bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture toughness of rotationally molded polyethylene and polypropylene
Authors: Saifullah Abu , Thomas Ben , Cripps Robert , Tabeshfar Kamran , Wang Lei , Muryn Christopher
Published: February 2017

In this work, the fracture toughness of rotationally molded polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) was measured using J integral methods at static loading rates and at room temperature. Two different commercially available rotational molding grades PE and PP were tested in this study which have been used in various rotationally molded products such as small leisure craft, water storage tanks, and so on. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical microscope, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (solid‐state NMR), and X‐ray scattering were used to investigate the microstructure, fracture surfaces, and compare toughness properties of these materials. In PE, higher molecular weight and broader molecular weight distribution, larger amorphous and crystal region thicknesses are found to be related to higher toughness values. High molecular weight favors higher number of entanglements that improve fracture energy and broader distribution increases long chain branching of higher molecular weight fractions which creates higher entanglements at the branch sites. Larger amorphous regions promote microvoiding more easily compared to thinner amorphous regions, leading to greater plastic deformation and energy absorption. Higher crystal thickness also contributes to microvoiding in the amorphous region. For PP, greater plastic deformation observed in the fracture surfaces is related to higher fracture toughness values. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:63–73, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantitation of Targetable Somatic Mutations Among Patients Evaluated by a Personalized Medicine Clinical Service: Considerations for Off‐Label Drug Use
Authors: Vela Cory M. , Knepper Todd C. , Gillis Nancy K. , Walko Christine M. , McLeod Howard L. , Hicks J. Kevin
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Moffitt Cancer Center's Personalized Medicine Clinical Service (PMCS) reviews somatic next‐generation sequencing (NGS) assay results, provides interpretations, and identifies potential therapeutic options. The number of individuals reviewed by our clinical service who are eligible for on‐label or off‐label drug therapy based on genetic test results has previously not been quantitated. We determined the number of patients harboring an actionable mutation that would qualify a patient for an on‐label drug or consideration for off‐label drug treatment.

Methods

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling was utilized to identify anticancer agents containing genomic markers in the Indications and Usage section of the drug label. A database containing discrete NGS patient data was queried retrospectively for those drugs and associated genomic mutations included in this study. On‐label was defined as those patients who were eligible for a drug based on harboring a targetable mutation in the FDA‐approved cancer type. Off‐label was defined as those patients who may be considered for a drug based on harboring a targetable mutation in a non–FDA‐approved cancer type.

Results

A total of 1072 patients and 1131 NGS results were eligible for study inclusion. Fifty‐two patients (4.9%) had results for more than one NGS assay. Seventeen drugs targeting ALK, BRAF, BRCA1/BRCA2, EGFR, or ERBB2 mutations met the study inclusion criteria. Of the entire patient population, 92 (8.6%) unique patients were eligible for at least one on‐label drug; off‐label use of at least one drug could be considered in 103 (9.6%) unique patients.

Conclusion

Combining both on‐label and off‐label opportunities, 175 (16.3%) unique patients had actionable mutations in six genes. Because most patients reviewed by our PMCS have previously treated advanced disease with limited treatment options, identifying additional lines of therapy is of clinical utility.
Functionalization of 3D printed micro‐containers with Ni‐Au core‐shell nanowires
Authors: Gill Waqas Amin , An Boo Hyun , Lee Ji Sung , Ali Dima , Khalil Malathe Samir , Park Jungrae , Choi Young Soo , Kim Young Keun , Choi Daniel S.
Published: February 2017

Three‐dimensional printing (3DP) technology has attracted interest in various fields of applications. However, most of the previous studies are focusing on additive printing or developing new printable materials to functionalize the printed structures. Those approaches obviously have shown great performance, but still have no solution to functionalize original printing materials that are supplied by printer suppliers. In this study, we report a feasible method to fabricate three‐dimensional printed micro‐containers (MCs) coated with Ni‐Au core‐shell nanowires (NWs) that have multifunctional properties. The surfaces of the polymer‐based micro‐containers are modified with thiol groups. Then Ni‐Au nanowires are directly attached without further treatment. Our approach expands direct applications of polymeric 3DP materials to biomedical and pharmaceutical technology as a utilized platform for functional nanostructures.
Elastic and thermodynamic properties of the Ti2AlNb orthorhombic phase from first‐principles calculations
Authors: Hu Kangming , Huang Jinchang , Wei Zhenyi , Peng Qiong , Xie Zheyu , Sa Baisheng , Wu Bo
Published: February 2017

