bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and scales of connectivity: temporal stability and variation within a marine metapopulation
Authors: Le Corre Nicolas , Johnson Ladd E. , Smith Geneviève K. , Guichard Frédéric
Published: February 2015

Because many marine invertebrates have a dispersive planktonic phase, the spatial scale of demographic connectivity among local populations remains a key, but elusive, parameter driving population and metapopulation dynamics. However, temporal variation in the scale of connectivity remains largely undocumented, despite its recognized importance for predicting population responses to environmental changes. To assess the temporal stability of metapopulation connectivity, we conducted a large‐scale survey of a blue mussel (Mytilus spp.) metapopulation for five years along a 100‐km section of coastline of the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec, Canada. For each year, we estimated the scale of demographic coupling among 27–29 sites within our study region, using the spatial cross‐covariance between adult abundance and recruit density across sites. Despite large interannual variability in overall recruit abundance, our analysis revealed stationary spatial distributions of adult and recruit abundance. More importantly, our analysis revealed a consistent demographic coupling among populations at a distance ranging from 12 to 24 km in all but one of the five years studied. The scale of connectivity in this system is thus temporally stable, but can occasionally show irregular fluctuations, and our results provide evidence in support of the integration of time‐varying connectivity to marine metapopulation and reserve network theories.
Evaluating a Bilingual Patient Navigation Program for Uninsured Women With Abnormal Screening Tests for Breast and Cervical Cancer: Implications for Future Navigator Research
Authors: Simon Melissa A. , Tom Laura S. , Nonzee Narissa J. , Murphy Kara R. , Endress Richard , Dong XinQi , Feinglass Joe
Published: February 2015

Objectives. The DuPage Patient Navigation Collaborative evaluated the Patient Navigation Research Program (PNRP) model for uninsured women receiving free breast or cervical cancer screening through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program in DuPage County, Illinois.

Methods. We used medical records review and patient surveys of 477 women to compare median follow-up times with external Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and Chicago PNRP benchmarks of performance. We examined the extent to which we mitigated community-defined timeliness risk factors for delayed follow-up, with a focus on Spanish-speaking participants.

Results. Median follow-up time (29.0 days for breast and 56.5 days for cervical screening abnormalities) compared favorably to external benchmarks. Spanish-speaking patients had lower health literacy, lower patient activation, and more health care system distrust than did English-speaking patients, but despite the prevalence of timeliness risk factors, we observed no differences in likelihood of delayed (> 60 days) follow-up by language.

Conclusions. Our successful replication and scaling of the PNRP navigation model to DuPage County illustrates a promising approach for future navigator research.
The Potential and Reality of Physical Education in Controlling Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Kahan David , McKenzie Thomas L.
Published: February 2015

Although preventing youth overweight and obesity is a public health priority, quality physical education (PE) is marginalized in practice. In May 2014, we estimated energy expenditure (EE; derived from PE frequency, duration, and intensity; mean student mass; and class size) from national recommendations and data from the 19 US states with PE duration guidelines, under 3 scenarios: potential (quality PE, defined as 50% moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]), reality (MVPA = 35%), and classroom instruction only. Students in schools following nationally recommended PE standards from grades 1 through 10 could expend from 35 000 to 90 000 more kilocalories than students who received classroom instruction instead. PE's potential for increasing student EE will only be realized with stronger school policies and increased accountability.
Influence of School Architecture and Design on Healthy Eating: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Frerichs Leah , Brittin Jeri , Sorensen Dina , Trowbridge Matthew J. , Yaroch Amy L. , Siahpush Mohammad , Tibbits Melissa , Huang Terry T.-K.
Published: February 2015

We examined evidence regarding the influence of school physical environment on healthy-eating outcomes. We applied a systems perspective to examine multiple disciplines’ theoretical frameworks and used a mixed-methods systematic narrative review method, considering both qualitative and quantitative sources (published through March 2014) for inclusion.

We developed a causal loop diagram from 102 sources identified. We found evidence of the influence of many aspects of a school’s physical environment on healthy-eating outcomes. The causal loop diagram highlights multilevel and interrelated factors and elucidates the specific roles of design and architecture in encouraging healthy eating within schools.

Our review highlighted the gaps in current evidence and identified areas of research needed to refine and expand school architecture and design strategies for addressing healthy eating.
A Hierarchy of Unhealthy Food Promotion Effects: Identifying Methodological Approaches and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Kelly Bridget , King, MPsy Lesley , Chapman, MND Kathy , Boyland Emma , Bauman Adrian E. , Baur Louise A.
Published: February 2015

