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This paper provides a more realistic representation of the soil-geogrid interface in indirectly activated geogrids. A new testing apparatus is designed using transparent soil that allows an unobstructed observation of the interface to investigate the interaction occurring along the reinforcement. In this investigation, the reinforcement is indirectly activated by the deformations of the surrounding soil. Deformations were determined by digital image correlation (DIC) using a dot pattern attached to the geogrid and a laser speckle plane within the transparent soil. The interaction is derived from relative soil-geogrid displacements, deflections of geogrid transverse members, geogrid strain and force distributions as well as shear stresses acting at the interface. Three zones were identified corresponding to the distinct modes of interaction: pushout, pullout and interlocking, whereby a micro-mechanical conceptual model was validated. The geogrid force reaches its maximum at the intersection of the critical slip plane with the reinforcement. The results indicate that the pushout, pullout and interlocking areas cover 15%, 49% and 36% of the total geogrid length respectively. In this study, a transition area between the pushout and pullout zones was observed where the mobilised interface shear stress increases to a maximum value. • Unobstructed observation of geogrid-soil interface using transparent soil technique. • Identification of interaction mechanisms in indirectly activated geogrids. • Pushout, pullout and interlocking mechanisms occur along reinforcement. • Measurement of soil and geogrid deformations at the interface during mobilisation. • Determination of geogrid tensile force distribution and interface shear stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying autism in clinical practice is complex because the causes of autism are still unclear and the features of autism are highly diverse. The Empathizing–Systemizing theory is successful in interpreting the core features of autism, both social and non-social, compared to other current theories of autism. This study provides an overview of the current state of research regarding the systemizing concept. High systemizing abilities are characteristic and specific in autism and as a result, three non-social features of autism are seen: restricted and repetitive behavior, obsessional interests, and, savant skills. We found solid evidence that, in order to identify autism in clinical practice, at least the use of an instrument which is specialized in measuring one's systemizing abilities is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New developments concerning geotextile concrete mattresses for revetment construction Geotextile concrete mattresses provide a more than 50 years lasting history. Their initial application has been documented for coastal and river protection works as well as for mountain stream rehabilitations. Due to several reasons, their application has become more popular again over the last years. Although the system has been in use for decades, there are still some uncertainties left concerning the basic working principles of concrete mattresses. This paper is intended to explain the basic concrete mattress technology in conjunction with the four‐point bending tests carried out at the University of Applied Sciences in Münster. Furthermore it describes the research concerning the hydraulic roughness recently carried out at the RWTH Aachen University and the ice load testing performed in Russia. Finally, applications for the mattress as revetment system for canals, waterways and overflow sections are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans need empathy to promote social interactions and to display prosocial behavior. Therefore, it is not surprising that low empathy skills are commonly seen as diagnostic features in several mental disorders. Empathy is an interesting topic in autism, since low empathy skills are responsible for the social difficulties that individuals with autism experience. The lack of agreement among researchers on empathy and autism, however, indicates that we need to redefine the characteristics of empathy in autism, which is the aim of our study. We hypothesize that children and adolescents with autism are impaired in three abilities required for empathy: (1) recognition of emotions, (2) sharing of emotional states, and (3) perspective taking. Since empathy ability measures are useful and are capable in distinguishing autism from other disorders, it is evident that these measures are used in clinical practice. Therefore, we recommend, in order to identify autism in clinical practice, at least the use of an instrument which is specialized in measuring one's empathy abilities, with regard to recognizing emotions, sharing emotional states and perspective taking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychopathy is a severe personality disorder that can be defined by a lack of conscience, an egocentric and manipulative character, and charming social skills. Among the general community, images of serial killer Ted Bundy or movie character Hannibal Lector immediately come to mind. Interestingly, however, the recent TV show House of Cards appears to introduce a different kind of psychopathic personality to the general public through the character of Frank Underwood. This “successful” psychopathic leadership type has also been an important focus of attention among scholars of psychopathy in the last few years. This article uses an analysis of the psychopathic traits of Frank Underwood to present a new model of this psychopathic leader. Through this illustration, it is postulated that the psychopathic leader has a specific profile with a combination of psychopathic and nonpsychopathic features. Because this profile is different from the “traditional” conceptualization of psychopathy, it is more difficult to recognize such a politician as a psychopathic individual. The question of whether a leader with such a profile is successful or a risk will also be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay is a response to proposals to integrate patient-subjective or idiographic data into future versions of nosologies such as the DSM and the ICD. It argues that a nosology is not a suitable vehicle for disseminating psychopathological-phenomenological research results throughout the field. Drawing on the work of Ludwig Binswanger, it examines, on the basis of four postulates, how he applies the Husserlian concept of intentionality in psychiatry and thus arrives at a psychopathological phenomenology. For each individual postulate, we then look in depth at the implications for the current debate around DSM. The conclusion we come to is that, both because of the objective of phenomenological research and because of the complexity of the kind of information involved in findings based on that research, it is impossible to integrate these findings into a nosology without deviating from either them or the nosology itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baron-Cohen's Empathizing-Systemizing theory plays a central role in this study due to its success in interpreting the core impairments and strengths in autism. The