bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Physician Counseling on Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Rakita Val , Homko Carol J. , Kashem Abul , Memon Nabeel , Bove Alfred A.
Published: November 2015

Background and Importance: A significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is related to aggressive management of modifiable CVD risk factors. Therefore, patients at increased risk for CVD should not only benefit from standard pharmacotherapy but also from counseling regarding lifestyle behavioral changes. Objective: To determine the patient factors that influence provision of cardiovascular risk reduction counseling from physicians, as well as the frequencies of counseling. Design, Setting, and Participants: Secondary analysis of a prospective, randomized trial among an underserved inner-city and rural population (n = 388) with a 10% or greater CVD risk (Framingham 10-year risk score). Subjects were followed for 1 year and were seen for quarterly assessments, which included evaluation of weight, blood pressure, lipid, and glucose status. At each of the 4 quarterly visits, subjects were asked if their physician had discussed or made recommendations regarding lifestyle behaviors, specifically diet, weight loss, and exercise. Results: The average patient age was 61.3 ± 10.1 years, average A1c was 6.7 ± 1.6%, average total cholesterol was 201 ± 44 mg/dL. The average body mass index (BMI) was 31.8 ± 6.4 kg/m2, and the average blood pressure was 146 ± 18/82 ±11 mm Hg. Using binary logistic regression analysis, BMI ( P < .025) was the only clinical factor related to physician lifestyle counseling. All other risk factors showed no statistical relationship. Conclusion: The data indicate that BMI is the major factor associated with whether or not physicians provide counseling regarding nutrition and weight loss. Physicians may be missing important opportunities to influence behavior in patients at high risk for CVD by limiting their focus to obese patients.
Injury Risk Estimation Expertise
Authors: Petushek Erich J. , Ward Paul , Cokely Edward T. , Myer Gregory D.
Published: November 2015

Background:

Simple observational assessment of movement is a potentially low-cost method for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury screening and prevention. Although many individuals utilize some form of observational assessment of movement, there are currently no substantial data on group skill differences in observational screening of ACL injury risk.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to compare various groups’ abilities to visually assess ACL injury risk as well as the associated strategies and ACL knowledge levels. The hypothesis was that sports medicine professionals would perform better than coaches and exercise science academics/students and that these subgroups would all perform better than parents and other general population members.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 428 individuals, including physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, exercise science researchers/students, athletes, parents, and members of the general public participated in the study. Participants completed the ACL Injury Risk Estimation Quiz (ACL-IQ) and answered questions related to assessment strategy and ACL knowledge.

Results:

Strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and exercise science students exhibited consistently superior ACL injury risk estimation ability (+2 SD) as compared with sport coaches, parents of athletes, and members of the general public. The performance of a substantial number of individuals in the exercise sciences/sports medicines (approximately 40%) was similar to or exceeded clinical instrument-based biomechanical assessment methods (eg, ACL nomogram). Parents, sport coaches, and the general public had lower ACL-IQ, likely due to their lower ACL knowledge and to rating the importance of knee/thigh motion lower and weight and jump height higher.

Conclusion:

Substantial cross-professional/group differences in visual ACL injury risk estimation exist. The relatively profound differences in injury risk estimation accuracy and their potential implications for risk screening suggest the need for additional training and outreach (see http://www.ACL-IQ.org ).

Clinical Relevance:

Parents and sport coaches would likely benefit from training or use of decision support tools such as the ACL nomogram to assess ACL injury risk. In addition, physicians and other sports medicine professionals may also benefit from improving risk estimation performance to reach clinical biomechanical standards.
Variegated RHOA mutations in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Nagata Yasunobu , Kontani Kenji , Enami Terukazu , Kataoka Keisuke , Ishii Ryohei , Totoki Yasushi , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Hirata Masahiro , Aoki Kazuhiro , Nakano Kazumi , Kitanaka Akira , Sakata-Yanagimoto Mamiko , Egami Sachiko , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Shiozawa Yusuke , Yoshizato Tetsuichi , Suzuki Hiromichi , Kon Ayana , Yoshida Kenichi , Sato Yusuke , Sato-Otsubo Aiko , Sanada Masashi , Munakata Wataru , Nakamura Hiromi , Hama Natsuko , Miyano Satoru , Nureki Osamu , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Haga Hironori , Shimoda Kazuya , Katada Toshiaki , Chiba Shigeru , Watanabe Toshiki , Ogawa Seishi
Published: November 2015

Key Points

RHOA mutations are common in ATLL and show a unique distribution compared with other T-cell lymphomas. Depending on patients, functionally distinct RHOA mutations are clonally selected and involved in the pathogenesis of ATLL.
MiR-21 is required for efficient kidney regeneration in fish
Authors: Hoppe Beate , Pietsch Stefan , Franke Martin , Engel Sven , Groth Marco , Platzer Matthias , Englert Christoph
Published: November 2015

Background

Acute kidney injury in mammals, which is caused by cardiovascular diseases or the administration of antibiotics with nephrotoxic side-effects is a life-threatening disease, since loss of nephrons is irreversible in mammals. In contrast, fish are able to generate new nephrons even in adulthood and thus provide a good model to study renal tubular regeneration.