We assessed the evidence for a conceptual “hierarchy of effects” of marketing, to guide understanding of the relationship between children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing and poor diets and overweight, and drive the research agenda. We reviewed studies assessing the impact of food promotions on children from MEDLINE, Web of Science, ABI Inform, World Health Organization library database, and The Gray Literature Report. We included articles published in English from 2009 to 2013, with earlier articles from a 2009 systematic review. We grouped articles by outcome of exposure and assessed outcomes within a framework depicting a hierarchy of effects of marketing exposures. Evidence supports a logical sequence of effects linking food promotions to individual-level weight outcomes. Future studies should demonstrate the sustained effects of marketing exposure, and exploit variations in exposures to assess differences in outcomes longitudinally.
Stimulated-Rock Characteristics and Behavior in Multistage Hydraulic-Fracturing Treatment
Authors: Lin Avi , Ma Jianfu
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a mathematical integration process through which all the important useful information and data related to stimulated rock are properly extracted and embedded so that the total effects of the hydraulic-fracturing stimulation are properly presented by the microseismic data detected and collected during the hydraulic-fracturing process. A multistage hydraulic-fracturing strategy is often used to help maximize the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). The current analysis is based on chaining the stage results one-by-one. At each stage, the 3D SRV is constructed on the basis of its observed microseismic events with an enhanced convex-hull approach. This algorithm offers both a mathematical approximation of 3D volume and a 3D visualization of the SRV geophysical shape(s). More-detailed geometric characteristics are calculated further from the ellipsoid that best fits the constructed SRV, which relies on the acquired microseismic events. The characteristics include length, width, height, and orientation azimuth of the stimulated rock. Moreover, it forms the basis for calculating the overall SRV with the stage-by-stage approach.

In the advanced phase, this algorithm offers characteristics related to the interaction between multiple stages. The accurate 3D geophysical geometry of the overlapping volume between multiple stages is extracted and is calculated, and the percentage of overlapping volume over the SRV is estimated at each stage. These volume-overlapping quantities reveal the potential communication between these stages, indicating the efficiency of hydraulic-fracturing efforts and implying the loss of treatment fluid. This algorithm provides the field engineers with several useful aspects: an essential, reliable, and direct compound tool to dynamically visualize the stimulated reservoir geometry and treatment-field evolution; a real-time evaluation of the efficiency of a hydraulic-fracturing treatment; and parameters to help increase the production of a stimulated reservoir.
PEEK (Polyether-ether-ketone) Based Cervical Total Disc Arthroplasty: Contact Stress and Lubrication Analysis
Authors: Xin H , Shepherd DET , Dearn KD
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the maximum contact stress and the lubrication regimes for PEEK (Polyether-ether-ketone) based self-mating cervical total disc arthroplasty. The NuNec® cervical disc arthroplasty system was chosen as the study object, which was then analytically modelled as a ball on socket joint. A non-adhesion Hertzian contact model and elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory were used to predict the maximum contact stress and the minimum film thickness, respectively. The peak contact stress and the minimum film thickness between the bearing surfaces were then determined, as the radial clearance or lubricant was varied. The obtained results show that under 150 N loading, the peak contact stress was in the range 5.9 – 32.1 MPa, well below the yield and fatigue strength of PEEK; the calculated minimum film thickness ranged from 0 to 0.042 µm and the corresponding lambda ratio range was from 0 to 0.052. This indicates that the PEEK based cervical disc arthroplasty will operate under a boundary lubrication regime, within the natural angular velocity range of the cervical spine.
The Importance of the Zagros Mountains Barrier Jet to Future Precipitation in the Fertile Crescent
Authors: Evans J.P. , Alsamawi A.
Published: February 2015

This study quantifies the significance of southerly water vapour fluxes, associated with the Zagros Mountains barrier jet, on precipitation occurring in the Eastern Fertile Crescent region and its change due to global warming. Precipitation events are simulated using a Regional Climate Model (MM5-Noah) driven by boundary conditions from a CCSM global climate model simulation with the SRES A2 emission scenario. The precipitation events were grouped into classes based on the similarity of their water vapour fluxes. Results show a massive increase in the southerly dominated classes which are associated with the formation of a barrier jet on the western slopes of the Zagros Mountains. This increase was related to an increase in atmospheric water vapour in the southern portion of the domain rather than to an increase in the frequency of formation or wind speed of the barrier jet itself. The presence of this barrier jet becomes
increasingly important to precipitation in the Eastern Fertile Crescent region as global warming progresses. Thus, low resolution models that are unable to capture this phenomena will produce questionable future projections for this region.
Theory of Plastic Mechanism Control: State-of-The-Art
Authors: Longo Alessandra , Nastri Elide , Piluso Vincenzo
Published: February 2015