Ti2AlNb‐based alloy with a dominated orthorhombic phase is one of the most promising high‐temperature structural materials. In this work, the equilibrium volume, elastic, and thermodynamic properties of the ordered O phase with stoichiometric Ti2AlNb were predicted under different temperatures using first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory combined with quasi‐harmonic approximation (QHA). With the increase of temperature from 0 to 1300 K, the elastic properties decrease moderately and the bonding strength weakens slightly. The intrinsic properties of the Ti2AlNb O phase are ductile at all temperature considered. In order to explore the evolution mechanism of the temperature‐dependent elastic properties further, the density of state (DOS) has been analyzed. The stoichiometric Ti2AlNb O phase shows good high‐temperature mechanical and thermal stability, which is a kind of potential high‐temperature alloy applied in aeronautics industries.
Interfacial charge transport behavior and thermal profiles of vertically oriented graphene‐bridged supercapacitors
Authors: Bo Zheng , Wu Shenghao , Qian Jiajing , Pu Haihui , Chen Junhong , Yan Jianhua , Cen Kefa
Published: February 2017

Thermal generation induced by Joule heat is detrimental to the lifetime expectancy of a supercapacitor. In this work, the interfacial charge‐transport behaviors and the thermal profiles of vertically oriented graphene (VG)‐bridged supercapacitors, i.e., VGs as the electronic bridges connecting active materials and current collectors, are investigated. Density‐functional theory (DFT) simulations, as well as the calculations based on a combination of DFT and nonequilibrium Green's function (DFT‐NEGF), are conducted to explore the electronic density of states, electron distributions, formation energies, eigenchannels, and electronic transmissions at the solid/solid interfaces of VG‐bridged supercapacitors. The equivalent series resistance, voltage drop, and temperature rise during galvanostatic charging/discharging processes, are measured and compared between the supercapacitors fabricated with and without VG bridges. The results show that the addition of VG bridges can enhance the orbital interactions and the electronic conductivity at the solid/solid interfaces, manifested by a 1–2 orders of magnitude increase of the exchanged charge number, and the significantly enhanced interfacial formation energies as well as the elevated electronic transmission. It further results in the obvious reduction of both the contact resistance and Joule heat generation during the charging/discharging processes.
Ambiguous presentation of Mycobacterium avium complex‐associated Rasmussen aneurysm
Authors: Chiu Hsin‐Wei , Kuo Shu‐Hung , Lai Ruay‐Sheng , Wu Ming‐Ting , Wu Hsiu‐Fu
Published: February 2017

A 77‐year‐old man with a progressively dry cough (two months duration) was admitted with hemoptysis. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed left lingular lobe consolidation and one thick‐walled cavity lesion over the left lower lobe, which was accompanied by satellite micro‐nodules in a tree‐in‐bud pattern. CT‐guided biopsy confirmed mycobacterial infection, and subsequent culture yielded Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Unremitting hemoptysis was present despite treatment (14 days) with ethambutol, rifampin, clarithromycin, and streptomycin. Initial CT angiography (CTA) to determine the source of the hemoptysis revealed a suspected aneurysm in the consolidated left lingular lobe; however, this could not be localized via catheter angiography during the pulmonary and bronchial arterial phases. Two weeks later, a massive hemoptysis episode led to haemodynamic instability and serious consequences. Follow‐up CTA confirmed the previously detected aneurysm, and glue embolization was performed successfully. This case report highlights a rare but catastrophic MAC‐associated pseudoaneurysm and relevant treatment options.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cells Overexpressing Interleukin-8 Receptors A/B and/or C-C Chemokine Receptors 2/5 Inhibit Vascular Injury Response
Authors: Giordano Samantha , Zhao Xiangmin , Chen Yiu-Fai , Litovsky Silvio H. , Hage Fadi G. , Townes Tim M. , Sun Chiao-Wang , Wu Li-Chen , Oparil Suzanne , Xing Dongqi
Published: February 2017

Recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages to the site of vascular injury is mediated by binding of chemoattractants to interleukin (IL) 8 receptors RA and RB (IL8RA/B) C-C chemokine receptors (CCR) 2 and 5 expressed on neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage membranes. Endothelial cells (ECs) derived from rat-induced pluripotent stem cells (RiPS) were transduced with adenovirus containing cDNA of IL8RA/B and/or CCR2/5. We hypothesized that RiPS-ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B (RiPS-IL8RA/B-ECs), CCR2/5 (RiPS-CCR2/5-ECs), or both receptors (RiPS-IL8RA/B+CCR2/5-ECs) will inhibit inflammatory responses and neointima formation in balloon-injured rat carotid artery. Twelve-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent balloon injury of the right carotid artery and intravenous infusion of (a) saline vehicle, (b) control RiPS-Null-ECs (ECs transduced with empty virus), (c) RiPS-IL8RA/B-ECs, (d) RiPS-CCR2/5-ECs, or (e) RiPS-IL8RA/B+CCR2/5-ECs. Inflammatory mediator expression and leukocyte infiltration were measured in injured and uninjured arteries at 24 hours postinjury by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Neointima formation was assessed at 14 days postinjury. RiPS-ECs expressing the IL8RA/B or CCR2/5 homing device targeted the injured arteries and decreased injury-induced inflammatory cytokine expression, neutrophil/macrophage infiltration, and neointima formation. Transfused RiPS-ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B and/or CCR2/5 prevented inflammatory responses and neointima formation after vascular injury. Targeted delivery of iPS-ECs with a homing device to inflammatory mediators in injured arteries provides a novel strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Tungsten Diselenide Patterning and Nanoribbon Formation by Gas‐Assisted Focused‐Helium‐Ion‐Beam‐Induced Etching
Authors: Stanford Michael G. , Pudasaini Pushpa R. , Cross Nicholas , Mahady Kyle , Hoffman Anna N. , Mandrus David G. , Duscher Gerd , Chisholm Matthew F. , Rack Philip D.
Published: February 2017

A gas‐assisted focused‐helium‐ion beam‐induced etching (FIBIE) process is introduced, which accelerates direct‐write patterning of WSe2 relative to standard ion milling. The etching process utilizes the XeF2 precursor molecule to provide a chemical assist for enhanced material removal relative to ion sputtering. The FIBIE process enables high‐fidelity patterning of WSe2 with doses 5× lower than standard He+ milling. This enables the formation of high‐resolution WSe2 nanoribbons with dimensions less than 10 nm. The WSe2 nanoribbons demonstrate high Raman anisotropy and nanoribbon electrical measurements are reported for the first time. The normalized on‐currents of field‐effect transistors reveal that the electron and hole currents are both suppressed and scale with the nanoribbon width, with the electron transport experiencing more degradation. However, on‐currents of nanoribbons created by the FIBIE process remain orders of magnitude greater than nanoribbons formed by standard He+ milling. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and complementary Monte Carlo ion–solid simulations reveal that the reduced currents are partially due to ion‐induced damage in the WSe2.
Cost‐Effective Absorber Patterning of Perovskite Solar Cells by Nanosecond Laser Processing
Authors: Turan Bugra , Huuskonen Arne , Kühn Irina , Kirchartz Thomas , Haas Stefan
Published: February 2017

Perovskite solar cells have shown a tremendous performance increase in the last years with conversion efficiencies >20%. For the successful application of this technology, an interconnection process is required to create large area solar modules, preferably with the help of precision laser processing. By now, only a few groups have started investigations of this topic. Here, we report on methods and ways to characterize and optimize the perovskite absorber removal process (P2), by means of nanosecond pulsed laser ablation with wavelengths of 355, 532, and 1,064 nm. With short‐pulsed lasers, the underlying ablation mechanisms of the perovskite material differ significantly from other thin‐film photovoltaic technologies, and the characterization with regards to the formation of contact resistances is indispensible. We show that process optimization based on a morphological evaluation is not sufficient to generate interconnections, without severe influence on the solar module performance.
Contradictions in the study of some compositional and physicochemical properties of starches from various botanical sources
Authors: Ashogbon Adeleke Omodunbi
Published: February 2017