Results

Here, we investigated the early response after gentamicin-induced renal injury, using the short-lived killifish Nothobranchius furzeri. A set of microRNAs was differentially expressed after renal damage, among them miR-21, which was up-regulated. A locked nucleic acid-modified antimiR-21 efficiently knocked down miR-21 activity and caused a lag in the proliferative response, enhanced apoptosis and an overall delay in regeneration. Transcriptome profiling identified apoptosis as a process that was significantly affected upon antimiR-21 administration. Together with functional data this suggests that miR-21 acts as a pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic factor in the context of kidney regeneration in fish. Possible downstream candidate genes that mediate its effect on proliferation and apoptosis include igfbp3 and fosl1, among other genes.

Conclusion

In summary, our findings extend the role of miR-21 in the kidney. For the first time we show its functional involvement in regeneration indicating that fast proliferation and reduced apoptosis are important for efficient renal tubular regeneration.
Brief inhalation of nitric oxide increases resuscitation success and improves 7-day-survival after cardiac arrest in rats: a randomized controlled animal study
Authors: Brücken Anne , Derwall Matthias , Bleilevens Christian , Stoppe Christian , Götzenich Andreas , Gaisa Nadine T. , Weis Joachim , Nolte Kay Wilhelm , Rossaint Rolf , Ichinose Fumito , Fries Michael
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) improves outcomes when given post systemic ischemia/reperfusion injury. iNO given during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may therefore improve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rates and functional outcome after cardiac arrest (CA).

Methods

Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 10 minutes of CA and at least 3 minutes of CPR. Animals were randomized to receive either 0 (n = 10, Control), 20 (n = 10, 20 ppm), or 40 (n = 10, 40 ppm) ppm iNO during CPR until 30 minutes after ROSC. A neurological deficit score was assessed daily for seven days following the experiment. On day 7, brains, hearts, and blood were sampled for histological and biochemical evaluation.

Results

During CPR, 20 ppm iNO significantly increased diastolic arterial pressure (Control: 57 ± 5.04 mmHg; 20 ppm: 71.57 ± 57.3 mmHg, p < 0.046) and decreased time to ROSC (Control: 842 ± 21 s; 20 ppm: 792 ± 5 s, (p = 0.02)).

Thirty minutes following ROSC, 20 ppm iNO resulted in an increase in mean arterial pressure (Control: 83 ± 4 mmHg; 20 ppm: 98 ± 4 mmHg, p = 0.035), a less pronounced rise in lactate and inflammatory cytokine levels, and attenuated cardiac damage. Inhalation of NO at 20 ppm improved neurological outcomes in rats 2 to 7 days after CA and CPR. This translated into increases in 7 day survival (Control: 4; 20 ppm: 10; 40 ppm 6, (p ≤ 0.05 20 ppm vs Control and 40 ppm).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that breathing NO during CPR markedly improved resuscitation success, 7-day neurological outcomes and survival in a rat model of VF-induced cardiac arrest and CPR. These results support the beneficial effects of NO inhalation after cardiac arrest and CPR.
Fixed point theorems for Meir-Keeler type mappings in M-metric spaces with applications
Authors: Asadi Mehdi
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we establish some fixed point theorems for a Meir-Keeler type contraction in M-metric spaces via Gupta-Saxena type contraction. Also, we extend and improve very recent results in fixed point theory.
Are alternative livelihood projects effective at reducing local threats to specified elements of biodiversity and/or improving or maintaining the conservation status of those elements?
Authors: Roe Dilys , Booker Francesca , Day Mike , Zhou Wen , Allebone-Webb Sophie , Hill Nicholas A. O. , Kumpel Noelle , Petrokofsky Gillian , Redford Kent , Russell Diane , Shepherd Gill , Wright Juliet , Sunderland Terry C. H.
Published: November 2015

Background

Alternative livelihood projects are used by a variety of organisations as a tool for achieving biodiversity conservation. However, despite characterising many conservation approaches, very little is known about what impacts (if any) alternative livelihood projects have had on biodiversity conservation, as well as what determines the relative success or failure of these interventions. Reflecting this concern, Motion 145 was passed at the Vth IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2012 calling for a critical review of alternative livelihood projects and their contribution to biodiversity conservation. This systematic map and review intends to contribute to this critical review and provide an overview for researchers, policy makers and practitioners of the current state of the evidence base.

