireyili Maimaiti , Nishijima Fuyuhiko , Enomoto Atsushi , Niwa Toshimitsu
Published: March 2014

Activation of (pro)renin receptor (PRR) is involved in the progression of chronic kidney disease. However, the role of indoxyl sulfate, a uremic toxin, in the activation of PRR is not clear. The present study aimed to clarify the role of indoxyl sulfate in activation of PRR, in relation to renal expression of fibrotic genes. Renal expression of PRR and renin/prorenin was up-regulated in chronic kidney disease rats compared with normal rats, whereas AST-120 suppressed these expression by reducing serum levels of indoxyl sulfate. Furthermore, administration of indoxyl sulfate to normotensive and hypertensive rats increased renal expression of PRR and renin/prorenin. Indoxyl sulfate induced expression of PRR and prorenin in cultured human proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cells). Indoxyl sulfate-induced PRR expression was inhibited by small interfering RNAs of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and nuclear factor-κB p65 in proximal tubular cells. N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant, and diphenyleneiodonium, an inhibitor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, suppressed indoxyl sulfate-induced PRR expression in proximal tubular cells. N-acetylcysteine prevented indoxyl sulfate-induced phosphorylation of Stat3 in proximal tubular cells. PRR small interfering RNA inhibited indoxyl sulfate-induced expression of TGF-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin in proximal tubular cells. Taken together, indoxyl sulfate-induced up-regulation of prorenin expression and activation of PRR through production of reactive oxygen species and activation of Stat3 and nuclear factor-κB play an important role in the expression of TGF-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin in proximal tubular cells. Thus, indoxyl sulfate-induced activation of prorenin/PRR might be involved in renal fibrosis.
microRNA-125 distinguishes developmentally generated and adult-born olfactory bulb interneurons
Authors: Åkerblom Malin , Petri Rebecca , Sachdeva Rohit , Klussendorf Thies , Mattsson Bengt , Gentner Bernhard , Jakobsson Johan
Published: March 2014

New neurons, originating from the subventricular zone, are continuously integrating into neuronal circuitry in the olfactory bulb (OB). Using a transgenic sensor mouse, we found that adult-born OB interneurons express microRNA-125 (miR-125), whereas the pre-existing developmentally generated OB interneurons represent a unique population of cells in the adult brain, without miR-125 activity. Stable inhibition of miR-125 in newborn OB neurons resulted in enhanced dendritic morphogenesis, as well as in increased synaptic activation in response to odour sensory stimuli. These data demonstrate that miR-125 controls functional synaptic integration of adult-born OB interneurons. Our results also suggest that absence of an otherwise broadly expressed miRNA is a novel mechanism with which to achieve neuronal subtype specification.
Profilin 1 is required for peripheral nervous system myelination
Authors: Montani Laura , Buerki-Thurnherr Tina , de Faria Joana Paes , Pereira Jorge A. , Dias Nuno G. , Fernandes Rui , Gonçalves Ana F. , Braun Attila , Benninger Yves , Böttcher Ralph T. , Costell Mercedes , Nave Klaus-Armin , Franklin Robin J. M. , Meijer Dies , Suter Ueli , Relvas João B.
Published: March 2014

Myelination allows rapid saltatory propagation of action potentials along the axon and is an essential prerequisite for the normal functioning of the nervous system. During peripheral nervous system (PNS) development, myelin-forming Schwann cells (SCs) generate radial lamellipodia to sort and ensheath axons. This process requires controlled cytoskeletal remodeling, and we show that SC lamellipodia formation depends on the function of profilin 1 (Pfn1), an actin-binding protein involved in microfilament polymerization. Pfn1 is inhibited upon phosphorylation by ROCK, a downstream effector of the integrin linked kinase pathway. Thus, a dramatic reduction of radial lamellipodia formation is observed in SCs lacking integrin-linked kinase or treated with the Rho/ROCK activator lysophosphatidic acid. Knocking down Pfn1 expression by lentiviral-mediated shRNA delivery impairs SC lamellipodia formation in vitro, suggesting a direct role for this protein in PNS myelination. Indeed, SC-specific gene ablation of Pfn1 in mice led to profound radial sorting and myelination defects, confirming a central role for this protein in PNS development. Our data identify Pfn1 as a key effector of the integrin linked kinase/Rho/ROCK pathway. This pathway, acting in parallel with integrin β1/LCK/Rac1 and their effectors critically regulates SC lamellipodia formation, radial sorting and myelination during peripheral nervous system maturation.
Photocatalytic Reduction of Uranyl Ions over Rutile TiO2 Nanorods with Different Aspect Ratios
Authors: Li Le , Li Hui , Deng Weiyi , Qin Bang , Fan Zao , Zhao Yubao
Published: March 2014