There are many contradictions in the study of some compositional and physicochemical properties of starches from various botanical sources. Here, emphasis is laid on swelling power, amylose content, and the problem of definition associated with intermediate materials of starches. Many of these contradictions have to do with the problem of analysis and the inevitable influences of genetic, environmental, and anthropological manipulation on the properties of various starches.
The Number of Point Mutations in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Nuclear Transfer Embryonic Stem Cells Depends on the Method and Somatic Cell Type Used for Their Generation
Authors: Araki Ryoko , Mizutani Eiji , Hoki Yuko , Sunayama Misato , Wakayama Sayaka , Nagatomo Hiroaki , Kasama Yasuji , Nakamura Miki , Wakayama Teruhiko , Abe Masumi
Published: February 2017

Induced pluripotent stem cells hold great promise for regenerative medicine but point mutations have been identified in these cells and have raised serious concerns about their safe use. We generated nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells (ntESCs) from both mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and tail-tip fibroblasts (TTFs) and by whole genome sequencing found fewer mutations compared with iPSCs generated by retroviral gene transduction. Furthermore, TTF-derived ntESCs showed only a very small number of point mutations, approximately 80% less than the number observed in iPSCs generated using retrovirus. Base substitution profile analysis confirmed this greatly reduced number of point mutations. The point mutations in iPSCs are therefore not a Yamanaka factor-specific phenomenon but are intrinsic to genome reprogramming. Moreover, the dramatic reduction in point mutations in ntESCs suggests that most are not essential for genome reprogramming. Our results suggest that it is feasible to reduce the point mutation frequency in iPSCs by optimizing various genome reprogramming conditions. We conducted whole genome sequencing of ntES cells derived from MEFs or TTFs. We thereby succeeded in establishing TTF-derived ntES cell lines with far fewer point mutations. Base substitution profile analysis of these clones also indicated a reduced point mutation frequency, moving from a transversion-predominance to a transition-predominance.
Concise Review: Mending a Broken Heart: The Evolution of Biological Therapeutics
Authors: Chen Caressa , Termglinchan Vittavat , Karakikes Ioannis
Published: February 2017

Heart failure (HF), a common sequela of cardiovascular diseases, remains a staggering clinical problem, associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Advances in pharmacological, interventional, and operative management have improved patient care, but these interventions are insufficient to halt the progression of HF, particularly the end-stage irreversible loss of functional cardiomyocytes. Innovative therapies that could prevent HF progression and improve the function of the failing heart are urgently needed. Following successful preclinical studies, two main strategies have emerged as potential solutions: cardiac gene therapy and cardiac regeneration through stem and precursor cell transplantation. Many potential gene- and cell-based therapies have entered into clinical studies, intending to ameliorate cardiac dysfunction in patients with advanced HF. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in cell- and gene-based therapies in the context of cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the most advanced therapies. The principles and mechanisms of action of gene and cell therapies for HF are discussed along with the limitations of current approaches. Finally, we highlight the emerging technologies that hold promise to revolutionize the biological therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
Cell cycle RNA regulons coordinating early lymphocyte development
Authors: Galloway Alison , Turner Martin
Published: February 2017

Lymphocytes undergo dynamic changes in gene expression as they develop from progenitor cells lacking antigen receptors, to mature cells that are prepared to mount immune responses. While transcription factors have established roles in lymphocyte development, they act in concert with post‐transcriptional and post‐translational regulators to determine the proteome. Furthermore, the post‐transcriptional regulation of RNA regulons consisting of mRNAs whose protein products act cooperatively allows RNA binding proteins to exert their effects at multiple points in a pathway. Here, we review recent evidence demonstrating the importance of RNA binding proteins that control the cell cycle in lymphocyte development and discuss the implications for tumorigenesis. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1419. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1419

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Dissociation and Neurobiological Consequences of Traumatic Stress
Authors: Bob Petr
Published: February 2017