Methods

Following an a priori protocol, systematic searches for relevant studies were conducted using the bibliographic databases AGRICOLA, AGRIS, CAB Abstracts, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge, as well as internet searches of Google, Google Scholar, and subject specific and institutional websites. In addition, a call for literature was issued among relevant research networks. The titles, abstracts and full texts of the captured studies were assessed using inclusion criteria for the systematic map and the systematic review, respectively. An Excel spreadsheet was used to record data from each study and to provide a systematic map of the evidence for the effectiveness of alternative livelihood studies. The studies that met additional criteria to be included in the systematic review were described in more detail through a narrative synthesis.

Results

Following full text screening, 97 studies were included in the systematic map covering 106 projects using alternative livelihood interventions. Just 22 of these projects met our additional criteria for inclusion in the systematic review, but one project was removed from the detailed narrative synthesis following critical appraisal. The 21 included projects included reports of positive, neutral and negative conservation outcomes.

Conclusions

Our results show that there has been an extensive investment in alternative livelihood projects, yet the structure and results of most of these projects have not been documented in a way that they can be captured using standardised search processes. Either this is because there has been little reporting on the outcomes of these projects, or that post-project monitoring is largely absent. The implications of this review for policy, management and future research are provided in relation to this evidence gap.
Evidence-based medicine and clinical fluorodeoxyglucose PET/MRI in oncology
Authors: Miles Kenneth , McQueen Liam , Ngai Stanley , Law Phillip
Published: November 2015

Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) is a hybrid of two technologies each with its own evidence for clinical effectiveness. This article amalgamates evidence for clinical effectiveness of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT and MRI as separate modalities with current evidence for hybrid PET/MRI and considers whether such an approach might provide a stronger case for the clinical use of PET/MRI at an earlier stage.

Because links between diagnostic accuracy and health outcomes have already been established for FDG-PET/CT in the investigation of suspected residual or recurrent malignancies, evidence showing improved diagnostic performance and therapeutic impact from the use of PET/MRI as an alternative would imply clinical effectiveness of this modality for this application. A meta-analysis of studies comparing FDG-PET/CT to MRI in patients with suspected residual disease or recurrence of tumours indicates complementary roles for these modalities. PET demonstrates greater sensitivity for recurrence within lymph nodes whereas MRI is more effective that PET/CT in the detection of skeletal and hepatic recurrence. A review of studies assessing therapeutic impact of PET/MRI suggests a greater likelihood for change in clinical management when PET/MRI is used for assessment of suspected residual or recurrent disease rather than tumour staging.

Supplementing the evidence-base for FDG-PET/MRI with studies that compare the components of this hybrid technology deployed separately indicates that FDG-PET/MRI is likely to be clinical effective for the investigation of patients with a range of suspected residual or recurrent cancers. This indication should therefore be prioritised for further health technology assessment.
The metallurgical characteristics of non-precious alloys using Nd:YAG laser welding
Authors: Lee Jun-Hee , Choi Seok-Kyu , Hong Min-Ho
Published: November 2015

Background

This study aimed to determine the effect of hardness change according to penetration depth in the laser fusing zone and observed the correlation of the microstructure as an Nd:YAG laser was irradiated to Ni-Cr alloy for dental use by setting the spot diameter size with respect to defocusing distances. In all groups, the hardness depth profiles in the laser fusing zone and heat-affecteded zone (HAZ) had larger values than those of the base metal. In addition, the hardness values in places beyond the fusing zone and the HAZ were measured as being quantitatively lower.

Methods

The alloys used in this study were Verabond 2 V, Noritake Super, and Bellabond Plus, which are commercially used non-precious dental alloys. The specimens were cut to have a plate shape with a size of 0.5 × 3.0 × 2.5 mm. This was followed by setting the Nd:YAG laser output, pulse duration, and frequency to 60 W, 10 ms, and 5 Hz, respectively. The laser was then irradiated as the spot diameter condition varied between 0.5 mm and 1.4 mm in accordance with defocusing distance from 0.0 mm to 2.0 mm. After the laser irradiation, a cross-section of the fusing zone in the specimens was observed in terms of laser melted depth, hardness depth profile, and the microstructure of each alloy.

Results

The observation result of the diffusion of the constituent elements and microstructure using field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron probe micro-analyzer showed that the fusing zone revealed a much finer dendritic form than the base metal due to the self-quenching effect after laser melting, while no change in constituent elements was found although some evaporation of the main elements was observed.