Rod-shaped rutile TiO2 nanocrystals with various aspect ratios were prepared by a two-step wet-chemical method, and their photocatalytic performance for the reduction of uranyl ions under UV irradiation was investigated. Results show that there is an obvious difference between their specific activities based on equal surface area; rutile TiO2 nanorods with a moderate aspect ratio exhibited the best activity. Different occupation of {111} and {110} facets and a synergistic effect between them are proposed to explain the activity order.
Preface
Authors: Bickel Michael
Published: March 2014

Trace elements may have different functions in human and animal metabolism: some are toxic (e.g., Hg), others are essential to maintain good health (e.g., Ca), or they can be essential but also toxic, depending on the concentration in the body or in parts thereof (e.g., Se).

The importance of various aspects of trace elements in relation to food is steadily increasing in the perception of the consumer and the respective authorities: food contaminants, essential and toxic elements, bioavailability and speciation, nutritional value and fortified food, reliable measurement of contents, etc. In addition, through the many minor and major food-related incidents during recent years the consumer is becoming more concerned about the quality and safety of food. As a result, research and development efforts in this area have also been increased and/or been redirected.

TEF-2 was organized in Brussels 7-8 October 2004 by the Institute of Reference Materials and Measurements of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, with the support of the Department of Food Analysis, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology of the University of Warzaw, Poland and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France. It was carried through under the auspices of IUPAC.

The objectives laid down for the symposium were

- presenting state-of-the-art analytical methods for the enforcement of legal limits of trace elements in food;

- disseminating new ideas and findings within the scientific community;

- providing a forum for the exchange of new knowledge and experience between R&D, authorities, and industry; and

- bringing together experts in the field with newcomers.

TEF-2 was attended by 93 participants from 60 different institutions in 23 countries. It consisted of 26 lectures and 56 posters, structured according to the following four main topics:

- trace elements in the food chain (from the environment to shelf product) including the effects of processing and of legislation

- trace element bioavailability-toxicological and nutritional aspects

- fortified food and supplementation legislation, manufacturing and labeling, standards

- advances in trace element analysis in food matrices

It was emphasized that the field of trace elements in food is a lively research area, which generates interest and involvement from researchers, authorities, and industry, of course triggered and nurtured by the equally high interest of the consumer. A selection of the invited contributions to TEF-2 is presented in the subsequent seven papers in this issue.

The importance of scientific exchange in this field was, again, recognized during TEF-2. Therefore, the continuation of this series of conferences was discussed, and the venue for the subsequent TEF-3 was decided. It will be organized by R. Lobinski of CNRS in Pau, France, at the beginning of October 2008.

Michael Bickel

Conference Editor
Preface
Authors: Krupp Eva M.
Published: March 2014

Trace elements are a vital ingredient in our food, which directly relates to our health and well-being. The study of health effects related to the abundance or deficiency of trace elements that we are exposed to in our daily life is of prime importance in order to understand mechanisms and interactions of those elements within the human body. Trace elements taken up with food may exert toxic actions (e.g., in the case of arsenic or mercury), others are essential and a deficiency in these trace elements (e.g., iron, selenium, zinc, or iodine) can have drastic health effects and cause diseases.

Therefore, toxic as well as essential aspects of trace elements must be studied and understood, so that regulating or governing bodies may advise on permissible levels for toxic elements, or recommend daily doses for the uptake of essential elements.

The 4th International Conference on Trace Elements in Food (TEF-4) addressed a range of issues related to the health effects of trace elements and provided a podium for researchers from different scientific backgrounds: analytical chemists, toxicologists, nutritionists, environmental scientists, and members of health authorities came together to present and discuss recent advances and findings.

The conference was held from 19 to 22 June 2011 in the King’s Conference Centre at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland (UK), with Prof. John Beattie (Rowett Institute for Nutrition and Health/University of Aberdeen) and Prof. Jörg Feldmann (University of Aberdeen) acting as Conference Chairs. TEF-4 attracted 150 delegates from 39 countries; 38 oral lectures were presented, 13 of which were given by internationally renowned invited speakers. The scientific program also included a poster exhibition with 108 papers and was completed by 9 exhibiting sponsors, including major analytical instrument manufacturers and representatives of reference material laboratories and government institutes.

