bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical thickness of foam films stabilized by nonionic, ionic surfactants and their mixtures
Authors: Ivanova Dilyana Stefanova , Angarska Jana Krumova , Manev Emil Deyanov
Published: March 2016

The critical thickness (hcr) for foam films of n-dodecyl β-D maltoside (C12G2) and of its mixed solutions with dodecanol (C12Е0), hexaethyleneglycol dodecyl ether (C12E6) and dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (C12TAB) of different molar ratio (50:1; 1:1;1:50) at low and high ionic strength was measured interferometrically. It was found that the hcr increases with the increase of the film radius independently of solutions composition. At low ionic strength the type of surfactant affects the critical thickness and the equilibrium state of the film. hcr for the films of mixture with C12E0 increases with the increase of the total surfactant concentration, while hcr for the films of mixture with C12TAB decreases. For the values of the critical thicknesses for films from individual surfactant solutions the following sequence hcr (C12TAB) > hcr (C12E6) > hcr (C12G2) is found. At high ionic strength the quantity of nonionic additive does not substantially affect the value of hcr, while the quantity of ionic additive influences it by two different ways (i) in 50:1 mixture C12TAB supports C12G2 in the reducing of negative charge; (ii) in 1:1 mixture C12TAB recharges the film surfaces.
Stability conditions for linear continuous-time fractional-order state-delayed systems
Authors: Busłowicz M.
Published: March 2016

The stability problem of continuous-time linear fractional order systems with state delay is considered. New simple necessary and sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability are established. The conditions are given in terms of eigenvalues of the state matrix and time delay. It is shown that in the complex plane there exists such a region that location in this region of all eigenvalues of the state matrix multiplied by delay in power equal to the fractional order is necessary and sufficient for the asymptotic stability. Parametric description of boundary of this region is derived and simple new analytic necessary and sufficient conditions for the stability are given. Moreover, it is shown that the stability of the fractional order system without delay is necessary for the stability of this system with delay. The considerations are illustrated by a numerical example.
Descriptor fractional discrete-time linear system with two different fractional orders and its solution
Authors: Sajewski Ł.
Published: March 2016

Factional Discrete-time linear systems with fractional different orders are addressed. The Weierstrass-Kronecker decomposition theorem of the regular pencil is extended to the descriptor fractional discrete-time linear system with different fractional orders. Using the extension, method for finding the solution of the state equation is derived. Effectiveness of the method is demonstrated on a numerical example.
Energy-optimal current distribution in a complex linear electrical network with pulse or periodic voltage and current signals. Optimal control
Authors: Siwczyński M. , Żaba S. , Drwal A.
Published: March 2016

The article presents that in the circuits of electrical signals belonging to the L1-impulses space or periodic signals space, real distribution of electrical currents occurs which does not meet the principle of minimum energy losses. The paper presents a solution of this problem by using the control system in the form of current-dependent voltage sources entering it into a meshes set of a complex RLC network. It has been shown that the control is energy-neutral.
Trajectory reproduction and trajectory tracking problem for the nonholonomic systems
Authors: Ratajczak A.
Published: March 2016

This paper introduces a new algorithm of trajectory reproduction and trajectory tracking for nonholonomic systems. The endogenous configuration space approach is employed as a guideline in the algorithm derivation. The derivation uses a trajectory reproduction error, which is an integral of the difference between the resultant trajectory and the desired trajectory over the motion horizon. Such a definition of the error allows to solve both the trajectory reproduction as well as the trajectory tracking problem. Considerable attention in the paper has been paid to the implementation aspects of the algorithm. The nonparametric approach is used together with a higher order of the integration method. The algorithm efficiency is illustrated with computer simulations accomplished for two nonholonomic systems: the dynamics of the double pendulum with a passive joint, and the kinematics of the unicycle.
Impact of phase shifting transformers on cross-border power flows in the Central and Eastern Europe region
Authors: Korab R. , Owczarek R.
Published: March 2016

Unscheduled power flows are a serious problem for the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. One method of reducing these undesirable flows relies on the use of phase shifting transformers (PSTs). This paper presents how the installation of PSTs on the Polish-German and Czech-German borders affects cross-border power flows in the CEE region, as well as interactions between these devices. The essential parameters proposed for PSTs are based on the effects arising from the application of PSTs on the border between Poland and Germany. The results demonstrate that the use of PSTs in the CEE region can provide effective control of active power flows in tie-lines and significantly reduce unscheduled flows. However, the operation of these devices must be coordinated in order to achieve maximum controllability and to guarantee the secure operation of the interconnected systems.
Video signal level (colour intensity) and effectiveness of electromagnetic infiltration
Authors: Kubiak I.
Published: March 2016