Conclusions

These results suggest that each Mo and Si combined inter-metallic compounds were formed on the interdendritic area. Through this study, the laser fusing zone had better hardenability due to the inter-metallic compound and grain refinement effect.
Ion efflux and influenza infection trigger NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in human dendritic cells
Authors: Fernandez Melissa Victoria , Miller Elizabeth , Krammer Florian , Gopal Ramya , Greenbaum Benjamin D , Bhardwaj Nina
Published: November 2015

The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, a multiprotein complex, is an essential intracellular mediator of antiviral immunity. In murine dendritic cells, this complex responds to a wide array of signals, including ion efflux and influenza A virus infection, to activate caspase-1-mediated proteolysis of IL-1β and IL-18 into biologically active cytokines. However, the presence and function of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome in human dendritic cells, in response to various triggers, including viral infection, has not been defined clearly. Here, we delineate the contribution of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome to the secretion of IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-1α by human dendritic cells (monocyte-derived and primary conventional dendritic cells). Activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome in human dendritic cells by various synthetic activators resulted in the secretion of bioactive IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-1α and induction of pyroptotic cell death. Cellular IL-1β release depended on potassium efflux and the activity of proteins nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 and caspase-1. Likewise, influenza A virus infection of dendritic cells resulted in priming and activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 in an M2- and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3-dependent manner. The magnitude of priming by influenza A virus varied among different strains and inversely corresponded to type I IFN production. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the existence and function of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome in human dendritic cells and the ability of influenza A virus to prime and activate this pathway in human dendritic cells, with important implications for antiviral immunity and pathogenesis.
The Line That Should Not Be Drawn
Authors: Adams G. Travis
Published: November 2015

This article argues that writing centers must recognize themselves as already reading centered and prepare tutors to teach multiple ways of reading because current writing center scholarship does not help sufficiently with nonliterary reading work and because doing so would position centers to fully support students as they work within the wealth of “new” reading pedagogy and curriculum that has surfaced (or resurfaced) in recent years. It discusses the limitations of tutor handbooks in supporting tutors in reading-focused sessions and offers a tangible tool for helping tutors begin thinking and talking about reading work, ending with a call for writing centers to reconceptualize themselves as reading centered in order to embrace and explore “new” reading pedagogies through research and practice.
Identification, Affect, and Escape
Authors: Moody Stephanie
Published: November 2015

Drawing from interviews and book discussions with eleven women who read popular romance fiction, in this article I examine the affective, embodied, and identificatory reading practices that constitute women's engagements with romance novels. I argue that while these women's reading practices do not resemble what typically are called critical reading practices, they nevertheless produce critical knowledges and should be examined as an alternative framework for approaching texts.
Informing the Population at Accident on Chemically Dangerous Object: System and Dynamic Modeling Results
Authors: Галиуллина  , Galiullina R. , Котосонова  , Kotosonova A. , Дурнев  , Durnev R.
Published: November 2015

The results of modeling of people’s actions in the accident conditions allowing to determine the rational frequency for

messages mailing and to estimate an informing contribution to protective measures realization of are given in this paper.

These results are the basis for recommendations on population informing in the conditions of emergency situations.
Features and Tasks of Teaching the “Biomedical Basics of Life Safety” in Universities of Civil Engineering
Authors: Сагадеев  , Sagadeev Evgeniy , Строганов  , Stroganov V.
Published: November 2015

The features and tasks of biomedical education in civil engineering universities for Bachelor-ecologists in 280700.62

“Technosphere safety” major of “Environmental engineering protection” specializationare discussed.
Technique for Assessment of Ecological and Economical Efficiency of Projects in the Road Construction Area
Authors: Артеменков  , Artemenkov A. , Медведева  , Medvedeva O. , Трофименко  , Trofimenko Yuri , Медведев  , Medvedev P.
Published: November 2015

The history of development of the method for assessment of investment projects’ ecological and economical efficiency

based on "expense-results" analysis is considered in this paper. This method application technique for assessment of public

efficiency of infrastructure projects in the road construction area allowing justify the decisions directed on realization of

principles for road construction’s sustainable development is offered.
Forest Management on Mechanical Properties of Oriented Strand Board
Authors: Jeong Gi Young
Published: November 2015

The goal of this study was to integrate forest management practice with the mechanical properties of oriented strand board (OSB). Modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and internal bond strength (IBS) were determined from OSB panels made from control, thinned, and fertilized trees. Different trends were associated with growth ring counts and heights of the feedstock trees. The mechanical properties were not dependent on the density profiles. MOE and IBS from the different forest managed trees were strongly correlated with different anatomical structures. However, the MOR of panels made trees from different forest management schemes was not strongly correlated with any anatomical structures but was strongly correlated with MOE.
Biodiversity offsetting and the environmental management voluntary sector: opportunities, risks and the way ahead
Authors: Kirsop-Taylor Nick
Published: November 2015

This paper discusses the potential implications of biodiversity offsetting policy for the environmental voluntary sector. Biodiversity offsetting asserts that it offers ‘win-win solutions’ for business and conservationists, and may soon have a larger role in English planning policy. This could provide opportunities for environmental management voluntary organisations as offset providers or intermediaries in brokering offsets, although potential reputational risks arise. In exploring how organisations might engage with this new policy, the paper also illustrates how policy changes in specific areas of public activity affect the voluntary sector's contribution.
Evaluation of industrial design departments in Turkey in terms of sustainable design education
Authors: Yılmaz Tolga
Published: November 2015