The scientific program comprised four larger themes, each of which was represented by invited speakers and further oral presentations on the following topics:

- source and transfer of trace elements into food and feed

- trace elements in nutrition and health

- toxicology and risk assessment of trace elements in food

- analytical advances in trace elements in food

Special attention was paid to selenium as an essential element, and a variety of talks explored the toxic actions of arsenic in different foodstuffs and in epidemiology, completed with topics on mercury, zinc, manganese, iodine, cerium, and other trace metals.

The collection of papers in this issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry is a representation of the main topics covered in the lectures held during TEF-4, providing an overview of recent advances in research techniques and findings. We hope that it proves a useful source of new and exciting results, leading the way into the future of food analysis, and that fruitful interdisciplinary collaboration will enhance the impact of fundamental and applied research.

Eva M. Krupp

Conference Editor
Preface
Authors: Carballeira Néstor M.
Published: March 2014

It was a privilege for me to have served as conference editor for this issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry. The nine papers in this volume constitute selected contributions from four symposia that took place at the 43rd IUPAC Congress, which was held in the Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico between 30 July and 7 August 2011. The theme of the congress, with more than 1300 scientific presentations, was "Chemistry Bridging Innovation Among the Americas and the World".

The papers in this issue arise from four symposia that were part of one of the central themes of the congress, the "Chemistry of Life". Four of the contributions [by Profs. Vanderlan Bolzani (Brazil), Abimael D. Rodriguez (Puerto Rico), Adriano D. Andricopulo (Brazil), and Néstor M. Carballeira (Puerto Rico)] arise from the symposium "Modern Medicinal Chemistry: Natural Products and Synthetic Molecules as Valuable Tools", while one contribution [by Prof. George Kokotos (Greece)] was presented at the symposium "From Protein Structure to Cell Regulation". Three other contributions [by Profs. Ken Kitajima (Japan), Dipak. K. Banerjee (Puerto Rico), and Adriana Pietropaolo (Italy)] are from the symposium "Balancing Life with Bioconjugates", and the last contribution [by Prof. Julian Echave (Argentina)] is from the symposium "Structure Dynamics of Chemical and Biological Systems".

We certainly acknowledge the great contribution made to this congress by the congress chair, Prof. Gabriel A. Infante, and the local organizing and scientific committees. We also acknowledge the different organizers and session chairs for the symposia from which these contributions were possible, in particular: V. Bolzani, A. Palermo, S. Campbell, and J. Colón for the medicinal chemistry symposium; D. K. Banerjee for the glycoconjugates symposium; A. Azzi, J. Pande, and M. Walsh for the protein- cell symposium; and M. Chergui and J. López Garriga for the structure dynamics symposium.

I would also like to thank the many scientific contributors to this conference, in particular, those who took the time to write a more thorough account of their science and were able to transform it into valuable papers for all of us to share and enjoy. We also thank the editorial staff for their valuable help and guidance.

Néstor M. Carballeira

Conference Editor
Preface
Authors: Zuin Vânia G.
Published: March 2014

The 4th International IUPAC Conference on Green Chemistry (ICGC-4) was held in
Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, 25-29 August 2012, under the auspices of IUPAC and the
Brazilian Chemical Society (SBQ), with the theme “Exchanging experiences towards
a sustainable society taking care of natural resources in their socio-economic
development”. It is important to understand the historical context of ICGC-4 as
part of a series that started in 2006 in Dresden, Germany. As observed by Prof.
Tundo, the Chair of the first ICGC, green chemistry is “innovative because it is
not necessarily connected to profits, it involves fundamental aspects and does
not aim automatically at an industrial process. There is a great need to create
a new type of chemistry focused on a new production system and utilization of
chemical derivatives, in order to prepare the younger generation to reach a
greener future.” ICGC-2 occurred in 2008 aboard the ship “Alexander Radishev”
travelling from Moscow to St. Petersburg, Russia, and was centered around a
number of fundamental and applied topics on green chemistry. ICGC-3 was held in
Ottawa, Canada, 2010, with the theme “The Road to Greener Industry”. Bringing
together academia and industry to exchange ideas about green chemistry was the
purpose of the meeting.