Nowadays, when we have a strong presence of computers in our everyday lives the protection of electronically processed information using digital machines becomes very important. It is related to accidental formation of electromagnetic fields which distinctive features are intrinsically linked to the nature of processed information. Although many protective measures are taken - from technical to organisational - this phenomenon still poses a great threat. Therefore, methods supporting information protection against the so-called electromagnetic infiltration are still being developed. In addition, these methods would support security of data processing and perhaps replace some of the currently used solutions characterised by high costs of implementation, or a small degree of ergonomics. Conducted research deals both with an analogue VGA and digital DVI standards. The article presents the results of the research concerning possibilities of manipulating the level of video signal (black colour intensity) and its influence on the quality of displayed images, that is, on the effectiveness of electromagnetic infiltration.
Monitoring multiple myeloma patients treated with daratumumab: teasing out monoclonal antibody interference
Authors: McCudden Christopher , Axel Amy E. , Slaets Dominique , Dejoie Thomas , Clemens Pamela L. , Frans Sandy , Bald Jaime , Plesner Torben , Jacobs Joannes F.M. , van de Donk Niels W.C.J. , Moreau Philippe , Schecter Jordan M. , Ahmadi Tahamtan , Sasser A. Kate
Published: March 2016

Monoclonal antibodies are promising anti-myeloma treatments. As immunoglobulins, monoclonal antibodies have the potential to be identified by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). Therapeutic antibody interference with standard clinical SPE and IFE can confound the use of these tests for response assessment in clinical trials and disease monitoring.

To discriminate between endogenous myeloma protein and daratumumab, a daratumumab-specific immunofixation electrophoresis reflex assay (DIRA) was developed using a mouse anti-daratumumab antibody. To evaluate whether anti-daratumumab bound to and shifted the migration pattern of daratumumab, it was spiked into daratumumab-containing serum and resolved by IFE/SPE. The presence (DIRA positive) or absence (DIRA negative) of residual M-protein in daratumumab-treated patient samples was evaluated using predetermined assessment criteria. DIRA was evaluated for specificity, limit of sensitivity, and reproducibility.

In all of the tested samples, DIRA distinguished between daratumumab and residual M-protein in commercial serum samples spiked with daratumumab and in daratumumab-treated patient samples. The DIRA limit of sensitivity was 0.2 g/L daratumumab, using spiking experiments. Results from DIRA were reproducible over multiple days, operators, and assays. The anti-daratumumab antibody was highly specific for daratumumab and did not shift endogenous M-protein.

As the treatment of myeloma evolves to incorporate novel monoclonal antibodies, additional solutions will be needed for clinical monitoring of patient responses to therapeutic regimens. In the interim, assays such as DIRA can inform clinical outcomes by distinguishing daratumumab from endogenous M-protein by IFE.
Innovation, knowledge and information management in supply chains
Authors: Szuster Mariusz , Szymczak Maciej
Published: March 2016

In this study the question of innovation and information management in supply chain is addressed. We assume that innovation and information management are interrelated in supply chains and that the relationship is crucial for their success on the market. Considerable attention was given to the issue of outsourcing which is now a commonplace in supply chain management. In particular, we examined how approaches to managing information and knowledge in the supply chain differ according to ICT outsourcing. The deduction is based on a data set of 426 companies located in Poland, representing a variety of industry sectors. Two stages of the research were realised. The rationale behind this was to identify enterprises that utilise a welldeveloped system of information and knowledge management to determine the scope of possible in-depth analyses. This helped to receive valuable responses. We find what information and knowledge management is mainly driven by. We show the similarities and differences in information and knowledge management between entities that use ICT outsourcing and those that do not. We discuss the research results and draw conclusions.
Options for quantitative assessment of types of commercial real estate leases
Authors: Ginevičius Tomas
Published: March 2016

Facing increasing business volumes and internationalisation, office lease issue is becoming increasingly relevant to business enterprises. They become an integral part of the business which determines the outcome of commercial activities. Current assessment methodologies for types of office leases are flawed because they lack comprehensiveness and they are not linked to the objective of a lease, that is improvement of business deliverables. The methods for quantitative assessment of lease types are flawed. The objective of this article is developing a hierarchical system of indicators in connection with commercial real estate (office) leases adapted for quantitative assessment using multi-criteria methods. As a result of the research, it has been obtained that such system contains three categories: economic, premises and environmental. 12 indicators fall into the first one, 24 - into the second and 16 - into the third one.
Propositional Linear Temporal Logic with Initial Validity Semantics1
Authors: Giero Mariusz
Published: March 2016

In the article [10] a formal system for Propositional Linear Temporal Logic (in short LTLB) with normal semantics is introduced. The language of this logic consists of “until” operator in a very strict version. The very strict “until” operator enables to express all other temporal operators.

In this article we construct a formal system for LTLB with the initial semantics [12]. Initial semantics means that we define the validity of the formula in a model as satisfaction in the initial state of model while normal semantics means that we define the validity as satisfaction in all states of model. We prove the Deduction Theorem, and the soundness and completeness of the introduced formal system. We also prove some theorems to compare both formal systems, i.e., the one introduced in the article [10] and the one introduced in this article.