Environmental and social problems have globally reached a vital scale that threatens the existence of human communities and natural environment. "Sustainability" can be considered as an accepted proposal by human culture in means of solving these problems. Production-consumption processes are one of the main sources of these problems and in the center of these processes, industrial design has an important role. "Sustainable design" is the solution proposal for environmental and social problems. In this research, a method was proposed aiming to determine courses which include content about sustainable design in scope of determining the current situation of industrial design departments in Turkey. Method was applied within industrial design undergraduate curriculums of six universities' departments. Nine courses that offer sustainable design content were reached within six departments' curriculums. These courses were evaluated in means of content and method. Using this information, departments were classified in means of integration of sustainable design criteria into their undergraduate curriculum. It is evaluated that, this classification can be used as a method that provides a basis for strategy development efforts.
Application of response surface methodology for optimization of parameters for microwave heating of rare earth carbonates
Authors: Yin Shaohua , Lin Guo , Li Shiwei , Peng Jinhui , Zhang Libo
Published: November 2015

Microwave heating has been applied in the field of drying rare earth carbonates to improve drying efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The effects of power density, material thickness and drying time on the weight reduction (WR) are studied using response surface methodology (RSM). The results show that RSM is feasible to describe the relationship between the independent variables and weight reduction. Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the model is in accordance with the experimental data. The optimum experiment conditions are power density 6 w/g, material thickness 15 mm and drying time 15 min, resulting in an experimental weight reduction of 73%. Comparative experiments show that microwave drying has the advantages of rapid dehydration and energy conservation. Particle analysis shows that the size distribution of rare earth carbonates after microwave drying is more even than those in an oven. Based on these findings, microwave heating technology has an important meaning to energy-saving and improvement of production efficiency for rare earth smelting enterprises and is a green heating process.
Endoreversible modeling of a PEM fuel cell
Authors: Wagner Katharina , Hoffmann Karl Heinz
Published: November 2015

Fuel cells are known for high efficiencies in converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Nonetheless, the processes taking place in a fuel cell still possess a number of irreversibilities that limit the power output to values below the reversible limit. To analyze these, we developed a model that captures the main irreversibilities occurring inside a proton exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell.
We used the methods of endoreversible thermodynamics, which enable us to study the entropy production of the different sources of irreversibility in detail. Additionally, performance measures like efficiency and power output can be calculated with such a model, and the influence of different parameters, such as temperature and pressure, can be easily investigated. The comparison of the model predictions with realistic fuel cell data shows that the functional dependencies of the fuel cell characteristics can be captured quite well.
Information and Causation in Tort Law: Generalizing the Learned Hand Test for Causation Cases
Authors: Hylton Keith N.
Published: November 2015

This paper discusses the economics of causation in tort law, describing precise implications for precautionary incentives when courts are and are not perfectly informed. With precautionary incentives identified, we can ask whether the causation inquiry enhances welfare, and if so under what conditions. Perhaps the most important innovation applies to the Hand Formula. When causation is an issue, the probability of causal intervention should be part of the Hand test, and the generalized Hand test offers a method of distinguishing significant classes of causation cases. I close with implications for the moral significance of causation and for economic analysis of tort law.
Emotions as individual and social phenomena: Seeking new answers to old questions
Authors: Maruszewski Tomasz , Jasielska Aleksandra , Szczygieł Dorota
Published: November 2015

The paper presents state of art in the area of emotion studies. It is stressed that emotions are multicomponent processes including neural, expression, subjective and social elements. We have tried to show that synchronization and coordination of these elements from elementary through intermediate to the most complex level may be understood in terms of emergent processes. Manifestations of emergence may be observed both in social aspects of emotions, as well as subjective and expression ones. Although the idea of emergent processes was not explicitly used by contributors of this volume, the traces of it are present in their papers.
How do negative emotions regulate the effects of workplace aggression on counterproductive work behaviours?
Authors: Baka Łukasz
Published: November 2015

The theoretical framework of the study was the Stressors-Emotions model (Spector et al., 2005). The aim of the study was to investigate the mediating role of job-related negative affectivity, and the moderating role of emotional suppression in the relationship between workplace aggression and counterproductive work behaviour (CWB). It was expected that workplace aggression would be linked to CWB directly and indirectly (through increase of job-related negative affectivity) and that suppression of negative emotions would intensify the effects of workplace aggression. Two hundred and five nurses participated in the study. The regression analysis with interactional effect was applied to test the research hypotheses. The results confirmed the direct and the indirect effect of workplace aggression on CWB. Two of the three analyzed emotions (anger and anxiety but not unhappiness) moderated the effects of workplace aggression on jobrelated negative affectivity and CWB. Results of the study partially support the notion of the Stress-Emotion model and provide further insight into processes that lead to CWB.
Emotional and attentional predictors of self-regulation in early childhood
Authors: Stępień-Nycz Małgorzata , Rostek Irmina , Byczewska-Konieczny Karolina , Kosno Magdalena , Białecka-Pikul Marta , Białek Arkadiusz
Published: November 2015