ICGC-4 also included all areas and sectors of chemistry worldwide (academia,
industry, government, and chemistry societies) and focused on broad topics such
as benign synthesis/process, green chemistry for energy/production, chemicals
from renewable resources, green engineering, education in green chemistry, and
engineering and policy. It attracted around 600 participants from 4 continents,
especially young researchers. The event included 10 plenary lectures and 15
invited talks conducted by the most prominent chemists from all over the world
in this field, 4 short courses, 15 parallel sessions with 4 oral presentations
each, 3 technical parallel sessions, 4 roundtables, 2 poster sessions, and a
book release (Capes at Rio+20).

The organizers of ICGC-4 would like to thank the great number of sponsors who
generously supported the event and the members of all committees for their
immense contributions. Special thanks are extended in particular to Profs.
Pietro Tundo and Buxing Han for their outstanding efforts, as well as Profs.
Patricia Vazquez, Liliana Mammino, Arlene Corrêa, Vitor Ferreira, and Fernando
Galembeck, all of whom contributed to the remarkable success of ICGC-4 (for more
details, see www.ufscar.br/icgc4).

The nine papers in this issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry are
mostly contributions from plenary speakers and represent some of the topics
discussed in the event. The tradition and involvement with such a fundamental
and innovative field will continue in 2014 with ICGC-5, which will be held in
Durban, South Africa.

Vânia G. Zuin

Secretary General
Preface
Authors: Waghorne Earle
Published: March 2014

The 15th International Symposium on Solubility Phenomena and Related Equilibrium Processes (ISSP-15) was held at the Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, in Xining, China, 22-27 July 2012. The meeting was a marked success, with over 100 participants from around the world. Xining, located on the Tibetan plateau, provided an interesting glimpse of China, outside of the very large cities of the Chinese lowlands.

The Qinghai Institute was established in recognition of the great potential of China’s upland salt lakes, where thousands of years of evaporation have resulted in huge bodies of brines with great commercial potential. For all those chemists who wondered why the thermodynamics and phase diagrams of electrolyte systems were part of their education, these huge, highly complex, aqueous electrolyte systems provide one of the answers, as Prof. Song's overview of studies related to the Qinghai Lakes systems made clear.

Concentrated electrolyte systems are found in other situations, including the winning of metals, such as aluminum, and in the processing of spent nuclear fuels; Prof. Altmaier's lecture on Np(VI) systems showed the complexities of such systems. More recently, the explosion of applications for roomtemperature ionic liquids has added a new strand to this long-established field of research.

Dealing with all of these types of systems requires accurate experimental measurements, careful analysis of the thermodynamics, and, commonly, thermodynamic modeling; lectures by Profs. Gamsjäger, Hefter, Königsberger, and Wang gave insights into both the experimental and modeling challenges that these systems present. Of course, thermodynamics and solubility are not restricted to electrolyte or solid/liquid systems, as was clearly shown by Prof. De Vischer's lecture on the thermodynamics of CO2 solubility, in the context of CO2 capture and storage.

This was the 15th in the series of ISSPs, which are organized through the IUPAC Subcommittee on Solubility and Equilibrium Data (SSED). This series of symposia, which brings together some of the most eminent scientists working in the area of solubility, is traditionally one of the friendliest meetings one can attend, and the Xining meeting certainly maintained this tradition.

Earle Waghorne

Conference Editor
Developing design criteria for fused recycled glass tiles
Authors: Oseng-Rees Tyra E. , Donne Kelvin E. , Bender Rodney , Brown Raymond D.H.
Published: March 2014

Using modern stress measuring equipment, a quantitative study of the conditions for stability and durability of handmade interior wall tiles made from fused recycled bottle glass has been undertaken alongside developing aesthetic features such as colour and texture. The tiles were commissioned by an architectural practice for a new building development based on sustainable principles. The research considered objective design criteria, including bending strength, stability, stain and scratch resistance, as well as aesthetic features such as colouring, translucency, texture and reproducibility. Mechanical analysis showed the fused recycled bottle glass tiles exceeded the performance of commercially available tiles. Quantitative analysis of user perception was also a key aspect of the design process and to assess product acceptability a questionnaire was undertaken with 180 people from various backgrounds. The survey assessed the perceived aesthetic, value and mechanical integrity of two recycled glass tile designs alongside three commercially available competitors. Results showed that the recycled fused tiles compared very favourably against the high-end commercially available tile, whilst portraying unique environmental values that exploit locally sourced waste material.
Digital Sigil Magick: The relevance of sigil magick in contemporary art and culture
Authors: Payne Pam
Published: March 2014