Formal systems for temporal logics are applied in the verification of computer programs. In order to carry out the verification one has to derive an appropriate formula within a selected formal system. The formal systems introduced in [10] and in this article can be used to carry out such verifications in Mizar [4].
Hyphenated differential mobility spectrometry for rapid separation and detection
Authors: Yang Liu , Han Qiang , Cao Shuya , Yang Junchao , Zhao Jiang , Ding Mingyu
Published: March 2016

This paper reviews hyphenated differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) technology. DMS is a type of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) also called high-field asymmetric waveform IMS. It is widely used in the detection of chemical warfare agents, explosives, drugs, and volatile organic compounds. Stand-alone DMS analysis of complex mixtures in real-field applications is challenging. Hyphenated DMS can improve resolution for rapid separation and detection. This review focuses on hyphenated DMS, including gas chromatography-DMS, DMS-mass spectrometry (MS), DMS-IMS, IMS-DMS, and DMS-DMS, as well as their associated principles, applications, and research procedures. Key problems in hyphenated DMS are considered.
Evidence for a Causal Contribution of Macaque Vestibular, But Not Intraparietal, Cortex to Heading Perception
Authors: Chen Aihua , Gu Yong , Liu Sheng , DeAngelis Gregory C. , Angelaki Dora E.
Published: March 2016

Multisensory convergence of visual and vestibular signals has been observed within a network of cortical areas involved in representing heading. Vestibular-dominant heading tuning has been found in the macaque parietoinsular vestibular cortex (PIVC) and the adjacent visual posterior sylvian (VPS) area, whereas relatively balanced visual/vestibular tuning was encountered in the ventral intraparietal (VIP) area and visual-dominant tuning was found in the dorsal medial superior temporal (MSTd) area. Although the respective functional roles of these areas remain unclear, perceptual deficits in heading discrimination following reversible chemical inactivation of area MSTd area suggested that areas with vestibular-dominant heading tuning also contribute to behavior. To explore the roles of other areas in heading perception, muscimol injections were used to reversibly inactivate either the PIVC or the VIP area bilaterally in macaques. Inactivation of the anterior PIVC increased psychophysical thresholds when heading judgments were based on either optic flow or vestibular cues, although effects were stronger for vestibular stimuli. All behavioral deficits recovered within 36 h. Visual deficits were larger following inactivation of the posterior portion of the PIVC, likely because these injections encroached upon the VPS area, which contains neurons with optic flow tuning (unlike the PIVC). In contrast, VIP inactivation led to no behavioral deficits, despite the fact that VIP neurons show much stronger choice-related activity than MSTd neurons. These results suggest that the VIP area either provides a parallel and partially redundant pathway for this task, or does not participate in heading discrimination. In contrast, the PIVC/VPS area, along with the MSTd area, make causal contributions to heading perception based on either vestibular or visual signals.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMultisensory vestibular and visual signals are found in multiple cortical areas, but their causal contribution to self-motion perception has been previously tested only in the dorsal medial superior temporal (MSTd) area. In these experiments, we show that inactivation of the parietoinsular vestibular cortex (PIVC) also results in causal deficits during heading discrimination for both visual and vestibular cues. In contrast, ventral intraparietal (VIP) area inactivation led to no behavioral deficits, despite the fact that VIP neurons show much stronger choice-related activity than MSTd or PIVC neurons. These results demonstrate that choice-related activity does not always imply a causal role in sensory perception.
Homeostatic Activity-Dependent Tuning of Recurrent Networks for Robust Propagation of Activity
Authors: Gjorgjieva Julijana , Evers Jan Felix , Eglen Stephen J.
Published: March 2016

Developing neuronal networks display spontaneous bursts of action potentials that are necessary for circuit organization and tuning. While spontaneous activity has been shown to instruct map formation in sensory circuits, it is unknown whether it plays a role in the organization of motor networks that produce rhythmic output. Using computational modeling, we investigate how recurrent networks of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal populations assemble to produce robust patterns of unidirectional and precisely timed propagating activity during organism locomotion. One example is provided by the motor network inDrosophilalarvae, which generates propagating peristaltic waves of muscle contractions during crawling. We examine two activity-dependent models, which tune weak network connectivity based on spontaneous activity patterns: a Hebbian model, where coincident activity in neighboring populations strengthens connections between them; and a homeostatic model, where connections are homeostatically regulated to maintain a constant level of excitatory activity based on spontaneous input. The homeostatic model successfully tunes network connectivity to generate robust activity patterns with appropriate timing relationships between neighboring populations. These timing relationships can be modulated by the properties of spontaneous activity, suggesting its instructive role for generating functional variability in network output. In contrast, the Hebbian model fails to produce the tight timing relationships between neighboring populations required for unidirectional activity propagation, even when additional assumptions are imposed to constrain synaptic growth. These results argue that homeostatic mechanisms are more likely than Hebbian mechanisms to tune weak connectivity based on spontaneous input in a recurrent network for rhythm generation and robust activity propagation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHow are neural circuits organized and tuned to maintain stable function and produce robust output? This task is especially difficult during development, when circuit properties change in response to variable environments and internal states. Many developing circuits exhibit spontaneous activity, but its role in the synaptic organization of motor networks that produce rhythmic output is unknown. We studied a model motor network, that when appropriately tuned, generates propagating activity as during crawling inDrosophilalarvae. Based on experimental evidence of activity-dependent tuning of connectivity, we examined plausible mechanisms by which appropriate connectivity emerges. Our results suggest that activity-dependent homeostatic mechanisms are better suited than Hebbian mechanisms for organizing motor network connectivity, and highlight an important difference from sensory areas.
Causal Evidence for a Mechanism of Semantic Integration in the Angular Gyrus as Revealed by High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Authors: Price Amy Rose , Peelle Jonathan E. , Bonner Michael F. , Grossman Murray , Hamilton Roy H.
Published: March 2016