theory states that low empathizing skills are responsible for the social difficulties in autism, and that high levels of systemizing are accountable for the restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior in autism. We therefore hypothesized that there is a significant discrepancy between a child's empathizing and systemizing abilities when autism is present. We developed Dutch versions of the questionnaires that are associated with the theory: the Autism Quotient questionnaire, the Empathizing Quotient questionnaire and the Systemizing Quotient questionnaire. As hypothesized, the scores of children with autism on the Empathizing Quotient questionnaire and on the Systemizing Quotient questionnaire (EQ-SQ Child_NL) show a significant difference. Furthermore, the EQ-SQ Child_NL predicts the score of children in general on the Dutch version of the Autism Quotient questionnaire (AQ Child_NL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bearing capacity failure of geogrid reinforced retaining walls Retaining structures are one of the commonly used applications of geogrid reinforced soil. Most design codes such as EBGEO and other international regulations assume a quasi-monolithic reinforced block securing adequate bearing capacity for retaining walls. Due to flexible behavior of the geogrid reinforcement the assumption of a rigid foundation base is questionable. Consequently, laboratory model tests have been developed at the Geotechnical Institute of RWTH Aachen University to investigate the bearing capacity behavior of both rigid and flexible retaining structures. Laboratory model tests are carried out to illustrate the failure kinematics of reinforced and cantilever retaining structures qualitatively. A path-controlled punching force is increased on top of the structure until failure of the subsoil is observed. The deformation of the specimens is evaluated with digital image correlation (DIC) method in order to analyze the failure mechanism qualitatively. The test results indicate different failure modes for rigid and flexible walls. Bearing capacity failure occurred in cases of flexible geogrid reinforced walls, whereas a comparable rigid wall failed by sliding. The load resistance of bearing capacity was considerably higher compared to sliding. Moreover, a considerable increase in bearing capacity is observed with enlarged reinforcement length resulting in an improved bearing resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the influence of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) as a clinical and research instrument beyond the borders of the United States. The MCMI's theoretical and empirical grounding, its alignment with theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM), and scales that can be interpreted both categorically and dimensionally, are the primary features that make the test attractive. We begin with studies that evaluated the construct equivalence of the different language adaptations. Data from the most widely researched non English-language forms (Danish, Dutch, and Spanish) show excellent comparability with Millon's original. Nevertheless, significant problems were noted in efforts to create clinical groups that would allow for equivalence of diagnostic accuracy when using the cutoff scores. Although dimensional aspects of the scale scores were not affected by this, the adapted measures might show attenuated diagnostic accuracy compared with Millon's original. Next, we present MCMI studies conducted in clinical settings to document where the adapted tests have made their greatest impact in the international literature. A wide variety of clinical applications demonstrated broad utility, and given the high number of issues addressed, we think Millon's influence will certainly stand the test of time in different domains and settings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite similar emotional deficiencies, primary psychopathic individuals can be situated on a continuum that spans from controlled to disinhibited. The constructs on which primary psychopaths are found to diverge, such as self-control, cognitive flexibility, and executive functioning, are crucially regulated by dopamine (DA). As such, the goal of this review is to examine which specific alterations in the meso-cortico-limbic DA system and corresponding genes (e.g., TH, DAT, COMT, DRD2, DRD4) might bias development towards a more controlled or disinhibited expression of primary psychopathy. Based on empirical data, it is argued that primary psychopathy is generally related to a higher tonic and population activity of striatal DA neurons and lower levels of D2-type DA receptors in meso-cortico-limbic projections, which may boost motivational drive towards incentive-laden goals, dampen punishment sensitivity, and increase future reward-expectancy. However, increasingly higher levels of DA activity in the striatum (moderate versus pathological elevations), lower levels of DA functionality in the prefrontal cortex, and higher D1-to-D2-type receptor ratios in meso-cortico-limbic projections may lead to increasingly disinhibited and impetuous phenotypes of primary psychopathy. Finally, in order to provide a more coherent view on etiological mechanisms, we discuss interactions between DA and serotonin that are relevant for primary psychopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychopathic individuals identified through contemporary instruments vary considerably in personality and etiological background, which creates confusion in practice and inconsistency in data. The goal of this paper is to clarify this heterogeneity and introduce a new typology to narrow down psychopathic subcategories. Towards this end, we will discuss the conceptual history of psychopathy, compare the construct-validity of different psychopathy measures (DSM, PCL-R, PPI-R, and TriPM), and review cluster-analytic studies to identify more homogenous categories. In line with the existing literature, the psychopathic population is broadly divided into a primary and secondary category which diverge crucially in personality (reward/punishment sensitivity, neuroticism, impulsivity, hostility) and etiology (genetic contributions, fronto-limbic circuitry, serotonergic functioning, and testosterone/cortisol endocrinology). Secondary psychopathy may be situated on a continuum with the antisocial or borderline personality disorder because it represents a more severe but not qualitatively different form of environment-contingent emotional disturbance (e.g., prefrontal cortex malfunctioning, serotonin deficiency, impaired predictive allostasis), whereas primary psychopathy is a unique condition that is strongly rooted in a constitutionally defined emotional deficiency (e.g., limbic hyporesponsivity, serotonin hyperstability, dampened reactive allostasis). However, both primary and secondary psychopathic samples show high levels of within-group heterogeneity and may be placed on their own continuum of, respectively, self-control and affect instability. Concluding, we will introduce a new continuum of primary psychopathy (controlled to disinhibited) and secondary psychopathy (detached to unstable) and discuss how these subtypes may differ on a number of psychopathy measures, personality