Many areas of contemporary art and culture in the United States and Europe can be shown to have a direct lineage to the rich history of the Western Mystery Traditions, rooted in ancient esoteric and magical philosophies of Greece and Egypt. Video mash-ups and audio sampling have inherited the cut-up methods of Beat poets and artists, who in turn were influenced by the Surrealists and their contemporaries. Early twentieth-century artists such as Austin O. Spare drew upon magickal practices derived directly from renaissance practitioners such as John Dee’s use of The Key of Solomon and Giordano Bruno’s Art of Memory. Methods of employing graphical imagery for the purpose of accessing insight or influence from alternate realms continue to draw upon Gnostic and Hermetic philosophies of ancient Greece and Egyptian antiquity. We can easily see the persistent influence of these ancient beliefs and practices in the contemporary use of logos and symbols of popular culture as well as in contemporary art and music.
Multinational corporations, foreign investment, and royalties and license fees: effects on host-country total factor productivity
Authors: Pessoa Argentino
Published: March 2014

In this paper we examine the relationship between inward FDI and total factor productivity (TFP) in a framework motivated by the OLI paradigm. A panel data approach is used to study the effects of FDI and payments of royalties and license fees (R&L) on aggregate TFP in a sample of 16 OECD countries, between 1985 and 2002. Our empirical tests show that FDI and R&L have a positive impact on host-country TFP, and also suggest that the amount of positive effects of FDI and R&L is dependent on the level of development of the receiving country. Additionally, our data show that, when other factors remain constant, inward FDI and R&L payments are substitutes in positively influencing TFP of the host country.
External dependency, value added generation and structural changes: an inter-industry approach
Authors: Do Amaral João Ferreira , Lopes João Carlos , Dias João
Published: March 2014

The external dependency of many industries and the corresponding low value added generated in production, combined with a relatively weak export potential, create high external deficits and growing debt to GDP ratios in several open economies. In this paper we propose an empirical method to assess the evolution of these vulnerabilities, based on a new treatment of interindustry production multipliers. The (gross) output growth potential given by the column sums of the Leontief inverse matrix (backward linkage indicators) results from three terms: interindustry consumptions, value added and imported inputs. After a convenient arrangement of these terms, the evolution of backward linkage indicators can be used to detect structural changes, particularly quantifying a (net) growth effect (more value-added generation) and an external dependency effect (more imported inputs), and to classify the productive sectors accordingly. An application to the Portuguese Economy is made, using input-output tables for the years 1980, 1995 and 2005. This method can also be useful as a simple, but suggestive, device to compare the evolution of two or more economies, along their development processes in time.
Understanding the transition to work for first degree university graduates in Portugal
Authors: Galego Aurora , Caleiro António
Published: March 2014

A traditional way of looking at the importance of universities assumes that these are sources of positive effects from the viewpoint of the inputs. In accordance to this perspective, the importance of a university can be measured by its regional/national multiplier effects. This perspective can be complemented with the analysis of the issues associated with the transition to work by their graduates. The paper thus analyses the factors that may be important to explain the time to obtain the first job by first degree students, using a sample of students from one university in Portugal. In doing so, we estimate several specifications of discrete-time duration models. The results show that there are significant differences among the students from the several courses and highlight the importance of the final mark in the course. Nevertheless, in particular, we conclude that there are no significant differences between the area of Economics and Management and the area of Engineering and that these study areas are the most successful ones. We also did not find any significant differences between male and female students. Finally, we also conclude that there are significant differences on the probability of leaving unemployment among the several years considered in the sample, which reflects the business cycle.
Annex: Biology, economics and crises
Authors: Económicas Notas
Published: March 2014

Annex: Biology, economics and crises
La monnaie et ses singularités
Authors: Chaîneau André
Published: March 2014

La monnaie et ses singularités
Scaffolding Verbal Materno e Coerência Estrutural Narrativa da Criança em Idade Pré-escolar
Authors: Carvalho Joana , Osório Ana , Martins Eva Costa , Martins Carla , Carvalho Maria João , Soares Isabel
Published: March 2014