A defining aspect of human cognition is the ability to integrate conceptual information into complex semantic combinations. For example, we can comprehend “plaid” and “jacket” as individual concepts, but we can also effortlessly combine these concepts to form the semantic representation of “plaid jacket.” Many neuroanatomic models of semantic memory propose that heteromodal cortical hubs integrate distributed semantic features into coherent representations. However, little work has specifically examined these proposed integrative mechanisms and the causal role of these regions in semantic integration. Here, we test the hypothesis that the angular gyrus (AG) is critical for integrating semantic information by applying high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to an fMRI-guided region-of-interest in the left AG. We found that anodal stimulation to the left AG modulated semantic integration but had no effect on a letter-string control task. Specifically, anodal stimulation to the left AG resulted in faster comprehension of semantically meaningful combinations like “tiny radish” relative to non-meaningful combinations, such as “fast blueberry,” when compared to the effects observed during sham stimulation and stimulation to a right-hemisphere control brain region. Moreover, the size of the effect from brain stimulation correlated with the degree of semantic coherence between the word pairs. These findings demonstrate that the left AG plays a causal role in the integration of lexical-semantic information, and that high-definition tDCS to an associative cortical hub can selectively modulate integrative processes in semantic memory.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTA major goal of neuroscience is to understand the neural basis of behaviors that are fundamental to human intelligence. One essential behavior is the ability to integrate conceptual knowledge from semantic memory, allowing us to construct an almost unlimited number of complex concepts from a limited set of basic constituents (e.g., “leaf” and “wet” can be combined into the more complex representation “wet leaf”). Here, we present a novel approach to studying integrative processes in semantic memory by applying focal brain stimulation to a heteromodal cortical hub implicated in semantic processing. Our findings demonstrate a causal role of the left angular gyrus in lexical-semantic integration and provide motivation for novel therapeutic applications in patients with lexical-semantic deficits.
Retinal Wave Patterns Are Governed by Mutual Excitation among Starburst Amacrine Cells and Drive the Refinement and Maintenance of Visual Circuits
Authors: Xu Hong-Ping , Burbridge Timothy J. , Ye Meijun , Chen Minggang , Ge Xinxin , Zhou Z. Jimmy , Crair Michael C.
Published: March 2016

Retinal waves are correlated bursts of spontaneous activity whose spatiotemporal patterns are critical for early activity-dependent circuit elaboration and refinement in the mammalian visual system. Three separate developmental wave epochs or stages have been described, but the mechanism(s) of pattern generation of each and their distinct roles in visual circuit development remain incompletely understood. We used neuroanatomical,in vitroandin vivoelectrophysiological, and optical imaging techniques in genetically manipulated mice to examine the mechanisms of wave initiation and propagation and the role of wave patterns in visual circuit development. Through deletion of β2 subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (β2-nAChRs) selectively from starburst amacrine cells (SACs), we show that mutual excitation among SACs is critical for Stage II (cholinergic) retinal wave propagation, supporting models of wave initiation and pattern generation from within a single retinal cell type. We also demonstrate that β2-nAChRs in SACs, and normal wave patterns, are necessary for eye-specific segregation. Finally, we show that Stage III (glutamatergic) retinal waves are not themselves necessary for normal eye-specific segregation, but elimination of both Stage II and Stage III retinal waves dramatically disrupts eye-specific segregation. This suggests that persistent Stage II retinal waves can adequately compensate for Stage III retinal wave loss during the development and refinement of eye-specific segregation. These experiments confirm key features of the “recurrent network” model for retinal wave propagation and clarify the roles of Stage II and Stage III retinal wave patterns in visual circuit development.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSpontaneous activity drives early mammalian circuit development, but the initiation and patterning of activity vary across development and among modalities. Cholinergic “retinal waves” are initiated in starburst amacrine cells and propagate to retinal ganglion cells and higher-order visual areas, but the mechanism responsible for creating their unique and critical activity pattern is incompletely understood. We demonstrate that cholinergic wave patterns are dictated by recurrent connectivity within starburst amacrine cells, and retinal ganglion cells act as “readouts” of patterned activity. We also show that eye-specific segregation occurs normally without glutamatergic waves, but elimination of both cholinergic and glutamatergic waves completely disrupts visual circuit development. These results suggest that each retinal wave pattern during development is optimized for concurrently refining multiple visual circuits.
Complementary Functional Organization of Neuronal Activity Patterns in the Perirhinal, Lateral Entorhinal, and Medial Entorhinal Cortices
Authors: Keene Christopher S. , Bladon John , McKenzie Sam , Liu Cindy D. , O'Keefe Joseph , Eichenbaum Howard
Published: March 2016