profiles, and endophenotypic pathways. Finally, future directions for resolving conceptual issues are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview of the literature and theories concerning revenge is presented in this study. The aim is to clarify the boundaries between a healthy and pathological way of dealing with revenge to improve diagnostics, with regard to both theory and clinical practice. Revenge is an intrapersonal phenomenon and the extent to which people need revenge has a certain degree of stability. A healthy way of dealing with revenge may restore the psychological balance that has previously been disturbed. However, the desire for revenge can be long-lasting and dysfunctional due to, among other things, early problems in development and specific personality traits. Consequently, a pathological way of dealing with revenge can be part of a disorder and can lead to destructive acts such as homicide and even mass murder. Some clinical examples are presented and points of attention regarding diagnostics and treatment are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pollen germination may occur via the so-called germination pores or directly through the pollen wall at the site of contact with the stigma. In this study, we addressed what processes take place during pollen hydration (i.e. before tube emergence), in a species with extra-poral pollen germination, Arabidopsis thaliana., A T- DNA mutant population was screened by segregation distortion analysis. Histological and electron microscopy techniques were applied to examine the wild-type and mutant phenotypes., Within 1 h of the start of pollen hydration, an intine-like structure consisting of cellulose, callose and at least partly de-esterified pectin was formed at the pollen wall. Subsequently, this 'germination plaque' gradually extended and opened up to provide passage for the cytoplasm into the emerging pollen tube. BURSTING POLLEN ( BUP) was identified as a gene essential for the correct organization of this plaque and the tip of the pollen tube. BUP encodes a novel Golgi-located glycosyltransferase related to the glycosyltransferase 4 ( GT4) subfamily which is conserved throughout the plant kingdom., Extra-poral pollen germination involves the development of a germination plaque and BUP defines the correct plastic-elastic properties of this plaque and the pollen tube tip by affecting pectin synthesis or delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the introduction to his Allgemeine Psychopathologie, published in 1913, Karl Jaspers stated that psychology has little value for the psychopathologist because it focuses on all kinds of interesting matters, but not on normal psychic life. In this article we argue that today, in the year 2013, little has changed in this respect. During the past century, normal psychic life (non-pathological psychic life) has rarely been a topic of research. Clinical psychology has focused primarily on studying three other topics: the mind-body problem (does the mind actually exist, or are we exclusively the result of brain function?), the methodological debate (should psychology use quantitative or qualitative research results as a basis for its expertise?) and the psychotherapy debate (Is psychotherapy effective? If so, which form is the most effective?). Due to this focus, our knowledge in the above-mentioned areas has increased significantly, but the issue raised by Karl Jaspers about normal psychic life has still not been addressed. In this article, we propose that normal psychic life should indeed become the new focus of clinical psychology. We illustrate the importance of this new focus with three examples from clinical psychology: the Global Assessment of Functioning scale, empathy and the emergence of positive psychology during the past decade. We then explore the efficacy of phenomenology for studying this normal psychic life, thereby discovering a useful epistemological basis in Husserl's systematic phenomenology. Various phenomenologi-cal research methods are evaluated in the light of this systematic phenomenology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Psychopathy arises mainly out of genetic contributions to emotional hyporesponsivity. [•] Sociopathy arises out of interactive gene–environment effects on emotional dysregulation. [•] Enhanced versus dampened serotonergic functionality may define these profiles respectively. [•] High testosterone can increase emotional dysfunctions and the risk for aggression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The maladaptive trait model of personality has gained popularity in the assessment of personality pathology. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2-RF) is a widely used instrument to measure maladaptive traits, by means of the Personality Psychopathology 5 (PSY-5-r) scales. Polarity of these maladaptive trait measures—whether these traits are unipolar or bipolar maladaptive—has not been empirically established in the literature. In a clinical sample (N = 275), we investigated content polarity of these traits in relation to 25 psychological symptoms, measured by the Patient Description Form. Hierarchical regression analyses were applied to compare linear and curvilinear models and determine optimal fit. The results provided evidence for content unipolarity of all five traits, with small exceptions. We conclude that, in practice, the MMPI-2-RF PSY-5-r scales do not assess the PSY-5 theoretical model as expected, such that the higher the score on these scales the more it is likely impairing or impacting daily functioning. Conceptual and clinical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Life-course persistent antisocial behavior is 10 to 14 times more prevalent in males and it has been suggested that testosterone levels could account for this gender bias. Preliminary studies with measures of fetal testosterone find inconsistent associations with antisocial behavior, especially studies that use the 2D:4D ratio as a proxy for fetal testosterone. However, circulating testosterone consistently shows positive associations with antisocial behaviors throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, particularly in males. It is suggested that high fetal/circulating testosterone interactively influence the maturation and functionality of mesolimbic dopaminergic circuitry, right orbitofrontal cortex, and cortico-subcortical connectivity, resulting in a strong reward motivation, low social sensitivity, and dampened regulation of strong motivational/emotional processes. The link between these testosterone induced endophenotypes and actual display of antisocial behavior is strongly modulated by different social (e.g., social rejection, low SES) and genetic (e.g., MAOA, 5HTT) risk factors that can disturb socio-, psycho-, and biological development and interact with testosterone in shaping behavior. When these additional risk factors are present, the testosterone induced endophenotypes may increase the risk for a chronic antisocial lifestyle. However, behavioral endophenotypes induced by testosterone can also predispose towards socially adaptive traits such as a strong achievement motivation, leadership, fair bargaining behaviors, and social assertiveness. These adaptive traits are more likely to emerge when the high testosterone individual has positive social experiences that promote prosocial behaviors such as strong and secure attachments with his caregivers, affiliation with prosocial peers, and sufficient socioeconomic resources. A theoretical model is presented, various hypotheses are examined, and future venues for research are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate whether (a) overgeneralization is restricted to negative attributions directed at the self; or whether it also extends to positive self-attributions and to attributions of situations in the outside world, and (b) whether the valence and direction (positively or negatively, to the self- or across situations) of overgeneralization processes vary among different patient populations. Methods. Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 34), borderline personality disorder (BPD, n = 18), or both ( n = 35), and never-depressed non-patients (NPs; n = 50) completed various measures of overgeneralization. Results. Patients with MDD show higher levels of negative overgeneralization but lower levels of positive overgeneralization to the self- and across situations than NPs. Patients with MDD show more negative than positive overgeneralization to the self: a negative bias. They, however, do show higher levels of positive than negative overgeneralization across situations. Patients with BPD show the same pattern for overgeneralization to the self, but their higher levels of negative overgeneralization across situations are not exceeded by their positive counterpart. Conclusions. Results indicate that patient groups differ from NPs not only with respect to negative, but also with respect to positive overgeneralization. Furthermore, the valence and direction of overgeneralization processes vary among MDD and BPD patient populations. More specifically, findings suggest that, as compared to never-depressed individuals, patients with BPD and patients with MDD alike, lack a buffer against negative overgeneralization directed at the self. In patients with BPD, not only the high level of overgeneralization to the self, but also the high level of overgeneralization across situations seems to be problematic, since both types of overgeneralization appear not to be buffered by their positive counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Testosterone (T) has received increasing interest in the recent years as a probable biological determinant in the etiology of male-biased clinical conditions such as psychopathy (i.e. psychopathy is more prevalent in men and leads to an earlier onset and more severe expression of antisocial and aggressive behavior in men compared to women). In this review, the authors evaluated the potential relationship between T and different constructs closely related to the core characteristics of psychopathy (affective empathy, fear-reactivity, and instrumental aggression). After a thorough examination of the literature, it is concluded that high T exposure in utero and high circulating T levels throughout important life phases (most notably adolescence) or in response to social challenges (e.g. social stress, competition) could be an important etiological risk factor in the emergence of psychopathic behavior. Nevertheless, studies consistently indicate that high T is not related to a significantly reduced fear-reactivity and is only indirectly associated with the increased levels of instrumental aggression observed in psychopathic individuals. Therefore, psychopathy is likely to arise from an interaction between high T levels and other biological and socio-psychological risk factors, such as a constitutionally based dampened fear-reactivity, insecure/disordered attachment processes in childhood, and social discrimination/rejection in adolescence and/or adulthood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary A major question in pollen tube growth in planta remains: do the pollen tube walls form a barrier to interaction with the environment? Using cryo-FESEM, we directly assessed the 3D construction and porosity of tobacco pollen tube walls. Fractured mature primary walls showed a 40-50 nm spaced lattice of continuous fibers interconnected by short rods in the primary wall. These observations agree with TEM observations of sectioned walls. In the secondary callose wall, for which no structure is visible using TEM, cryo-FESEM also revealed a 50 nm lattice consisting of longer fibers, approximately 10-15 nm wide, with rod-like, thinner interconnections at angles of approximately 90° with the longer fibers. Such architecture may reflect functional needs with respect to porosity and mechanical strength. The wall does not form a mechanical barrier to interaction with the environment and is gained at low cost. Cryo-FESEM additionally revealed another special feature of the wall: the tubes were tiled with scales or rings that were highly conspicuous after pectin extraction with EDTA. These rings cause the typical banding patterns of pectin that are commonly seen in pollen tubes during oscillatory growth, as confirmed by staining with toluidine blue as well as by DIC microscopy. Growth analysis by VEC-LM showed that the ring- or scale-like structures of the primary wall consist of material deposited prior to the growth pulses. The alternating band pattern seen in the callose wall is probably imposed by constrictions resulting from the rings of the primary wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary care psychologist (PCP) in the Netherlands has 30 years of experience. The PCP is a generalist who, in close cooperation with the family physician and other providers of primary health care, has a mindset and manner of working that is largely determined by the context in which the PCP works. The specific attitudes and role of the PCP are described. The PCP provides services for a clearly delimited geographic region and is responsible for the provision of brief psychological help from a biopsychosocial perspective. In addition to psychological assessment and the provision of stepped care, the PCP also devotes considerable attention to prevention and health promotion. An orientation toward the community and the empowerment of clients stands central. The various tasks of the PCP are described in detail, and an educational curriculum for the specific I-year training of the PCP is outlined. Lessons for other European countries and the United States are deduced from the Dutch experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a two-year longitudinal study on the emotional intelligence profiles of 380 nurses caring for clients with highly frequent and extremely severe behaviour problems. The aim was to identify emotional intelligence cluster types for those nurses reporting the fewest symptoms of burnout, the least absenteeism due to illness, and the least job turnover. A repeated measures ANOVA was undertaken using a 0.05 level of significance. The fewest symptoms of burnout were reported by female nurses with relatively high emotional intelligence profiles and relatively low social skills. Males with higher problem-solving and stress-tolerance skills also showed less burnout. No specific cluster types with a significant relation to absenteeism due to illness