O scaffolding assume um papel importante no desenvolvimento das capacidades narrativas das crianças. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar qual a relação entre o scaffolding verbal materno e a coerência estrutural narrativa da criança. Quarenta e uma crianças (58.5% rapazes) com 4 anos e suas mães realizaram uma tarefa de elicitação narrativa, utilizando um livro de imagens. Os resultados mostram que os comportamentos maternos que dirigem a atenção e o interesse da criança para o livro correlacionavam-se negativamente com a sequência estrutural e comprometimento avaliativo e, marginalmente, com a orientação e integração narrativa da criança. O uso de questões específicas que direcionam o discurso da criança estava também correlacionado negativamente com a sequência estrutural e, marginalmente, com a integração. Em contraste, níveis reduzidos de intrusividade materna a par com níveis elevados de sensibilidade e mudança dos comportamentos face à narrativa da criança mostraram-se associados a uma elevada coerência estrutural narrativa. Estes resultados sugerem que o momento no qual a mãe decide intervir e a forma como o faz são aspectos relevantes ao nível do desenvolvimento da narrativa da criança, com possíveis repercussões ao nível da coerência estrutural narrativa.
Qualidade de vida e sintomatologia psicopatológica em pais de crianças com diagnóstico de deficiência/anomalia congénita: A importância das características de resiliência
Authors: Albuquerque Sara , Pereira Marco , Fonseca Ana , Canavarro Maria Cristina
Published: March 2014

O objetivo do presente estudo consistiu em avaliar a adaptacao parental, em termos de sintomatologia psicopatologica e qualidade de vida (QdV), bem como avaliar a influencia das caracteristicas de resiliencia parental na sua adaptacao, bem como na adaptacao do(a) parceiro(a). A amostra foi constituida por 90 participantes (45 casais), pais de criancas com um diagnostico de deficiencia/AC. O protocolo de avaliacao incluiu a Escala de Resiliencia para Adultos (ERA), o Inventario de Sintomas Psicopatologicos (BSI-18) e o instrumento de avaliacao de QdV da Organizacao Mundial de Saude, WHOQOL-Bref. Os resultados mostraram que as maes apresentaram valores mais elevados na dimensao ansiedade (p<.01), no indice geral de gravidade (p<.01) e pior QdV psicologica (p<.05). As maes apresentaram valores mais elevados de resiliencia, em particular de coesao familiar (p<.05). Em ambos os pais, a resiliencia mostrou-se associada a menor sintomatologia psicopatologica e a resultados mais elevados de QdV. A resiliencia materna nao se mostrou significativamente associada a adaptacao paterna mas, constatou-se que niveis elevados de resiliencia paterna se associaram a menor sintomatologia psicopatologica e melhor QdV materna. Os resultados deste estudo evidenciam o papel protetor da resiliencia na adaptacao parental ao diagnostico de anomalia congenita da crianca. Adicionalmente, estes resultados enfatizam a necessidade de avaliar e promover os recursos parentais. Por fim, ressalta-se a necessidade de avaliacao do casal como unidade de analise e os potenciais efeitos cruzados no desenho de intervencoes terapeuticas, reforcando-se o papel da relacao conjugal e do contexto interpessoal em que esta problematica ocorre.
A construção narrativa da identidade em jovens adotados: O caso Beno
Authors: Vieira André Guirland , Henriques Margarida Rangel
Published: March 2014

A adolescência é o momento em que surge a necessidade de construção de uma identidade que permita à pessoa uma relação produtiva com o mundo (Erikson, 1968; Habermas & Bluck, 2000; McAdams, 2001). McAdams refere-se ao processo de construção da identidade como o de desenvolvimento de um sentido de unidade e de propósito diante das demandas do mundo e da sociedade, no qual os jovens organizam sua história de vida a fim de produzir uma narrativa autobiográfica coerente. O presente trabalho investiga, através de um estudo de caso, a elaboração de uma narrativa de vida com a finalidade de buscar ali a construção narrativa da identidade da pessoa adotada. Interessa-nos investigar como aparece a questão da adoção na narrativa de vida e qual seu papel na construção do self narrativo. Foi entrevistado um jovem de 22 anos de idade com a Entrevista de Elicitação de Histórias de Vida (Gonçalves, Henriques, & Vieira, 2010). A narrativa foi submetida a uma análise descritiva de estrutura, processo e conteúdo, baseada nos sistemas de Gonçalves e colaboradores (Gonçalves, Henriques, Alves, & Soares, 2002; Gonçalves, Henriques, & Cardoso, 2006; Gonçalves, Henriques, Alves, & Rocha, 2006; Gonçalves, Henriques, Soares, & Monteiro, 2006); no modelo tridimensional de coerência global de narrativas de vida (Habermas & Diel, 2005; Habermas & de Silveira, 2008; Habermas, Ehlert-Lerche, de Silveira, 2009); e na análise da multiplicidade de imagos, caracteres e vozes do discurso narrativo (Hermans, 2008; Hermans & Kampen, 1993; McAdams, 1993).
Tornar-se Psicólogo para além das aulas: Grupo de desenvolvimento com estudantes de Psicologia
Authors: Rocha Ana Cristina , Silva Graça , Barbosa Raquel , Duarte Cidália
Published: March 2014