It is commonly conceived that the cortical areas of the hippocampal region are functionally divided into the perirhinal cortex (PRC) and the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC), which selectively process object information; and the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC), which selectively processes spatial information. Contrary to this notion, in rats performing a task that demands both object and spatial information processing, single neurons in PRC, LEC, and MEC, including those in both superficial and deep cortical areas and in grid, border, and head direction cells of MEC, have a highly similar range of selectivity to object and spatial dimensions of the task. By contrast, representational similarity analysis of population activity reveals a key distinction in the organization of information in these areas, such that PRC and LEC populations prioritize object over location information, whereas MEC populations prioritize location over object information. These findings bring to the hippocampal system a growing emphasis on population analyses as a powerful tool for characterizing neural representations supporting cognition and memory.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTContrary to the common view that brain regions in the “what” and “where” streams distinctly process object and spatial cues, respectively, we found that both streams encode both object and spatial information but distinctly organize memories for objects and space. Specifically, perirhinal cortex and lateral entorhinal cortex represent objects and, within the object-specific representations, the locations where they occur. Conversely, medial entorhinal cortex represents relevant locations and, within those spatial representations, the objects that occupy them. Furthermore, these findings reach beyond simple notions of perirhinal cortex and lateral entorhinal cortex neurons as object detectors and MEC neurons as position detectors, and point to a more complex organization of memory representations within the medial temporal lobe system.
TheDrosophilaReceptor Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase LAR Is Required for Development of Circadian Pacemaker Neuron Processes That Support Rhythmic Activity in Constant Darkness But Not during Light/Dark Cycles
Authors: Agrawal Parul , Hardin Paul E.
Published: March 2016

InDrosophila, a transcriptional feedback loop that is activated by CLOCK-CYCLE (CLK-CYC) complexes and repressed by PERIOD-TIMELESS (PER-TIM) complexes keeps circadian time. The timing of CLK-CYC activation and PER-TIM repression is regulated post-translationally, in part through rhythmic phosphorylation of CLK, PER, and TIM. Although kinases that control PER, TIM, and CLK levels, activity, and/or subcellular localization have been identified, less is known about phosphatases that control clock protein dephosphorylation. To identify clock-relevant phosphatases, clock-cell-specific RNAi knockdowns ofDrosophilaphosphatases were screened for altered activity rhythms. One phosphatase that was identified, the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase leukocyte-antigen-related (LAR), abolished activity rhythms in constant darkness (DD) without disrupting the timekeeping mechanism in brain pacemaker neurons. However, expression of the neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF), which mediates pacemaker neuron synchrony and output, is eliminated in the dorsal projections from small ventral lateral (sLNv) pacemaker neurons whenLarexpression is knocked down during development, but not in adults. Loss ofLarfunction eliminates sLNvdorsal projections, but PDF expression persists in sLNvand large ventral lateral neuron cell bodies and their remaining projections. In contrast to the defects in lights-on and lights-off anticipatory activity seen in flies that lack PDF,LarRNAi knockdown flies anticipate the lights-on and lights-off transition normally. Our results demonstrate thatLaris required for sLNvdorsal projection development and suggest that PDF expression in LNvcell bodies and their remaining projections mediate anticipation of the lights-on and lights-off transitions during a light/dark cycle.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn animals, circadian clocks drive daily rhythms in physiology, metabolism, and behavior via transcriptional feedback loops. Because key circadian transcriptional activators and repressors are regulated by phosphorylation, we screened for phosphatases that alter activity rhythms when their expression was reduced. One such phosphatase, leukocyte-antigen-related (LAR), abolishes activity rhythms, but does not disrupt feedback loop function. Rather,Lardisrupts clock output by eliminating axonal processes from clock neurons that release pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) neuropeptide into the dorsal brain, but PDF expression persists in their cell bodies and remaining projections. In contrast to flies that lack PDF, flies that lackLaranticipate lights-on and lights-off transitions normally, which suggests that the remaining PDF expression mediates activity during light/dark cycles.
Do I feel ill because I crave for work or do I crave for work because I feel ill? A longitudinal analysis of work craving, self-regulation, and health
Authors: Wojdylo Kamila , Karlsson Wilhelm , Baumann Nicola
Published: March 2016

Background

The theory of work craving defines workaholism as a pathological work addiction which comprises: (a) obsessive–compulsive desire to work, (b) anticipation of self-worth compensatory incentives from working, (c) anticipation of reduction of negative emotions or withdrawal symptoms from working, and (d) neurotic perfectionism. Research has shown that workaholism is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, the antecedents of workaholism and the causal direction of the relationship with health have been largely neglected.