or job turnover could be identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The emotional intelligence profiles, gender differences, and adaptive success of 380 Dutch nurses caring for people with mental retardation and accompanying severe behavior problems are reported. Data were collected with the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory, Utrecht-Coping List, Utrecht- Burnout Scale, MMPI-2, and OAMA. Absence due to illness and job change were measured across a 2-year period. A clear relation between emotional intelligence and adaptive success was detected at an .01 level of significance. A negative correlation was found between emotional intelligence and both burnout and psychopathology. Emotional intelligence did not appear to be related to absence or job change. Based on these findings, training programs for nurses can possibly help to avoid employee burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the cross-national application of psychological tests and examines the generalizability of objective psychological assessment instruments. The most widely used and internationally adapted personality instrument, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2), is highlighted to illustrate the adaptation of psychological tests across the barriers of language and culture. The problems and limitations of using questionnaire methods were noted and effective strategies for translating, adapting, and standardizing questionnaires in languages and cultures different from their country of origin are reviewed. The history of several European adaptations of the original MMPI and MMPI-2 is surveyed to illustrate the extensive research base for the test in Europe. Applications of the MMPI-2 in clinical and non-clinical (e.g. industrial) settings were noted. Current research is described and recommendations for future research are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Class III pistil-specific extensin-like proteins (PELPIII) are chimeric hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins with properties of both extensins and arabinogalactan proteins. The abundance and specific localization of PELPIII in the intercellular matrix (IM) of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) stylar transmitting tissue, and translocation of PELPIII from the IM into the pollen tube wall after pollination, presume the biological function of these glycoproteins to be related to plant reproduction. Here we show that in in vitro assays the translocation of PELPIII is specifically directed to the callose inner wall of the pollen tubes, indicating that protein transfer is not dependent on the physiological conditions of the transmitting tract. We designed a set of experiments to elucidate the biological function of PELPIII in the stylar IM. To study the function of the specific interaction between PELPIII proteins and the pollen tube wall, one of the PELPIII proteins (MG15) was ectopically expressed in pollen tubes and targeted to the tube wall. We also generated transgenic tobacco plants in which PELPIII proteins were silenced. In vitro bioassays were performed to test the influence of purified PELPIII on pollen tube growth, as compared to tobacco transmitting tissue-specific proteins (TTS) that were previously shown to stimulate pollen tube growth. The various tests described for activity of PELPIII proteins all gave consistent and mutually affirmative results: the biological function of PELPIII proteins is not directly related to pollen tube growth. These data show that similar stylar glycoproteins may act very differently on pollen tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) clinical and content scales related to emotional distress in predicting outcome of multimodal treatment of patients with chronic back pain. Assessment of the manifestations of emotional distress; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

In the last few years scholars have postulated that non-institutionalized psychopathic individuals may be overrepresented in leadership positions. In this paper we juxtapose theory and research on the profile of those high in psychopathy in leadership positions with the traditional profile of those high in psychopathy in prisons and institutions. We hypothesize that the psychopathic leader has a unique combination of traits that enables and drives such a leader to be 'successful' in a position of power. We propose that the differentiating trait in the profile of the psychopathic leader may be the trait high self-control. This is in contrast with the traditional profile of institutionalized psychopathic individuals in which levels of self-control are typically low. Furthermore, we hypothesize that although the traits of high self-control and impulsivity are apparently contradictory, the conjunction of high self-control with one specific domain of impulsivity could further amplify the 'success' of the psychopathic leader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to provide a portrayal of emotional intelligence (EI) of the Indonesians, one of the fourth most populous countries and multiethnic societies in the world, specifically across the 404 Bataks, 430 Minangkabau, and 479 Javanese ethnics. The result indicated that the Indonesian version of the EQ-i is invariant across the three ethnic groups. The findings also showed that the three ethnic groups have some shared characteristics in terms of interpersonal, assertiveness, empathy, social responsibility, flexibility, and problem-solving competences. We found significant main effects of ethnicity and gender as well as the interaction effect on EI competences. Cross-ethnic comparison showed that the Minangkabau assessed in this study are the most underdeveloped group in terms of social and emotional capabilities. We recommend replications of this study for other Indonesian ethnic groups to draw a more valid conclusion and to support the development of society. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Hirsutism in women is usually caused by benign adrenal or ovarian disorders, but it can also be caused by adrenal carcinoma. The most effective way to identify such carcinomas is not known. Methods: We measured serum and urinary steroids before and after the administration of 3 mg of dexamethasone per day for five days in 14 hirsute women with histologically proved adrenal tumors (12 adrenal carcinomas and 2 adrenal adenomas) and in 73 women with hirsutism of non-neoplastic origin. Results: All the women with adrenal tumors had elevated basal serum concentrations of testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, as compared with 36 of the 73 women with non-neoplastic hirsutism (sensitivity, 100 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 77 to 100; specificity, 50 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 38 to 62). After the administration of dexamethasone, serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations and urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion decreased to values similar to those in normal women in all the women with non-neoplastic hirsutism, but in none of the 12 with adrenal tumors who were tested. All the women who did not have adrenal tumors had serum cortisol concentrations below 3.3 μg per deciliter (90 nmol per liter) after dexamethasone administration, whereas in all 12 patients tested who had tumors the values were higher. The suppression of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cortisol and urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion excluded the likelihood of adrenal tumors with a sensitivity of 100 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 74 to 100) and a specificity of 100 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 89 to 100). Conclusions: Among women with hirsutism, an adrenal tumor is unlikely if the patient has normal basal serum concentrations of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. In women in whom these concentrations are elevated, a tumor is unlikely if the serum concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion are in the normal basal range and the serum cortisol concentration is less than 3.3 μg per deciliter after the administration of dexamethasone. (N Engl J Med 1994;331:968-73.