According to recent evidence traumatic stress is an important etiological factor in pathogenesis of psychiatric diseases. Typical psychological manifestation of the traumatic stress represents dissociative states. Dissociated states present pathological conditions where psychological trauma may emerge in a variety of forms such as psychic dissociative symptoms or on the other hand as somatoform symptoms including seizures. At this time there is evidence that temporal lobe seizure activity may produce dissociative syndrome and this activity likely may exist independently of neurological focal lesion. This conceptualization of dissociative phenomena is in accordance with findings that originate from the study of the relationship between epilepsy and mental illness and known as antagonism between epilepsy and psychosis or the so-called forced normalization. From this point of view the relationship between dissociation, epileptic activity and kindling phenomena represent useful concepts for understanding of neurobiological consequences of the traumatic stress and dissociation with respect to pathogenesis of stress-related mental diseases.
The Emergence of Emotions
Authors: Sieb Richard
Published: February 2017

Emotion is conscious experience. It is the affective aspect of consciousness. Emotion arises from sensory stimulation and is typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body. Hence an emotion is a complex reaction pattern consisting of three components: a physiological component, a behavioral component, and an experiential (conscious) component. The reactions making up an emotion determine what the emotion will be recognized as. Three processes are involved in generating an emotion: (1) identification of the emotional significance of a sensory stimulus, (2) production of an affective state (emotion), and (3) regulation of the affective state. Two opposing systems in the brain (the reward and punishment systems) establish an affective value or valence (stimulus-reinforcement association) for sensory stimulation. This is process (1), the first step in the generation of an emotion. Development of stimulus-reinforcement associations (affective valence) serves as the basis for emotion expression (process 2), conditioned emotion learning acquisition and expression, memory consolidation, reinforcement-expectations, decision-making, coping responses, and social behavior. The amygdala is critical for the representation of stimulus-reinforcement associations (both reward and punishment-based) for these functions. Three distinct and separate architectural and functional areas of the prefrontal cortex (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex) are involved in the regulation of emotion (process 3). The regulation of emotion by the prefrontal cortex consists of a positive feedback interaction between the prefrontal cortex and the inferior parietal cortex resulting in the nonlinear emergence of emotion. This positive feedback and nonlinear emergence represents a type of working memory (focal attention) by which perception is reorganized and rerepresented, becoming explicit, functional, and conscious. The explicit emotion states arising may be involved in the production of voluntary new or novel intentional (adaptive) behavior, especially social behavior.
Mechanisms of Stress in Humans
Authors: Shih Christina
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this literature review is to summarize stress-related research to better understand the mechanisms of stress. The connections between stress and environmental, physiological, as well as neurological factors were examined. Research has shown that stress exposure was related to cognitive dysfunctions, altered attention strategies, reduced capacity to experience pleasure, and higher risktaking tendency in achieving gains. A high level of stress was associated with greater hippocampal volume loss and was found to hinder memory retrieval while enhancing memory consolidation process. Physiologically, high stress levels were linked to shortened telomeres, elevated levels of circulating inflammatory markers, as well as hypoactivation of electrodermal activity and diurnal cortisol in response to stressors. Moreover, prenatal stress exposure was found to be a risk factor that can make an individual vulnerable to develop later stress-related physical and psychological problems. Researchers have also identified protective factors that can buffer individuals from the negative impact of stress.
Androgens Contribute to the Process of Neuronal Development: Implications in Explanation of Autism Pathogenesis
Authors: Kelemenova S. , Ostatnikova D.
Published: February 2017