In this paper, the state-of-the-art regarding the “Theory of Plastic Mechanism Control” (TPMC) is presented.
TPMC is aimed at the design of structures assuring a collapse mechanism of global type. The theory has been developed
in the nineties with reference to moment-resisting steel frames (MRFs) and progressively extended to all the main structural
typologies commonly adopted as seismic-resistant structural systems. In particular, the outcome of the theory is the
sum of the plastic moments of the columns required, at each storey, to prevent undesired failure modes, i.e. partial mechanisms
and soft-storey mechanisms. The theory is used to provide the design conditions to be satisfied, in the form of a set
of inequalities where the unknowns are constituted by the column plastic moments. Even though the set of inequalities
was originally solved by means of an algorithm requiring an iterative procedure, now, thanks to new advances, a “closed
form solution” has been developed. This result is very important, because the practical application of TPMC can now be
carried out even with very simple hand calculations. In order to show the simplicity of the new procedure, numerical applications
are herein presented in detail with reference to Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs) and dual systems both composed
by Moment Resisting Frames and Eccentrically Braces Frames (MRF-EBFs) with inverted Y scheme and composed
by Moment Resisting Frames and Concentrically Braced Frames (MRF-CBFs) with X-braced scheme and V-braced
scheme. Finally, the pattern of yielding obtained is validated by means of both push-over analyses and incremental dynamic
analyses. A comparison in terms of structural weight of the designed structures is also presented and the corresponding
seismic performances are discussed.
Changes in soft tissue profile using functional appliances in the treatment of skeletal class II malocclusion
Authors: Stamenkovic Zorana , Raickovic Vanja , Ristic Vladimir
Published: February 2015

Introduction. The effects of orthodontic treatment are considered to be
successful if the facial harmony is achieved, while the structures of soft
tissue profile are in harmony with skeletal structures of neurocranium and
viscerocranium. In patients with skeletal distal bite caused by mandibular
retrognathism, facial esthetics is disturbed often, in terms of pronounced
convexity of the profile and change in the position and relationship of the
lips. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of soft
tissue profile changes in patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion
treated with three different orthodontic appliances: Fr?nkel functional
regulator type I (FR-I), Balters? Bionator type I and Hotz appliance.
Methods. The study included 60 patients diagnosed with skeletal Class II
malocclusion caused by mandibular retrognathism, in the period of early
mixed dentition. Each subgroup of 20 patients was treated with a variety of
orthodontic appliances. On the lateral cephalogram, before and after
treatment, the following parameters were analyzed: T angle, H angle, the
height of the upper lip, the position of the upper and lower lip in relation
to the esthetic line. Within the statistical analysis the mean, maximum,
minimum, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, two-factor analysis
of variance with repeated measures and the factor analysis of variance were
calculated using ANOVA, Bonferroni test and Student?s t-test. Results. A
significant decrease of angles T and H was noticed in the application of
FR-I, from 21.60? to 17.15?, and from 16.45? to 13.40? (p<0.001). FR-I
decreased the height of the upper lip from 26.15 mm to 25.85 mm, while Hotz
appliance and Balters? Bionator type I increased the height of the upper
lip, thereby deteriorating esthetics of the patient. Conclusion. All used
orthodontic appliances lead to changes in soft tissue profile in terms of
improving facial esthetics, with the most distinctive changes in the
application of Fr?nkel?s functional regulator type I, which is the most
successful appliance for achieving the overall facial harmony of the
patient.
Primary lymphoma of the brain in a young man whose brother died of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: Case report
Authors: Dzoljic Eleonora , Stosic-Opincal Tatjana , Skender-Gazibara Milica , Terzic Tatjana , Mihaljevic Biljana , Milivojevic Goran , Kostic Vladimir
Published: February 2015

Introduction. We represent the unique occurrence of primary central nervous
system lymphoma (PCNSL) in a patient whose brother died of genetically
confirmed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Case Outline. We report a
case of a 25-year-old male patient with primary aggressive diffuse large
B-cell lymphoma affecting the brain and PCNSL. Despite one year of medical
treatment outcome was lethal. However, our patient had a relatively longer
survival compared to median survival time for PCNSL. Additionally, he had two
older brothers who died at the age of about 11 years. One died of fulminate
malignancy, shortly after pediatric admission, before the diagnosis could be
established. The other one died from genetically confirmed (perforin
mutation/PRF1) HLH. Our patient was heterozygous carrier of perforin mutation
representing the genetic marker for HLH. Our patient?s father was the carrier
of the same mutation but had no symptoms of any disease. Conclusion. This
case points at the presence of HLH and diffuse large B-cell PCNSL in
brothers. Extensive assessment of patients with probable PCNSL and familial
HLH is necessary, including genetic analysis for HLH.
Granulomatosis with polyangitis (Wegener’s) and central nervous system involvement: Case report
Authors: Tomic-Lucic Aleksandra , Veselinovic Mirjana , Pantovic Suzana , Petrovic Dejan , Zivanovic Sandra , Milovanovic Jasmina
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Granulomatosis with polyangitis (Wegener?s) is an
antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA)-associated vasculitis, which
commonly involves the upper and lower respiratory tracts and kidneys. Central
nervous system involvement is reported in less than 11%, and rarely present
at onset. Case Outline. We report the case of a 41-year-old male patient with
a high disease activity, large organ involvement, as well as central nervous
system manifestations presented at onset. Treatment with intravenous pulse
methylprednisolone, followed by the pulsed doses of cyclophosphamide was
induced. After 6 months of cyclophosphamide pulse therapy a remission was
achieved. Next, azathioprine was used for maintenance during the next 18
months. There were no disease flares during 24-month follow-up. Conclusion.
Granulomatosis with polyangitis (Wegener?s) with large organ involvement,
affecting the central nervous system structures require a rapid diagnosis and
intensive medication treatment in order to prevent or reduce irreversible
damage. Our experience confirms the findings reported in the literature that
the severe forms of the disease are associated with increased probability of
achieving remission, which reflects increased responsiveness of such patients
to immunosuppressant therapy.
Injuries and vital reactions patterns in hanging
Authors: Nikolic Slobodan , Zivkovic Vladimir
Published: February 2015