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: More empirical research is needed to disentangle the phenotypes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cluster C personality symptomatology (CCPD), as both show similarities in their clinical presentation. We explored personality and psychopathology dimensions as conceptualized in contemporary dimensional taxonomies (i.e., hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology; HiTOP) in adults with ASD without intellectual disability operationalized by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF). Method: Applying secondary analytic processes using clinical data, we crossexamined the MMPI-2-RF profiles of adults with ASD (n = 28) compared to adults with Cluster C personality disorders (CCPD; n = 28) and a control group (n = 28) by conducting nonparametric tests and assessing effect sizes. Results: The profiles of the ASD and CCPD groups evidenced to be similar, and both average clinical profiles diverged from the average control group profiles by elevated levels of demoralization, internalizing, and somatization symptomatology. There were small differences between the average profiles of adults with ASD and adults with CCPD. Additional research using dimensional measures of psychopathology could elucidate the dimensional phenotypes of ASD and CCPD. Conclusions: Based on the results in this study, the MMPI-2-RF may not meaningfully discriminate between the two clinical presentations, with the exception of various externalizing scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to gain insight into the level of emotional intelligence of mental health nurses in the Netherlands. The focus in research on emotional intelligence to date has been on a variety of professionals. However, little is known about emotional intelligence in mental health nurses. The emotional intelligence of 98 Dutch nurses caring for psychiatric patients is reported. Data were collected with the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory within a cross-sectional research design. The mean level of emotional intelligence of this sample of professionals is statistically significant higher than the emotional intelligence of the general population. Female nurses score significantly higher than men on the subscales Empathy, Social Responsibility, Interpersonal Relationship, Emotional Self-awareness, Self-Actualisation and Assertiveness. No correlations are found between years of experience and age on the one hand and emotional intelligence on the other hand. The results of this study show that nurses in psychiatric care indeed score above average in the emotional intelligence required to cope with the amount of emotional labour involved in daily mental health practice. The ascertained large range in emotional intelligence scores among the mental health nurses challenges us to investigate possible implications which higher or lower emotional intelligence levels may have on the quality of care. For instance, a possible relation between the level of emotional intelligence and the quality of the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship or the relation between the level of emotional intelligence and the manner of coping with situations characterised by a great amount of emotional labour (such as caring for patients who self-harm or are suicidal). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated cross-cultural replicability of the five-factor model (FFM) of personality as represented by the revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R; P. T. Costa & R. R. McCrae, 1992) in a sample of 423 Dutch psychiatric patients. Also, NEO-PI-R domain scales were compared with the Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5; A. R. Harkness & J. L. McNulty, 1994) scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (J. N. Butcher, W. G. Dahlstrom, J. R. Graham, A. Tellegen, & B. Kaemmer, 2002). Principal-components analysis with procrustean rotation confirmed the hypothesized structural similarity of the present sample with the U.S. normative factor scores. All of the hypothesized relations between NEO-PI-R and PSY-5 scales were confirmed. The results provide evidence for cross-cultural replicability of the FFM and for validity of the NEO-PI-R and PSY-5 constructs in the psychological assessment of psychiatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we hypothesize that psychopathic leaders may be attracted to positions of power because in such environments they can fulfill their need for domination and control over other people. Although social dominance is a well-established trait in psychopathy, social dominance as a motivational factor in those high in psychopathy has received surprisingly little attention in literature and research. In this article we propose that social dominance and dominance motivation may be part of the psychological profile of certain psychopathic subtypes, but not of others. Furthermore, the scarce theory and research on psychopathy and dominance motivation is reviewed. Finally, we will additionally analyze research on the different motivations between the larger group of the Dark Triad and propose new insights on the importance of the need for domination for those high in psychopathy in comparison to other fundamental life motivations. Based on these analyses we propose a clarification for the (estimated) high prevalence of psychopathic individuals in leadership positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term stability of maladaptive personality traits in the general population has been under-investigated. The current study examined the longitudinal 20-year mean-level stability and rank-order consistency of five maladaptive personality traits—as measured with the Personality Psychopathology-5-r scales. Correlations and regression analysis were conducted to test both types of stability comparing raw scores of scale administrations in a general population sample in both 1992 and 2012 (N = 65). Repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrated significant mean-level stability of the PSY-5-r traits over 20 years. The PSY-5-r scales demonstrated significant rank-order consistency as evidenced by correlational analyses and reliability coefficients. The scales