Aims

In the present longitudinal study, we expect that work craving is predicted by deficits in emotional self-regulation (i.e., low action orientation) and mediates the relationship between self-regulation deficits and symptoms of psychological distress. We expected work craving to have an effect on later psychological distress symptoms, but not psychological distress symptoms to have an effect on later work craving.

Methods

In a sample of 170 German employees, a half-longitudinal design using two times of measurement was implemented to specify the paths of two different structural equation models of mediation: (a) action orientation to later work craving and work craving to later psychological distress, and alternatively, (b) the temporal order of action orientation to later distress and distress to later work craving.

Results

Our data indicated that work craving partially mediated the relationship between self-regulation deficits and psychological distress, but psychological distress symptoms were not found to increase later work craving.

Conclusions

The presented longitudinal study indicates important mechanisms of work craving, especially by highlighting the influence of self-regulation deficits on work craving and, in turn, psychological distress.
Examining personalized feedback interventions for gambling disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Marchica Loredana , Derevensky Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

Personalized feedback interventions (PFI) have shown success as a low-cost, scalable intervention for reducing problematic and excessive consumption of alcohol. Recently, researchers have begun to apply PFI as an intervention method for problematic gambling behaviors. A systematic review of the literature on PFI as an intervention/prevention method for gambling behaviors was performed.

Methods

Studies were included if they met the following criteria: the design included both a PFI group and a comparison group, and the interventions focused on gambling prevention and/or reduction. Six relevant studies were found meeting all criteria.

Results

Results revealed that PFI treatment groups showed decreases in a variety of gambling behaviors as compared to control groups, and perceived norms on gambling behaviors significantly decreased after interventions as compared to control groups.

Conclusions

Overall, the research suggests that while PFI applied to gambling is still in its infancy, problematic gamblers appear to benefit from programs incorporating PFIs. Further, PFI may also be used as a promising source of preventative measures for individuals displaying at-risk gambling behaviors. While, evidence is still limited, and additional research needs to be conducted with PFI for gambling problems, the preliminary positive results along with the structure of PFI as a scalable and relatively inexpensive intervention method provides promising support for future studies.
Questioning the Category of ‘Spiritual Capital’ Drawing upon Field Studies of ‘Spiritual Entrepreneurs’ and their Role in the Economic and Social Development of British South Asian Muslims
Authors: Geaves Ron
Published: March 2016

The article explores the categories “social” and “spiritual capital” used by sociologists and argues that, on the basis of field studies, by the author and also Pnina Werbner, carried out on “spiritual entrepreneurs,” namely South Asian origin Sufi shaykhs in the UK, the category of “spiritual capital” needs to be sharpened, even redefined, in order to create distance from the category of “social capital.” The article critically explores a number of social theorists who have commented on spiritual capital as a form of social capital and challenges their understandings of religious phenomena.
Preferencyjne porozumienia handlowe – znaczenie dla handlu dobrami i innych dziedzin współpracy Unii Europejskiej z partnerami zagranicznymi
Authors: Kawecka-Wyrzykowska Elżbieta
Published: March 2016

The EU’s trade in goods with the majority of its partners is regulated by preferential agreements, of a unilateral or mutual character, under PTAs. Today, the role of PTAs in eliminating tariff barriers is not important for the EU, mainly because, first, EU imports include many goods for which the MFN duty rate is 0%, and, second, the preferential margin (the difference between 0% preferential duty and MFN duty above 0%) is low in the EU. Also, all mutually preferential agreements, be they free trade agreements or customs unions, provide for some exceptions. The exceptions cover specific agricultural products the EU considers to be sensitive.Apart from the improved tariff access the EU gains to partners’ markets, a far more important objective for the EU in negotiating PTAs, is that there is a willingness to eliminate barriers of regulatory character, which have recently been the most important impediments for EU exporters. PTAs go beyond the existing WTO multilateral arrangements and are used by the EU to achieve foreign policy objectives, such as political and economic stabilisation in its vicinity and strengthening the role of the EU in the world.The EU has recently negotiated mutually preferential agreements with a number of neighbouring countries, under the European Neighbourhood Policy. It has also been negotiating agreements with key developed countries, including Canada, Japan, and the US. It has done so to deepen its ties with those partners’ producers and investors, and also to address the low efficiency of WTO multilateral rules which do not properly apply to particular aspects of concrete relations.
Dewaluacja fiskalna jako narzędzie polityki gospodarczej
Authors: Marczewski Krzysztof
Published: March 2016