Hanging is a form of ligature strangulation in which the force applied to the
neck is derived from the gravitational drag of one?s own body weight. A
furrow - dessication is the most common form of ligature mark on the skin.
The furrow is a postmortem phenomenon due to ligature pressure and it is more
detectable as the suspension time becomes longer. Vital reaction is a
phenomenon that shows if the injury was premortal. Vital signs could be
present at the injury site, thus it is termed as local, but they could also
be remote from the injury site, and then they are termed general vital signs.
The presence and recognition of any vital reaction in each pathoforensic case
indicate vitality of certain injury, which is sometimes exceptionally useful
in solving the case under investigation. Although in cases of hanging there
is usually no question about the vitality of injury, this does not mean that
one should not recognize the type of vital reactions and location of
occurrence of these phenomena in such cases. Most often they can be also
useful in the reconstruction of the mechanism. This paper presents most
common vital reactions in hanging, with explanation of their underlying
mechanisms, and their significance in forensic pathology is pointed out.
Fifty years of discovery of alpha-fetoprotein as the first tumor marker
Authors: Nikulina Dina , Terentyev Alexander , Galimzyanov Khalil , Jurisic Vladimir
Published: February 2015

Alpha-fetoprotein represents the most prominent oncobiomarker, widely used in
the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma for monitoring of tumor
progression, presence of metastasis, assessment of cancer prognosis and
successful antitumor therapeutic measures. Yuri Semenovich Tatarinov is a
Russian scientist who first published antigen specific for human
hepatocellular carcinoma in 1963. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the
discovery of alpha-fetoprotein, 9th International Scientific- Practical
Conference entitled ?Achievements of fundamental science and translational
medicine capabilities in solving actual problems of practical public health?,
was held from May 6-8th, 2013 in Astrakhan, Russia. The conference was held
in memory of historical scientific work of Yuri Semenovich Tatarinov.
Assessment of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Popovic Dusan , Culafic Djordje , Kisic-Tepavcevic Darija , Kovacevic Nada , Spuran Milan , Djuranovic Srdjan , Jovicic Ivana , Krstic Miodrag , Perisic Mirjana , Pekmezovic Tatjana
Published: February 2015