Aggressiveness-r (r =.73), Neuroticism/Negative Emotionality-r (r =.65), Introversion/Low Positive Emotionality-r (r =.63), and Disconstraint-r (r =.56), evidenced strong rank-order stability, whereas Psychoticism-r (r =.3) showed moderate rank-order consistency. The results of the present study indicate that maladaptive personality traits as measured with the PSY-5-r scales are relatively stable over 20 years in an adult community population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to evaluate the continuity across the Section II personality disorders (PDs) and the proposed Section III model of PDs in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed. [DSM–5]; American Psychiatric Association, 2013a). More specifically, we analyzed association between the DSM–5 Section III pathological trait facets and Section II PDs among 110 Dutch adults (M age = 35.8 years, range = 19–60 years) receiving mental health care. We administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM–IV Axis II Disorders to all participants. Participants also completed the self-report Personality Inventory for DSM–5 (PID–5) as a measure of pathological trait facets. The distributions underlying the dependent variable were modeled as criterion counts, using negative binomial regression. The results provided some support for the validity of the PID–5 and the DSM–5 Section III Alternative Model, although analyses did not show a perfect match. Both at the trait level and the domain level, analyses showed mixed evidence of significant relationships between the PID–5 trait facets and domains with the traditional DSM–IV PDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Challenging behaviour of clients influences emotional wellbeing of staff; this in turn affects levels of staff engagement and avoidance within interactions with clients. The main goal of this study was to investigate to what extent levels of staff engagement and staff avoidance are related to challenging and desirable client behaviours and clients' initiatives for contact. Method Participants were 8 support staff and 3 clients. Staff and client behaviours were measured within moments of interaction in natural settings using systematic observational data. Results The results showed that general levels of staff engagement, avoidance, and client behaviours seem to be related. However, individual, sequential analyses do not support these relationships. Conclusions Future research should take a more individual and intrapersonal view of staff behaviour and staff–client interaction into account, in order to obtain a detailed and realistic image of individual patterns in interactions between support staff and clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reviewed the evidence regarding which personality traits and personality disorders remain stable into later middle and old age (age >60 years of age) and how expressions of (maladaptive) personality traits affect personality assessment among older adults. Our study was a literature review of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies of the Five Factor Model (FFM) or DSM personality disorders in old age, using PsychInfo, Psychlit, and PubMed (period 1980–2012). Combinations of the following keywords were used: personality, development, stability, five factor personality model, big 5, (borderline) personality disorder(s), aging, older adults. Of the 22 relevant articles that were found, 17 longitudinal or cross-sectional studies of the FFM mainly supported the hypothesis that personality characteristics are susceptible to change over a person’s entire lifetime. Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness appear to diminish as a person ages, while, conversely, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness appear to increase with age. Two longitudinal studies and three cross-sectional studies of DSM-IV personality disorders suggested there are age-related changes in the ways in which maladaptive personality traits manifest themselves. The temporal instability of personality traits in old age, both adaptive and maladaptive, affects the validity of personality assessment of older adults, especially the face validity. We recommend personality assessment measures that include only age-neutral items. Informant contributions to the personality assessment could also be helpful in improving the reliability in epidemiological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We investigate higher order relations between normal personality and psychopathology. [•] We apply Goldberg’s “bass-ackwards” method in a combined sample with patients and non-patients. [•] We find a relatively weak integration of (normal) personality and psychopathology. [•] Openness facets exemplify no relations with psychopathology at any level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) in a combined data set (N = 491) of patients with a broad range of psychiatric disorders (n = 286) as well as alcohol use disorder (n = 205). We examined bivariate correlations between both measures. The MMPI-2-RF scales relate to the TCI dimensions as was hypothesized, and relationships between both measurements were largely similar for psychiatric patients and alcohol-dependent patients. Theoretical and clinical implications are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Structural sterols are abundant in the plasma membrane of root apex cells in Arabidopsis thaliana. They specifically accumulate in trichoblasts during the prebulging and bulge stages and show a polar accumulation in the tip during root hair elongation but are distributed evenly in mature root hairs. Thus, structural sterols may serve as a marker for root hair initiation and growth. In addition, they may predict branching events in mutants with branching root hairs. Structural sterols were detected using the sterol complexing fluorochrome filipin. Application of filipin caused a rapid, concentration-dependent decrease in tip growth. Filipin-complexed sterols accumulated in globular structures that fused to larger FM4-64–positive aggregates in the tip, so-called filipin-induced apical compartments, which were closely associated with the plasma membrane. The plasma membrane appeared malformed and the cytoarchitecture of the tip zone was affected. Trans-Golgi network/early endosomal compartments containing molecular markers, such as small Rab GTPase RabA1d and SNARE Wave line 13 (VTI12), locally accumulated in these filipin-induced apical compartments, while late endosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, plastids, and cytosol were excluded from them. These data suggest that the local distribution and apical accumulation of structural sterols may regulate vesicular trafficking and plasma membrane properties during both initiation and tip growth of root hairs in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizophora mucronata Lam. is a tropical mangrove with semi-viviparous (cotyledon body protrusion before shedding), non-quiescent and non-desiccating (recalcitrant) seeds. As recalcitrance has been thought to relate to the absence of desiccation-related proteins such as dehydrins, we for the first time systematically described and classified embryogenesis in R. mucronata and assessed the presence of