The development of self-regulation in early childhood is related to development of emotional regulation and attention, in particular executive attention (Feldman, 2009; Posner & Rothbart, 1998). As the ability to self-regulate is crucial in life (Casey et al., 2011), it is important to reveal early predictors of self-regulation. The aim of the paper is to present the results of longitudinal studies on the relationships between the functioning of attention, regulation of emotion and later self-regulatory abilities. 310 children were assessed at three time points. At 12 months of age emotional regulation in situation of frustration and attention regulation were assessed. At 18 and 24 months behavioral-emotional regulation in the Snack Delay Task was measured. Additionally parents assessed executive attention using The Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire when children were 26 months old. Structural equation modelling revealed two different paths to development of self-regulatory abilities at 18 months: emotional (reactive system) and emotionalattentional and only one emotional-attentional path at 24 months. The early ability to focus attention and later executive attention functioning revealed to be important predictors of self-regulatory abilities both at 18 and 24 months of age.
Autonomous vs. heteronomous mode of action control and task performance: The role of the situational context and action vs. state orientation
Authors: Kadzikowska-Wrzosek Romana
Published: November 2015

The article presents the results of two experimental studies in which I investigated the effect of the situational context (autonomy-supportive vs. external control) and action vs. state orientation on perseverance and efficacy in task performance. The results of Study 1 (n = 40) confirmed that in a context which supports autonomy - as opposed to one which induces external control - people are much more likely to be not only more persistent and effective in their actions but also much more interested in the performed task. Interest in the performed task seems to also be - to some extent- a mediator in the relationship between persistence and efficacy. The results of Study 2 (n = 69) confirmed that a context, which supports autonomy positively, affects both persistence and efficacy. At the same time, the study shows that in a context, which supports autonomy, action-oriented people are more persistent and efficient in their actions than are state-oriented people. What is more, in an autonomy-supporting context, action-oriented people have a more positive attitude towards a given task than do state-oriented people.
The relations among well-being outcomes, religiosity, and personality
Authors: Aghababaei Naser , Błachnio Agata , Arji Mona , Chiniforoushan Masoud , Mohammadtabar Somayeh
Published: November 2015

A major focus of attention in psychology has been on the consequences and determinants of well-being. Religiosity and personality have both been shown to predict mental health and well-being, but the two predictors have not often been investigated together. In 4 studies involving 7 surveys (total N = 1,530) in various social and religious contexts, the relations among well-being, religious orientation, and personality factors were studied. Results showed that Extraversion was the single strongest correlate of higher levels of subjective and psychological well-being. Religiosity had null or weak positive relationships with well-being, and managed to explain variance in some aspects of positive functioning beyond personality factors. The null or week relationship of religiosity with well-being beyond personality was consistent across the HEXACO and the Big Five models of personality structure. It has been suggested that religion is relatively more important for eudaimonic than for hedonic way of living.
Angiotensin II-triggered kinase signaling cascade in the central nervous system
Authors: Bali Anjana , Jaggi Amteshwar Singh
Published: November 2015

Recent studies have projected the renin-angiotensin system as a central component of the physiological and pathological processes of assorted neurological disorders. Its primary effector hormone, angiotensin II (Ang II), not only mediates the physiological effects of vasoconstriction and blood pressure regulation in cardiovascular disease but is also implicated in a much wider range of neuronal activities and diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, neuronal injury, and cognitive disorders. Ang II produces different actions by acting on its two subtypes of receptors (AT1 and AT2); however, the well-known physiological actions of Ang II are mainly mediated through AT1 receptors. Moreover, recent studies also suggest the important functional role of AT2 receptor in the brain. Ang II acts on AT1 receptors and conducts its functions via MAP kinases (ERK1/2, JNK, and p38MAPK), glycogen synthase kinase, Rho/ROCK kinase, receptor tyrosine kinases (PDGF and EGFR), and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases (Src, Pyk2, and JAK/STAT). AT1R-mediated NADPH oxidase activation also leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species, widely implicated in neuroinflammation. These signaling cascades lead to glutamate excitotoxicity, apoptosis, cerebral infarction, astrocyte proliferation, nociception, neuroinflammation, and progression of other neurological disorders. The present review focuses on the Ang II-triggered signal transduction pathways in central nervous system.
Analysis of influence of fibre type and orientation on dynamic properties of polymer laminates for evaluation of their damping and self-heating
Authors: Katunin Andrzej
Published: November 2015