O Desenvolvimento Profissional (DP) tem vindo a ser revelado como um elemento crítico na formação e desempenho profissional do Psicólogo. Tendo por base os fundamentos teóricos acerca do DP e da construção da identidade profissional, e com carácter exploratório, construiu-se, implementou-se e avaliou-se a eficácia de um programa de intervenção. O principal objectivo desta é, num contexto seguro à exploração, promover o DP de estudantes de Psicologia, em duas componentes (intrapessoal e interpessoal/social). Constituíram-se dois grupos (um de 10 e outro de cinco participantes), avaliados formalmente no início e no fim do programa, através de uma medida construída para o efeito – Questionário de Desenvolvimento de Estudantes de Psicologia. Os resultados apoiam a eficácia da intervenção e indicam mudanças ao nível do autoconhecimento, da representação de DP, do conhecimento do papel de Psicólogo, dos recursos para a transição entre papéis e contextos, da coerência e riqueza narrativa e das competências relacionais básicas. Não obstante as reformulações necessárias identificadas na avaliação informal, o programa promove o DP e a construção da identidade profissional dos estudantes de Psicologia, tendo os participantes demonstrado a sua satisfação com a mesma.
Validação do Inventário Feminino de Vivências do Processo de Separação e Divórcio (IFVPSD)
Authors: Pereira Maria da Graça , Machado José Cunha , Pinto Henrique
Published: March 2014

O divórcio contribuiu para uma mudança da estrutura familiar estando associado a um declínio da qualidade da relação conjugal com implicações a nível pessoal, interpessoal e social e tem vindo a aumentar nos últimos anos. Participaram 165 mulheres separadas ou divorciadas, com pelo menos um filho do casamento, com idades entre os 24 e os 55 anos que responderam ao inventário feminino de vivências do processo de separação ou divorcio (IFVPSD). A análise factorial revelou cinco dimensões: disfuncionalidade conjugal, conflito, emocionalidade, apoio social e adaptação. A disfuncionalidade remete para a crise conjugal e conflitualidade durante o casamento; o conflito centra-se no relacionamento com o ex-conjuge; a emocionalidade foca-se nos sentimentos vivenciados no processo de separação; o apoio social centra-se no papel de familiares e amigos durante o processo de separação e, finalmente, a dimensão da adaptação remete-nos para a adaptação ao processo de separação. A consistência interna das cinco dimensões aponta para alfas entre .72 e .82 que explicam 49.25% da variância total. O inventario feminino de vivencias do processo de separação ou divorcio reúne as condições necessárias para ser utilizado como instrumento de rastreio para identificar mulheres com dificuldade no processo de adaptação ao divórcio.
O tempo subjectivo como instrumento (des)adaptativo no processo desenvolvi - mental
Authors: Ortuño Victor E. C. , Paixão Maria Paula , Janeiro Isabel Nunes
Published: March 2014

A Perspectiva Temporal – PT (Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999) é o processo através do qual as experiências pessoais e sociais dos sujeitos são categorizadas, arquivadas e recuperadas mediante categorias temporais que têm por base as noções subjectivas do passado, o presente e o futuro. Assim, através de uma análise da PT é possível compreender mudanças em diversas variáveis, tenham estas um carácter funcional (auto-estima, investimento escolar, comportamentos pró-activos e de empreendedorismo) ou disfuncional (consumo de drogas, comportamentos de risco, depressão) no processo desenvolvimental dos sujeitos. São apresentados dois estudos, de forma a validar esta tese. No primeiro é explorada a relação entre a PT e o desempenho académico, os resultados sugerem que os sujeitos com uma forte visão Fatalista do Presente assim como aqueles com baixa orientação para o Futuro, apresentam piores resultados académicos do que aqueles com uma forte orientação pessoal para o Futuro, resultados que são coincidentes com outros estudos prévios (Boniwell & Zimbardo, 2004; Lens & Tsuzuki, 2007). No segundo estudo é analisada a relação da PT com a auto-estima, no qual se verifica uma importante relação entre as dimensões de Passado Negativo, Presente Hedonista e Futuro Negativo com a auto-estima.
Comportamento Organizacional Positivo
Authors: Pina e Cunha Miguel , Rego Arménio , Lopes Miguel Pereira
Published: March 2014