Background/Aim. In recent years mental health of patients including those
with chronic liver disease (CLD), has become interesting because its
disturbance leads to reduced quality of life, that is associated with
worsening of clinical outcome, reduced compliance and increased mortality.
The aim of the study was to determinate the frequency and severity of
depression and frequency of anxiety in patients with CLD and to assess the
contribution of selected socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory risk
factors for depression and anxiety. Methods. In this cross-sectional study,
we used the Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) and Hamilton anxiety
rating scale (HARS) in patients with CLD. Results. The study included 54 male
and 43 female patients. Depression was present in 62.9%, and anxiety in 13.4%
of the patients. A higher HDRS was noted in the patients older than 50 years
(p = 0.022) and unemployed patients (p = 0.043). The patients with at least
one episode of gastrointestinal bleeding had a significantly higher frequency
of anxiety than those without bleeding (p = 0.018). A higher HARS score was
present in the women (p = 0.011), unemployed patients (p = 0.008) and those
with non-alcoholic liver disease (p = 0.007). There was a significant
correlation between the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the value of the
HDRS score, and between serum potassium and sodium levels and HDRS score.
Conclusion. Age and the mean corpuscular volume have significant influence on
the HDRS score while unemployment, gastrointestinal bleeding, serum potassium
and serum sodium have predictive value for HARS score.
Stent dislodgement in the distal left main coronary artery and its successful management with balloon crushing technique
Authors: Stajic Zoran
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Stent entrapment and dislodgment in the coronary arteries is a
rare but potentially fatal complication of percutaneous coronary
intervention. Different retrival techniques of dislodged stents have
previously been reported with high success rate but all of them are
timeconsuming, so as not quite useful in hemodinamically unstable patient.
Case report. A 59-year old female patient with acute ST-elevation myocardial
infaction of anterior wall was admitted for primary percutanous coronary
intervention. Unexpectedly, during intervention stent entrapment and
dislodgement in the distal left main coronary artery occured followed by
occlusive coronary dissection and compromisation of the coronary flow in the
left descending coronary artery with a rapid hemodinamic deterioration. In
order to reestablish coronary flow as soon as possible, the dislodged
unexpanded stent was crushed against the wall with a balloon in the distal
left main. It immediately restored coronary flow in the left descending
coronary artery and rapidly improved the patients hemodinamics. Intervention
was successfuly completed with totally four stents implanted in the left
main, the osteoproxymal circumflex coronary artery and the osteo-proxymedial
left descending coronary artery. Later postinterventional hospital course as
well as the clinical and angiographic six month follow-up was uneventful.
Conclusion. This case shows that percutaneous baloon crushing technique can
be a safe and effective first option in management of dislodged and
unexpanded stent in the left main coronary artery, particularly for a
hemodynamically unstable patient.
Epidermolysis bullosa of the esophagus: A case report
Authors: Radic Maja , Hadnadjev Darka
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare skin disease which could be
hereditary or acquired with autoimmune mechanism. Even though it is known
that epidermolysis bullosa appears on various mucosa, the esophagus is seldom
affected. Case report. We reported 19-year-old female patient who had been
admitted due to dysphagia and odynophagia to solid food. Erythematous
changes with bullae and excoriations could be found on the hands, feet,
elbows and knees. The patient underwent barium swallow which revealed
retaining of contrast in the valleculas and piriform recesses, as well as
dilatation of meso- and hypopharynx - upper achalasia syndrome. The cause was
stenosis at the level of upper functional sphincter of the esophagus, 10 mm
in length with benign apperance. Small leakage of contrast into the trachea
was visible at the later stage of examination, concomitant with volume load
of the pharynx. Bullae were not detected. The whole esophagus was fairly
uniformly stenotic and had fibrotic appearance. Conclusion. The authors
emphasize that barium swallow can provide sufficient information regarding
stenosis, dynamics of the disorder, as well as the stage of the disease.
Furthermore, we highlight the importance of providing a complete diagnostic
strategy in all dermatology patients who could simultaneously have mucous
changes.
14C Dating of the Lime Burial of Cova de Na Dent (Mallorca, Spain): Optimization of the Sample Preparation and Limitations of the Method
Authors: van Strydonck Mark , Hayen Roald , Boudin Mathieu , van den Brande Tess , Burguera Magdalena Salas , Ramis Damià , Borms Herlinde , De Mulder Guy
Published: February 2015

Lime burials are a characteristic phenomenon of the protohistoric funerary tradition on the Balearic Islands. At Cova de Na Dent, six samples, representing the entire stratigraphy of the lime burial, were taken for analysis. The radiocarbon dates suggested that the lowest levels of the burial were Late Bronze Age. This is in contradiction with the general belief that the lime burials are a late Iron Age phenomenon. Therefore, a new analysis strategy is put forward, focusing on the so-called 1st fraction, the first CO2released during the acid lime reaction, which is supposed to be free of fossil carbon. The analysis demonstrates the impossibility to eliminate the fossil carbon fraction completely. This is probably due to the different geological formation of the local limestone deposits (ancient reef barriers) compared to the previous lime burials of Mallorca all coming from mountain areas.14C analysis from a cremation layer without lime at the onset of the lime burial reveals an Iron Age origin of the Cova de Na Dent lime burial.
Deep Compaction Control of Sandy Soils
Authors: Bałachowski Lech , Kurek Norbert
Published: February 2015

Vibroflotation, vibratory compaction, micro-blasting or heavy tamping are typical improvement methods for the cohesionless deposits of high thickness. The complex mechanism of deep soil compaction is related to void ratio decrease with grain rearrangements, lateral stress increase, prestressing effect of certain number of load cycles, water pressure dissipation, aging and other effects. Calibration chamber based interpretation of CPTU/DMT can be used to take into account vertical and horizontal stress and void ratio effects. Some examples of interpretation of soundings in pre-treated and compacted sands are given. Some acceptance criteria for compaction control are discussed. The improvement factors are analysed including the normalised approach based on the soil behaviour type index.
Static Load Tests, Short Series Interpretation
Authors: Meyer Zygmunt
Published: February 2015

Statistic load test is the most commonly used method for estimation of the bearing capacity of piles. From the test we obtain the series a values: load-settlement, Q–s curve. In practice, it is extremely difficult to reach the critical load of the pile when the settlement turns out of control. The existing methods that allow bearing capacity to be calculated give the value which is very often 1/10 of the critical load. The question arises if it is possible based upon short series of load, i.e., 0–0.4 critical load, to predict the critical value of the load, with accuracy which is sufficient for practical calculation. The paper presents a method how to calculate the critical load based upon short series of load in the static load tests.
Dynamics Coefficient for Two-Phase Soil Model
Authors: Wrana Bogumił
Published: February 2015