In the following study, the dynamic behaviour of polymer laminates reinforced by glass and carbon fibres with different orientations was considered for several excitation frequencies and elevated temperatures. The obtained dynamic moduli, loss factors and glass-transition temperatures were used for the evaluation of damping capabilities and the self-heating phenomenon. In order to evaluate the influence of a fibre type, additional studies for a pure matrix were carried out and used in the analysis as the reference. The obtained results show significant differences both in thermal and dynamic mechanical properties with respect to a fibre type and its orientation, which has a direct influence on the analysed self-heating and damping phenomena. The results of the present study could be used for the design of composite properties with respect to thermal degradation resulting from coupled thermomechanical loading conditions. Several hypotheses on the influence of a heating rate on estimation of the thermomechanical properties as well as structural degradation of composites in such conditions were presented with appropriate discussion and argumentation. The present study has a preliminary character. Furthermore, it is planned to perform such tests for specimens with a low cross-linking degree in order to analyse its influence on the resulting thermomechanical response of fibre-reinforced composite structures.
The failure mechanism of carbon fiber-reinforced composites under longitudinal compression considering the interface
Authors: Han Geng , Guan Zhidong , Li Xing , Ji Ruipeng , Du Shanyi
Published: November 2015

In this paper, a longitudinal compression experiment of composites was conducted and the macroscopic failure mode was obtained. Also, the microscopic failure morphologies of longitudinal compression and kink band were observed by using scanning electron microscopy. It can be seen that, under compression, fibers bend and form a kink band, which is the most typical failure mode. Then a micromechanical model of fiber random distribution based on the random collision algorithm, which can reveal the progressive failure mechanism of longitudinal compression considering the kink-band deformation, was established, with two dominant damage mechanisms – plastic deformation and ductile damage initiation of the polymer matrix and interfacial debonding included in the simulation by the extended Drucker-Prager model and cohesive zone model, respectively. Through numerical simulation, the loading and failure procedures were divided into three stages: elastic domain, softening domain and fiber failure domain. It can be concluded that the kink band was a result of fiber instability (micro-bulking), which is caused by the elastic bending of fibers. The fibers rotate and break into two places, forming a kink band. Then the fibers rotate further until the matrix between the fibers fails and the kink-band breaks and, hence, the composite loses its load-bearing capability.
Experimentally Validated Nonlinear Analysis of Bridge Plate Girders with Deformations
Authors: Kużawa Mieszko , Bień Jan
Published: November 2015

Comprehensive methodology of numerical nonlinear analysis of the consecutive phases in the structural behaviour of bridge plate girders with deformations is presented. The analysis concerns all stages of structure loading until failure and especially determination of the ultimate shear load capacity. Verification and validation of the numerical procedures proposed is based on comparison of the calculated results with effects of experimental laboratory shear capacity tests of plate girders carried out at the University of Ljubljana.
On Unsaturated Soil Mechanics – Personal Views on Current Research
Authors: Pande G.N. , Pietruszczak S.
Published: November 2015

This paper presents the authors’ personal views on current research being conducted by various research groups around the world in the broad area of mechanics of unsaturated geomaterials in general and soils in particular. The topic is of interest to a wide spectrum of scientists and engineers working in diverse areas such as geology and geophysics, powder technology, agricultural, petroleum, chemical, geotechnical, civil, environmental and nuclear engineering. Even if we restrict ourselves to civil, geotechnical and environmental engineering, it is noted that a plethora of hypotheses as well as a number of empirical and semi-empirical relations have been introduced for describing the mechanics of unsaturated porous media. However, many of these proposed advances as well as methods of testing may lack sound theoretical basis.
Technical Note: Example of the Application of Jet Grouting to the Neutralisation of Geotechnical Hazard in Shaft Structures
Authors: Dybeł Piotr , Wałach Daniel , Jaskowska-Lemańska Justyna
Published: November 2015

The article presents a geotechnical hazard neutralisation technology for shaft structures. The diagnosis of problems with uncontrolled subsidence of the ventilation duct provided by the authors enabled the development of a schedule of works required for the protection and reinforcement of foundation soil in the shaft area. The technology of protection works was selected after the analysis of the technical condition of shaft structures as well as hydrological and geomechanical conditions. Due to the closeness of the shaft lining, it was necessary to form grout columns using jet grouting and low-pressure grouting technologies. The article presents the issues related to the selected technology and its application to the neutralisation of the emergent geotechnical hazard. The method of performance of recommended works was also described together with their impact on the technical condition of structures discussed as well as their functionality and usage.
Technical Note: Outlays on Construction of Airport Runways with Prestressed and Dowelled Pavements
Authors: Więckowski Andrzej , Sznurawa Alicja
Published: November 2015