Growing divergence of competitiveness, followed by the appearance of huge current account imbalances among member countries of the Euro zone, have stimulated research for corrective tools beyond the exchange rate. Fiscal devaluation is one such alternative, which consists in the simultaneous shifting of output towards exports and expenditure towards domestic goods by means of a balanced change in the structure of fiscal incidence. Fiscal devaluation is discussed in a broader context of different forms of internal devaluation.  The paper reviews recent literature on potential benefits and drawbacks of this tool and conditions of its effectiveness, for countries both in an outside of the currency union. The author concludes that Poland does not fulfil the majority of these conditions. The exchange rate of the country’s currency varies considerably, the ratio of minimal wage to average wage is not particularly high as compared with other EU countries and the range of indexation of public transfers to inflation is relatively wide. In these conditions fiscal devaluation would not work effectively as a tool of external equilibrium maintenance.
Orbitozygomatic craniotomy in three pieces: tips and tricks
Authors: Chaddad Neto Feres , Doria Netto Hugo Leonardo , Campos Filho José Maria , Reghin Neto Mateus , Silva-Costa Marcos Devanir , Oliveira Evandro
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT Objective Didactically describe the orbitozygomatic craniotomy made in three pieces. Method This approach was performed, from 2002 to 2011, in 49 patients admitted at Beneficência Portuguesa of São Paulo Hospital. Results Twenty-seven patients had vascular lesions and twenty-two suffered for intracranial skull base tumors. The vascular lesions varied from cavernous angiomas inside the mesencephalum, high bifurcation basilar tip aneurysms, superior cerebellar arteries aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations in the interpeduncular cistern. Skull base tumors as meningiomas, interpeduncular hamartomas and third ventricle floor gliomas were among the neoplastic lesions approached. We had no permanent injuries and minimal transient complications had occurred. Conclusion It is a descriptive text, organized in the sequence of the main stages in which such a craniotomy is performed, describing in details the technique in which this group of evolutionarily authors came to accomplish the task.
COMPETÊNCIAS DE AUXILIARES E TÉCNICOS DE SAÚDE BUCAL E O VÍNCULO COM O SISTEMA ÚNICO DE SAÚDE
Authors: Warmling Cristine Maria , Rosa Evelise Klein da , Pezzato Luciane Maria , Toassi Ramona Fernanda Ceriotti
Published: March 2016

Resumo O estudo teve por objetivo descrever o perfil sociodemográfico, de trabalho e formação de auxiliares e técnicos em saúde bucal com atuação no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram analisadas as informações relatadas por 255 auxiliares e técnicos de saúde bucal que participaram do Congresso Rio-Grandense de Odontologia realizado em 2010 e 2012. A pesquisa utilizou-se de um questionário escrito, estruturado e autoaplicável, organizado em três blocos temáticos com as seguintes categorias: identificação (sexo, idade, estado civil, estado/cidade, renda, habilitação, vínculo e inscrição conselho/sindicato), formação (estabelecimento, duração, incentivo/dificuldades de atualização/formação) e processo de trabalho (competências e atribuições profissionais). Os resultados encontrados demonstraram que diferenças no processo de trabalho entre os auxiliares e técnicos de saúde bucal determinadas pelo vínculo de trabalho com o Sistema Único de Saúde estavam concentradas nas atribuições das competências de promoção e prevenção de saúde. Também se verificou que as atribuições das competências de organização do ambiente de trabalho e de atendimento clínico de saúde bucal conferem maior identidade ao trabalho desses profissionais, independentemente do vínculo. O estudo alerta para a sobreposição das competências e atribuições realizadas pelos auxiliares e técnicos de saúde bucal.
AS CONCEPÇÕES DE NATUREZA NOS LIVROS DIDÁTICOS DE CIÊNCIAS
Authors: Martins Eliecília de Fátima , Guimarães Gislene Margaret Avelar
Published: March 2016

Análise das concepções de natureza dos livros didáticos sob uma perspectiva holística e transformadora. Fomenta discussões entre os profissionais da educação sobre o papel do livro como reprodutor das ideologias dominantes em relação aos recursos naturais, a partir do estudo de uma amostra de 67 títulos da área de Ciências. Discute a predominância da visão ocidental e capitalista de homem dominador da natureza e suas implicações sobre a educação e sociedade. Conclui que o livro de Ciências das séries iniciais, apesar das mudanças em alguns aspectos, continua com a visão do papel do homem dominador da natureza, dificultando a conscientização e o respeito sobre os problemas ambientais.
Miologia do membro torácico da paca (Cuniculus paca)
Authors: Leal Leonardo M. , Silva Juliana A.C.E. , Oliveira Fabricio S. , Sasahara Tais H.C. , Machado Marcia R.F.
Published: March 2016

Resumo: Objetivou-se descrever os músculos do membro torácico da paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766), mediante dissecação anatômica dessa região. Foram utilizadas cinco Cuniculus paca adultas, machos e fêmeas, pesando entre cinco e 10kg do plantel de pacas do setor de Animais Silvestres da FCAV, Unesp, Jaboticabal/SP. Os animais foram fixados em formoldeído a 10% e conservados em solução salina a 30% para dissecação anatômica da musculatura do ombro, braço e antebraço, identificando-se a origem e inserção de cada músculo. Os resultados foram fotodocumentados e discutidos com base na literatura sobre animais domésticos, ratos e cobaias. Salvo algumas variâncias na origem e inserção de cada músculo e na fusão dos ventres de alguns grupos musculares, de forma geral, a musculatura do ombro, braço e antebraço da paca assemelha-se a dos animais domésticos e a de outros roedores.
Resposta à flexão e análise de tenacidade de argamassas reforçadas com fibra de Curauá
Authors: Pimentel Maurílio Gomes , Borges João Pedro das Chagas , Picanço Marcelo de Souza , Ghavami Khosrow
Published: March 2016