The paper investigates a description of energy dissipation within saturated soils-diffusion of pore-water. Soils are assumed to be two-phase poro-elastic materials, the grain skeleton of which exhibits no irreversible behavior or structural hysteretic damping. Description of motion and deformation of soil is introduced as a system of equations consisting of governing dynamic consolidation equations based on Biot theory. Selected constitutive and kinematic relations for small strains and rotation are used. This paper derives a closed form of analytical solution that characterizes the energy dissipation during steady-state vibrations of nearly and fully saturated poro-elastic columns. Moreover, the paper examines the influence of various physical factors on the fundamental period, maximum amplitude and the fraction of critical damping of the Biot column. Also the so-called dynamic coefficient which shows amplification or attenuation of dynamic response is considered.
Effect of Variation of Temperature Field on the Process of Thermal Consolidation of Tailings Pond “Zelazny Most”
Authors: Bartlewska-Urban Monika , Strzelecki Tomasz
Published: February 2015

The following study presents numerical calculations for establishing an impact of temperature changes on the process of distortion of bi–phase medium. The Biot consolidation equations with Kelvin–Voigt rheological skeleton were used for that purpose. The process was exemplified by thermal consolidation of post floatation dump “–elazny Most”. We analyzed the behavior of the landfill under the action of its own weight, forces of floating filtration and temperature gradient. Values of certain effective parameters of model were obtained during laboratory tests on material obtained from the landfill. The remaining data for mediums with similar characteristics were taken from literature. The results obtained from the stress state in the landfill allow the magnitude of plasticity potential to be specified based on known strength criteria. Change in the value sign of the plasticity potential clearly testifies to the emergence of an area of plasticity of material from landfill, however, this does not indicate the loss of stability of this hydrotechnical structure.
Structure and Calibration of Constitutive Equations for Granular Soils
Authors: Sawicki Andrzej , Sławińska Justyna , Mierczyński Jacek
Published: February 2015

The form of incremental constitutive equations for granular soils is discussed for the triaxial configuration. The classical elasto-plastic approach and the semi-empirical model are discussed on the basis of constitutive relations determined directly from experimental data. First, the general structure of elasto-plastic constitutive equations is presented. Then, the structure of semiempirical constitutive equations is described, and a method of calibrating the model is presented. This calibration method is based on a single experiment, performed in the triaxial apparatus, which also involves a partial verification of the model, on an atypical stress path. The model is shown to give reasonable predictions. An important feature of the semi-empirical incremental model is the definition of loading and unloading, which is different from that assumed in elasto-plasticity. This definition distinguishes between spherical and deviatoric loading/unloading. The definition of deviatoric loading/unloading has been subject to some criticism. It was therefore discussed and clarified in this paper on the basis of the experiment presented.
Random Vortex Method in Numerical Analysis of 2D Flow Around Circular Cylinder
Authors: Kostecki Stanisław
Published: February 2015

A combination of the vortex method and the boundary element method is used here to predict the two-dimensional flow field around a circular cylinder. Cylindrical structures experience strong hydrodynamic loading, due to vortex detachment from the both sides of cylinder during the flow. Thus, the practical meaning of such calculation is significant particularly in offshore oil and gas engineering as well as in the bridge and hydraulic structure engineering. This paper presents the mathematical formulation of the vortex method for the velocity and vorticity field calculation. The calculated velocity and vorticity fields are then used to predict the pressure distribution on the cylinder surface by the boundary element method. The resulting pressure on the cylinder, the Strouhal number and the length of the base recirculation zone are compared with solutions of other numerical methods and experiments, and a good agreement is achieved.
International Trade in Conflict Minerals: Solutions for the EU Regulatory Framework
Authors: Silná Zuzana , Kittová Zuzana
Published: February 2015

International trade in minerals, particularly tin, tungsten, wolfram, and gold, from conflict-
affected or high-risk areas can have significant implications on intensifying and
perpetuating the conflicts. It occurs that illegal mines are run by armed groups. As a
result, minerals acquired from such sources provide financial means to armed movements
and support the conflict. In this respect, several international and national regulatory
frameworks for responsible sourcing have been established. The most important
international initiative is the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply
Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, which provides importers
with voluntary guidelines for responsible sourcing policy. In addition, the US
passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010. Section
1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act lays down the rules for responsible sourcing that are
compulsory for any company listed on the US stock exchanges. Following to these initiatives
and further public consultations, the European Commission and the European
External Action Service introduced a proposal for a comprehensive EU policy focused
on responsible sourcing of conflict minerals. The package consists of a legislative proposal
laying down rules for self-certification of responsible importers, as well as of additional
measures providing for support for SMEs and incentives for importers of conflict
materials. The aim of this paper is to analyse the legislative proposal and discuss
its possible implications given the fact that the EU legislation should be compatible
with standing frameworks.
The development and validation of the motives for feigning orgasms scale
Authors: Séguin Léa J. , Milhausen Robin R. , Kukkonen Tuuli
Published: February 2015