For two variants of runways with abrasive concrete pavements in the prestressed and dowelled technologies, analyses have been presented regarding labour, materials, use of machinery, and financial outlays, together with the necessary technological-organisational analyses and assessment of work execution cycles, by the example of construction of a runway at the Katowice Airport.
Violence Risk Assessment Practices in Denmark: A Multidisciplinary National Survey
Authors: Nielsen Louise Hjort , Mastrigt Sarah van , Otto Randy K. , Seewald Katharina , Ruiter Corine de , Rettenberger Martin , Reeves Kim A. , Rebocho Maria Fransisca , Pham Thierry H. , Mei Yee Ho Robyn , Grann Martin , Godoy-Cervera Verónica , Folino Jorge O. , Doyle Michael , Desmarais Sarah L. , Condemarin Carolina , Arbach-Lucioni Karin , Singh Jay P.
Published: November 2015

With a quadrupling of forensic psychiatric patients in Denmark over the past 20 years, focus on violence risk assessment practices across the country has increased. However, information is lacking regarding Danish risk assessment practice across professional disciplines and clinical settings; little is known about how violence risk assessments are conducted, which instruments are used for what purposes, and how mental health professionals rate their utility and costs. As part of a global survey exploring the application of violence risk assessment across 44 countries, the current study investigated Danish practice across several professional disciplines and settings in which forensic and high-risk mental health patients are assessed and treated. In total, 125 mental health professionals across the country completed the survey. The five instruments that respondents reported most commonly using for risk assessment, risk management planning and risk monitoring were Broset, HCR-20, the START, the PCL-R, and the PCL:SV. Whereas the HCR-20 was rated highest in usefulness for risk assessment, the START was rated most useful for risk management and risk monitoring. No significant differences in utility were observed across professional groups. Unstructured clinical judgments were reported to be faster but more expensive to conduct than using a risk assessment instrument. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Assessing Robustness of Findings About Racial Redistricting’s Effect on Southern House Delegations
Authors: Sanchez-Martinez Carlos A. , Shotts Kenneth W.
Published: November 2015

We assess whether racial redistricting increases the number of Southern representatives to the left of the US House median. Our results, which are based on Monte Carlo simulations and an alternative measure of representatives’ preferences, are generally null findings. The data do not support the claim that racial redistricting promotes liberal policy outcomes; nor do they support the claim that it promotes conservative policy outcomes. At a methodological level, we suggest techniques that researchers can use to assess how robust their findings are to noise in variables based on estimated values like DW-Nominate scores.
The Continuing Story of the Yiddish Language: The Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts
Authors: Gasztold Brygida
Published: November 2015

The focus of my article is a unique place, the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts, which connects Yiddish culture with the American one, the experience of the Holocaust with the descendants of the survivors, and a modern idea of Jewishness with the context of American postmodernity. Created in the 1980s, in the mind of a young and enthusiastic student Aaron Lansky, the Yiddish Book Center throughout the years has become a unique place on the American cultural map. Traversing the continents and crossing borders, Lansky and his co-workers for over thirty years have been saving Yiddish language books from extinction. The Center, however, has long stopped to be merely a storage house for the collection, but instead has grown into a vibrant hub of Yiddishkeit in the United States. Its employees do not only collect, distribute, digitalize and post online the forgotten volumes, but also engage in diverse activities, scholarly and cultural, that promote the survival of the tradition connected with Yiddish culture. They educate, offering internships and fellowships to students interested in learning Yiddish from across the world, translate, publish, and exhibit Yiddish language materials, in this way finding new users for the language whose speakers were virtually annihilated by the Holocaust. To honour their legacy, a separate project is aimed at conducting video interviews that record life testimonies of the speakers of Yiddish. Aaron Lansky’s 2004 memoir, Outwitting History, provides an interesting insight into the complexities of his arduous life mission. Today, the Center lives its own unique life, serving the world of academia and Yiddishkeit enthusiasts alike.
“You Avenge the Others”: The Portrait of a Femme Fatale in Gladys Huntington’s Madame Solario
Authors: Piechucka Alicja
Published: November 2015

The article deals with the concept of femme fatale as presented in Gladys Huntington’s 1956 novel Madame Solario. The eponymous protagonist, Natalia Solario, displays several characteristics of this female archetype, omnipresent in literature, culture and visual iconography. As a femme fatale, Natalia is beauty, danger and mystery incarnate. The cause of tragedies, but also a tragic figure herself, Madame Solario is both victim and victimizer. The article explores the interplay between innocence and experience, life and death, the erotic and the thanatic, as well as the motifs of transgression, ambiguity, love, passion, desire, perversion, dominance and control crucial to Huntington’s novel. Madame Solario reminds us that, paradoxically, the femme fatale usurps certain stereotypically masculine traits. This, in turn, brings us to the novel’s feminist dimension: the femme fatale is victimized by men, but she is also the agent of female revenge and, ultimately, liberation, symbolically marking the transition from patriarchy to women’s emancipation.