Na última década tem vindo a ganhar proeminência o movimento dos estudos organizacionais positivos. É uma corrente de investigação orientada para melhorar as organizações usando as respetivas forças – em vez de colmatar as suas falhas. Através desta lente positiva, seguimos, neste artigo, quatro níveis de análise: (1) consideramos o capital psicológico como atributo de indivíduos positivos; (2)discutimos as características das interações positivas; (3) exploramos o papel da segurança psicológica na criação de equipas positivas; (4) traçamos o perfil das organizações positivas. Discutimos, também, que (a) a positividade e a negatividade são parte de uma mesma dualidade, (b) a positividade pode gerar ou facilitar a negatividade e (c) a negatividade pode gerar ou facilitar a positividade.
Wärmebildtechnik als moderne Form der Pyrometrie
Authors: Kienitz Ulrich
Published: March 2014

Pyrometer und Thermografiekameras waren bisher durch unterschiedliche
Spezifikationen und Messstandards geprägt. Nach
einer Beschreibung der Marktsituation und der physikalischen Grundlagen
befasst sich nachfolgender Artikel mit vereinheitlichten Verfahren zur
Bestimmung der optischen und thermischen Parameter solcher
Messgeräte. Basierend darauf werden Aspekte der
Sensorentwicklung und der Geräteapplikation
diskutiert.
Tissue kallikrein deficiency, insulin resistance, and diabetes in mouse and man
Authors: Potier Louis , Waeckel Ludovic , Fumeron Fréderic , Bodin Sophie , Fysekidis Marinos , Chollet Catherine , Bellili Naima , Bonnet Fabrice , Gusto Gaëlle , Velho Gilberto , Marre Michel , Alhenc-Gelas François , Roussel Ronan , Bouby Nadine , _ _
Published: March 2014

The kallikrein–kinin system has been suggested to participate in the control of glucose metabolism. Its role and the role of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme, a major kinin-inactivating enzyme, are however the subject of debate. We have evaluated the consequence of deficiency in tissue kallikrein (TK), the main kinin-forming enzyme, on the development of insulin resistance and diabetes in mice and man. Mice with inactivation of theTKgene were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 months, or crossed with obese, leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice to generate doubleob/ob-TK-deficient mutants. In man, a loss-of-function polymorphism of theTKgene (R53H) was studied in a large general population cohort tested for insulin resistance, the DESIR study (4843 participants, 9 year follow-up). Mice deficient in TK gained less weight on the HFD than their WT littermates. Fasting glucose level was increased and responses to glucose (GTT) and insulin (ITT) tolerance tests were altered at 10 and 16 weeks on the HFD compared with standard on the diet, but TK deficiency had no influence on these parameters. Likewise,ob-TK−/−mice had similar GTT and ITT responses to those ofob-TK+/+mice. TK deficiency had no effect on blood pressure in either model. In humans, changes over time in BMI, fasting plasma glucose, insulinemia, and blood pressure were not influenced by the defective53H-coding TK allele. The incidence of diabetes was not influenced by this allele. These data do not support a role for the TK-kinin system, protective or deleterious, in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Right portal vein embolization by laparoscopic catheterization of the inferior mesenteric vein
Authors: Cury Marcus Vinicius Martins , Castro Fernanda Mesquita de Brito , Santos Lister Arruda Modesto , Peres Sandra Lucia Lodi , Sacilotto Roberto
Published: March 2014

Right portal vein embolization is often performed to prevent liver insufficiency after major hepatic resection. The procedure usually involves direct puncture of the portal vein, which requires hepatic hilum manipulation, and may be associated with liver injury, pneumothorax, and hemoperitoneum. This report describes a technique of laparoscopic insertion of a sheath into the inferior mesenteric vein followed by right portal vein embolization.