Most research on feigning orgasm has focused exclusively on women and on potential predictors of this behaviour, with little attention given to the underlying motives for doing so. There are currently no available scales measuring individuals' motives for feigning orgasm. The purpose of the current research was to develop and validate a scale to assess motives for feigning orgasm among men and women. In Study 1, 53 men and 94 women completed a preliminary version of the Motives for Feigning Orgasms Scale (MFOS). More women (43.1%) than men (17.3%) indicated that that they had pretended to have an orgasm with their current relationship partner. Factor analysis was performed, yielding a six-factor solution (i.e., Intoxication, Partner Self-Esteem, Poor Sex/Partner, Desireless Sex, Timing, and Insecurity). In Study 2, the MFOS was completed by 194 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted; however this analysis supported three models (i.e., two two-factor models, and one three-factor model). The Sexual Goals Questionnaire, the Behavioural Inhibition System/Behavioural Activation System Scale, and the Sexual Compulsivity Scale were also completed concurrently with the MFOS, and yielded results that supported the MFOS's convergent and discriminant validity. Men were more likely than women to report pretending orgasm due to intoxication, discomfort or displeasure attributable to the sexual experience or to their sexual partner, and feelings of insecurity. No other gender differences on the MFOS's subscales were found. The MFOS is a new comprehensive measure of individuals' motivations for feigning orgasm that can help enhance our understanding of human sexual motivation.
An ‘Impatient Modernist’: Mulk Raj Anand at the BBC
Authors: Morse Daniel Ryan
Published: February 2015

Mulk Raj Anand's self-description – in a 1945 broadcast about war-time London – as an ‘impatient modernist’ highlights Anand's ability to harness the velocity of broadcast production, transmission, and reception into an aesthetic of speed. Pairing Anand's unpublished BBC scripts with his war-time novel The Big Heart (1945), I show how Anand's work remediating contemporary texts for broadcast accompanied a shift in his approach to writing fiction, using the technique of intertextual scaffolding to accelerate composition. This article proposes that the name of Anand's impatience was realism – that Anand's fascination with literary modernists such as Joyce and Woolf was tempered with a desire for the immediacy and social embeddedness of realism and that broadcasting encouraged Anand in his attempt to pair modernism's cosmopolitanism and polyvocality with realism's speed, engagement, even ephemerality. Challenging the often feeble distinction between realism and modernist anti-representational technics, Anand's radio writing captures the contradictions of combined but uneven development.
Perspectives on Trends, Effectiveness, and Impediments to Prescribed Burning in the Southern U.S.
Authors: Kobziar Leda , Godwin Daniel , Taylor Leland , Watts Adam
Published: February 2015

The southern region of the U.S. uses prescribed fire as a management tool on more of its burnable land than anywhere in the U.S., with ecosystem restoration, wildlife habitat enhancement, and reduction of hazardous fuel loads as typical goals. Although the region performs more than 50,000 prescribed fire treatments each year, evaluation of their effects on wildfire suppression resources or behavior/effects is limited. To better understand trends in the use and effectiveness of prescribed fire, we conducted a region-wide survey of 523 fire use practitioners, working on both public and private lands. A 1–2 year prescribed fire interval was consistently viewed as effective in decreasing wildfire ignitions, behavior, and severity, as well as reducing suppression resources needed where wildfire occurred. Yet fewer than 15% of practitioners viewed burn intervals of 3–4 years as effective in reducing ignitions, underscoring the importance of high-frequency burning in vegetation communities where fuel recovery is rapid. Public lands managers identified limited budget and staffing as major institutional impediments to prescribed fire, in contrast to private individuals, more of whom chose liability as a key challenge. Differences in responses across ownership type, state, and vegetation type call for a broader perspective on how fire managers in the southern U.S. view prescribed fire.
Physiological and Psychological Effects of Forest Therapy on Middle-Aged Males with High-Normal Blood Pressure
Authors: Ochiai Hiroko , Ikei Harumi , Song Chorong , Kobayashi Maiko , Takamatsu Ako , Miura Takashi , Kagawa Takahide , Li Qing , Kumeda Shigeyoshi , Imai Michiko , Miyazaki Yoshifumi
Published: February 2015

Time spent walking and relaxing in a forest environment (“forest bathing” or “forest therapy”) has well demonstrated anti-stress effects in healthy adults, but benefits for ill or at-risk populations have not been reported. The present study assessed the physiological and psychological effects of forest therapy (relaxation and stress management activity in the forest) on middle-aged males with high-normal blood pressure. Blood pressure and several physiological and psychological indices of stress were measured the day before and approximately 2 h following forest therapy. Both pre- and post-treatment measures were conducted at the same time of day to avoid circadian influences. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), urinary adrenaline, and serum cortisol were all significantly lower than baseline following forest therapy (p < 0.05). Subjects reported feeling significantly more “relaxed” and “natural” according to the Semantic Differential (SD) method. Profile of Mood State (POMS) negative mood subscale scores for “tension-anxiety,” “confusion,” and “anger-hostility,” as well as the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score were significantly lower following forest therapy. These results highlight that forest is a promising treatment strategy to reduce blood pressure into the optimal range and possibly prevent progression to clinical hypertension in middle-aged males with high-normal blood pressure.
Tumor Progression Locus 2 (Tpl2) Kinase as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Cancer: Double-Sided Effects of Tpl2 on Cancer
Authors: Lee Hye , Choi Han , Joo Kyeung , Nam Do-Hyun
Published: February 2015

Tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl2) is a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase (MAP3K) that conveys various intra- and extra-cellular stimuli to effector proteins of cells provoking adequate adoptive responses. Recent studies have elucidated that Tpl2 is an indispensable signal transducer as an MAP3K family member in diverse signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, survival, and death. Since tumorigenesis results from dysregulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, Tpl2 participates in many decisive molecular processes of tumor development and progression. Moreover, Tpl2 is closely associated with cytokine release of inflammatory cells, which has crucial effects on not only tumor cells but also tumor microenvironments. These critical roles of Tpl2 in human cancers make it an attractive anti-cancer therapeutic target. However, Tpl2 contradictorily works as a tumor suppressor in some cancers. The double-sided effects of Tpl2 originate from the specific upstream and downstream signaling environment of each tumor, since Tpl2 interacts with various signaling components. This review summarizes recent studies concerning the possible roles of Tpl2 in human cancers and considers its possibility as a therapeutic target, against which novel anti-cancer agents could be developed.
Validation of Tuba1a as Appropriate Internal Control for Normalization of Gene Expression Analysis during Mouse Lung Development
Authors: Mehta Aditi , Dobersch Stephanie , Dammann Reinhard , Bellusci Saverio , Ilinskaya Olga , Braun Thomas , Barreto Guillermo
Published: February 2015

The expression ratio between the analysed gene and an internal control gene is the most widely used normalization method for quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) expression analysis. The ideal reference gene for a specific experiment is the one whose expression is not affected by the different experimental conditions tested. In this study, we validate the applicability of five commonly used reference genes during different stages of mouse lung development. The stability of expression of five different reference genes (Tuba1a, Actb Gapdh, Rn18S and Hist4h4) was calculated within five experimental groups using the statistical algorithm of geNorm software. Overall, Tuba1a showed the least variability in expression among the different stages of lung development, while Hist4h4 and Rn18S showed the maximum variability in their expression. Expression analysis of two lung specific markers, surfactant protein C (SftpC) and Clara cell-specific 10 kDA protein (Scgb1a1), normalized to each of the five reference genes tested here, confirmed our results and showed that incorrect reference gene choice can lead to artefacts. Moreover, a combination of two internal controls for normalization of expression analysis during lung development will increase the accuracy and reliability of results.
Land Use and Wildfire: A Review of Local Interactions and Teleconnections
Authors: Butsic Van , Kelly Maggi , Moritz Max
Published: February 2015

Fire is a naturally occurring process of most terrestrial ecosystems as well as a tool for changing land use. Since the beginning of history humans have used fire as a mechanism for creating areas suitable for agriculture and settlement. As fires threaten human dominated landscapes, fire risk itself has become a driver of landscape change, impacting landscapes through land use regulations and fire management. Land use changes also influence fire ignition frequency and fuel loads and hence alters fire regimes. The impact of these changes is often exacerbated as new land users demand alternative fire management strategies, which can impact land cover and management far from where land use change has actually occurred. This creates nuanced land use teleconnections between source areas for fires and economic cores, which demand and fund fire protection. Here we will review the role of fire and fire risk as a driver of land use change, the ways land use changes impact drivers of fire, and suggest that the integration of land use teleconnections into the fire/land use discussion can help us better understand and manage the complex interactions between fire and land use.
Regional Open Innovation Roadmapping: A New Framework for Innovation-Based Regional Development
Authors: Schwerdtner Wim , Siebert Rosemarie , Busse Maria , Freisinger Ulf
Published: February 2015

To foster sustainable regional development, many regions rely on innovations. To safeguard the generation of innovations and their market introduction, companies have increasingly used technology roadmapping and open innovation. The project INNOrural (Innovations for sustainable rural development) expanded these concepts by applying them to regions. This led to the rise of the “Regional Open Innovation Roadmapping” framework for innovation-based regional development (ROIR). This framework was tested by conducting two innovation roadmapping processes in the model region of Märkisch-Oderland (MOL), Germany: the certification of regional wood fuel and the establishment of a competence center for precision farming technology. Both innovation ideas were selected during the roadmapping process by applying a sustainability assessment. After 12 months, two complete roadmaps were ready for implementation. Key principles of ROIR were identified, including the use of a clear and replicable sustainability assessment method, the involvement of all relevant stakeholder groups in the early process and the cooperation between regional and subject experts. Generally, the broader adaptation of ROIR for additional regions will be useful. Nevertheless, the ROIR processes need to be evaluated in depth to develop a better understanding and to provide evidence of the benefits and limitations of this approach.