O desenvolvimento e comercialização de materiais compósitos produzidos a partir de fibras naturais são considerados extremamente importante, uma vez que essas fibras reduzirão a dependência dos materiais produzidos com recursos não renováveis. Dentre essas fibras naturais destaca-se a fibra do curauá, sua utilização na produção de compósitos melhora de forma notável as propriedades do conjunto fibra matriz, logo o presente artigo objetiva estudar as propriedades mecânicas de compósitos reforçados com fibra de curauá, em especial sua resistência à flexão e tenacidade. Para isso foram confeccionadas cinco famílias de argamassas, uma de referência sem utilização da fibra e as outras quatro reforçada com fibra variando o comprimento da fibra e sua fração volumétrica. Verificou-se que a fibra do curauá ao ser adicionada em matriz cimentícia melhora suas propriedades mecânicas comparada a um compósito não reforçado com fibra, sua deformação, resistência à flexão e tenacidade são melhoradas.
Estudo experimental do uso de rebolos convencionais na usinagem do aço VP-50 utilizado na retificação cilíndrica, por meio de diferentes métodos de lubrirrefrigeração
Authors: Anjos Marco Antonio dos , Bianchi Eduardo Carlos , Mello Hamilton José de , Aguiar Paulo Roberto de , Estambasse Eduardo Costa , Hildebrandt Rodolfo Alexandre
Published: March 2016

A retificação é um processo de usinagem preciso, sendo uma das etapas mais caras na fabricação dos moldes para injeção de termoplásticos. Na retificação o rebolo é a ferramenta abrasiva responsável pela retirada do material. O número de tipos de abrasivos e granulometrias disponíveis são bastante grandes e junto com a quantidade de ligas possíveis, estruturas e durezas, além dos formatos, fazem com que se chegue a um número enorme de produtos. O conhecimento das suas características técnicas, vantagens, defeitos e condições de trabalho são fundamentais para os engenheiros de produto, de processos e, naturalmente, para os gerentes de área industrial, identificarem qual o rebolo mais indicado para realização do processo de retificação. Dentre os aços utilizados na fabricação de moldes para injeção de termoplásticos destaca-se o aço VP-50, o qual foi o aço usado neste experimento, sendo usinado pelo processo de retificação cilíndrica. No processo de retificação, também foi adotado para fins de experimento dois métodos de lubrirrefrigeração, sendo eles o método convencional com lubrirrefrigeração abundante e o MQL que é a técnica com mínima quantidade de lubrirrefrigeração. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar de forma comparativa o desempenho de corte executado com três tipos de rebolos convencionais: rebolo de óxido de alumínio branco, rebolo de carbureto de silício verde e rebolo de carbureto de silício preto com óxido de alumínio branco. Os resultados foram analisados e comparados pelas variáveis de saída dos três tipos de rebolos, tipo de refrigeração e espessura equivalente de corte.
Análise da superfície e osseointegração de implantes dentários com superfícies biomiméticas contedo Ca, Mg e F
Authors: Maximo Felipe Silveira , Elias Carlos Nelson , Fernandes Daniel Jogaib , Monteiro Fabio de Oliveira , Cavalcanti Jaqueline
Published: March 2016

Os tratamentos das superfícies dos implantes dentários osseointegráveis sofreram modificações significativas com o objetivo de melhorar a estabilidade primária e secundária. Entre as modificações destaca-se a deposição de íons, como flúor, cálcio e magnésio. Estes íons possuem baixa taxa de degradação no meio corpóreo e ótima interação biológica com as células e com os tecidos ósseos. No presente trabalho, para avaliar os efeitos do F, Ca e do Mg na osseointegração foram realizados ensaios in vitro e in vivo. Implantes foram inseridos em tíbias de coelhos e determinou-se os torques de inserção e remoção após 2, 4 e 8 semanas. Os ensaios in vivo foram complementados pela medida da rugosidade, molhabilidade e análise da superfície em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados foram comparados com os obtidos com implantes com a superfície tratada com ácido (superfície Porous) e com deposição de flúor (superfície Porous Nano). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o torque para remover os implantes Porous 8 semanas após a cirurgia foi de 16,96 + 1,32 N.cm, o tratado com flúor apresentou melhores resultados (17,93 ± 4,47 N.cm) e a superfície com Ca e Mg foi a que apresentou a interface osso-implante com menor resistência (10,83 + 1,20 N.cm). O maior torque indica que a adição de flúor facilita os mecanismos envolvidos na osseointegração dos implantes e permite o carregamento da prótese em tempos menores.