dehydrin-like proteins. Embryogenesis largely follows the classic pattern till stage eight, the torpedo stage, with the formation of a cotyledonary body. Ovule and embryo express radical adaptations to semi-vivipary in the saline environment: (1) A large, highly vacuolated and persistent endosperm without noticeable food reserves that envelopes the developing embryo. (2) Absence of vascular tissue connections between embryo and maternal tissue, but, instead, transfer layers in between endosperm and integument and endosperm and embryo. Dehydrin-like proteins (55–65 kDa) were detected by the Western analysis, in the ovules till stage 10 when the integuments are dehisced. An additional 50 kDa band was detected at stages 6–8. Together these results suggest a continuous flow of water with nutrients from the integument via the endosperm to the embryo, circumventing the vascular route and probably suppressing the initially induced dehydrin expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study is the first to relate professional caregivers’ general mood to the observed quality of their interactions with the children in their care. A total of 238 female caregivers from 133 child care groups in 64 centers completed the General mood scale of Bar-On’s Emotional Quotient Inventory (1997) and was observed while playing with small groups of children. Factor analysis on the General mood scale yielded five general mood factors, one negative and four positive. Two positive mood factors in particular, i.e., positivity and optimism, were found to contribute positively to the quality of professional caregivers’ behavior toward the children and, through their caregiving behavior, to the children’s well-being. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Psychometric research in the field of alcohol dependence has concentrated on identifying certain (personality) characteristics (i.e. typologies). This paper is aimed to identify such typologies and studies the relation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and Cloninger’s temperament-character inventory (TCI). Method: To find MMPI-2 scales associated with maximization of group differences between 222 DSM-IV alcohol dependent inpatients and a control group of 222 normal subjects, discriminant analysis was used. In addition, a cluster analysis was performed with these scales, and the MMPI-2 mean scale values of the resulting patient clusters were examined for their TCI-correlates. Results: The discriminant analyses showed several MMPI-2 scales that could clearly distinguish between alcohol-dependent patients and the normal controls. Cluster analysis resulted in semantically different MMPI-2 profiles implying qualitatively different groups of patients. When related to TCI scales, these differences revealed harm avoidance, self-directedness, and persistence, amongst others, as important elements in the description of the clusters. Conclusion: Evidence for the validity of MMPI-2 constructs as well as those of the TCI in the assessment of alcohol-dependent patients was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and later the MMPI-2, E. I. Megargee and colleagues empirically developed a classification system to enhance management and treatment of offenders throughout the criminal justice system. This preliminary study extended the application of the MMPT-2 based system for the first time to a non-U.S. prison sample and classified the MMPI-2 profiles of 1,636 male inmates from Belgian federal prisons. The typology was capable of classifying most of the subjects and all 10 Megargee types were represented. Compared to American prevalence data, types Delta and Charlie were overrepresented and type George was underrepresented. Issues that warrant further investigation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benthic foraminifera are unicellular eukaryotes found abundantly in many types of marine sediments. Many species survive and possibly reproduce in anoxic habitats, but sustainable anaerobic metabolism has not been previously described. Here we demonstrate that the foraminifer Globobulimina pseudospinescens accumulates intracellular nitrate stores and that these can be respired to dinitrogen gas. The amounts of nitrate detected are estimated to be sufficient to support respiration for over a month. In a Swedish fjord sediment where G. pseudospinescens is the dominant foraminifer, the intracellular nitrate pool in this species accounted for 20% of the large, cell-bound, nitrate pool present in an oxygen-free zone. Similarly high nitrate concentrations were also detected in foraminifera Nonionella cf. stella and a Stainforthia species, the two dominant benthic taxa occurring within the oxygen minimum zone of the continental shelf off Chile. Given the high abundance of foraminifera in anoxic marine environments, these new findings suggest that foraminifera may play an important role in global nitrogen cycling and indicate that our understanding of the complexity of the marine nitrogen cycle is far from complete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands are the largest natural source of atmospheric methane, the second most important greenhouse gas. Methane flux to the atmosphere depends strongly on the climate; however, by far the largest part of the methane formed in wetland ecosystems is recycled and does not reach the atmosphere. The biogeochemical controls on the efficient oxidation of methane are still poorly understood. Here we show that submerged Sphagnum mosses, the dominant plants in some of these habitats, consume methane through symbiosis with partly endophytic methanotrophic bacteria, leading to highly effective in situ methane recycling. Molecular probes revealed the presence of the bacteria in the hyaline cells of the plant and on stem leaves. Incubation with 13C-methane showed rapid in situ oxidation by these bacteria to carbon dioxide, which was subsequently fixed by Sphagnum, as shown by incorporation of 13C-methane into plant sterols. In this way, methane acts as a significant (10–15%) carbon source for Sphagnum. The symbiosis explains both the efficient recycling of methane and the high organic carbon burial in these wetland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cells are enclosed by a rigid cell wall that counteracts the internal osmotic pressure of the vacuole and limits the rate and direction of cell enlargement. When developmental or physiological cues induce cell extension, plant cells increase wall plasticity by a process called loosening. It was demonstrated previously that a class of proteins known as expansins are mediators of wall loosening. Here, we report a type of cell wall-loosening protein that does not share any homology with expansins but is a member of the lipid transfer proteins (LTPs). LTPs are known to bind a large range of lipid molecules to their hydrophobic cavity, and we show here that this cavity is essential for the cell wall-loosening activity of LTP. Furthermore, we show that LTP-enhanced wall extension can be described by a logarithmic time function. We hypothesize that LTP associates with hydrophobic wall compounds, causing nonhydrolytic disruption of the cell wall and subsequently facilitating wall extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]