Fetal testosterone significantly influences the brain development. It affects number of neurons and conformation of dendritic spines within the sexual dimorphic preoptic area in the hypothalamus. Excessive testosterone levels in utero possibly contribute to the masculinization of the brain. Evidences of these facts are plausible in the anatomic field as well as behavioral effects both in rat models and in humans. Rats exposed to excessive testosterone doses in utero show masculinized brain anatomy and behavior, such as better spatial visualization performance typical for males. In humans, congenital adrenal hyperplasia that causes elevated androgen level possibly results in masculinized behavior observed in these individuals. There are reasons for the theory of the connection existence between testosterone influence on the brain functions and the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, pathogenesis of autism, the most genetic neurodevelopmental disease is discussed. Autism is a disease with broad genetic heterogeneity and polygenic inheritance. Autism associated genes are localized throughout the genome, with the chromosome 7q most frequently involved. One of these genes encodes reelin protein that is crucial for neuronal migration in the developing brain. The connection between androgens, neuronal migration and neurodevelopmental disorder pathophysiology is also discussed.
Search Activity Concept: Relationship between Behavior, Health and Brain Functions
Authors: Rotenberg Vadim S.
Published: February 2017

Search activity concept provides a new classification of the behavior which distinguishes search activity (activity in the uncertain situation with the constant feedback between behavior and its outcome), stereotyped behavior with a definite probability forecast, panic (activity without feedback between activity and its outcome) and renunciation of search. Only search activity which includes fight, flight, orienting behavior and creativity raises the body’s resistance to stress, to natural and experimentally induced pathology whereas renunciation of search which display itself in freezing, helplessness and depression forms a nonspecific predisposition to somatic disturbances (e.g. psychosomatic diseases). Dreams in REM sleep are regarded as a specific form of search activity aimed at compensating for the lack of search in waking. REM sleep deprivation on a small as well as on rotating platform raises the requirement in REM sleep by frustrating search activity. It is suggested that in wakefulness characterized by the prominent search activity the inhibitory alpha-2- adrenoreceptors became less sensitive to stimulation and consequently in this state the activity of the brain monoamine neurons is less limited by the level of brain monoamines. During renunciation of search brain monoamine synthesis is not stimulated by monoamine exhaustion. In REM sleep the critical level of brain monoamines for search activity to start is lower than in wakefulness and alpha-2-adrenoreceptors are less sensitive than in the state of renunciation of search although more sensitive than during search behavior in waking. REM sleep indirectly contributes to memory consolidation by carrying out its main function — restoration of search activity. A functionally sufficient REM sleep contains search activity in dreams (subject is active in his/her own dream scenario) while in functionally insufficient REM sleep dreams are characterized by subject’s passive position and feeling of helplessness. REM sleep insufficiency is an obligate condition for mental and somatic disorders to appear. The difference between normal (adaptive) and pathological (maladaptive) emotional tension is determined by the presence or absence of search activity in the structure of emotional tension. Repression of the unacceptable motive causing neurotic anxiety is a human variant of renunciation of search. Hypochondriac symptoms are in negative relationships with psychosomatic disorders and they, as well as positive symptoms in schizophrenia and anorectic behavior in anorexia nervosa, represent a pathological misdirected search activity.
On the Inherent Incompleteness of Scientific Theories
Authors: Mathen Jolly
Published: February 2017

We examine the question of whether scientific theories can be complete. For two closely related reasons, we argue that they cannot. The first reason is the inability to determine what are “valid observations”, a result that is based on a self-reference Gödel/Tarski-like argument. The second reason is the existence of “meta-empirical” evidence of the inherent incompleteness of observations. These reasons, along with theoretical incompleteness, are intimately connected to the notion of belief and to theses within the philosophy of science: the Quine-Duhem (and underdetermination) theses and the observational/theoretical distinction failure. Some puzzling aspects of the philosophical theses become clearer in light of these connections. It also follows that there is no absolute measure of the information content of empirical data nor of the entropy of physical systems, and that no complete computer simulation of the natural world is possible. The connections with the mathematical theorems of Gödel and Tarski reveal the existence of other possible connections between scientific and mathematical incompleteness: computational irreducibility, complexity, infinity, arbitrariness, and self-reference. Finally, suggestions are offered of where a more rigorous (or formal) “proof” of scientific incompleteness may be found.
The Theory of Brain-Sign: A Physical Alternative to Consciousness
Authors: Clapson Philip
Published: February 2017

Consciousness and the mind are prescientific concepts that begin with Greek theorizing. They suppose human rationality and reasoning placed in the human head by (in Christian terms) God, who structured the universe he created with the same kind of underlying characteristics. Descartes’ development of the model included scientific objectivity by placing the mind outside the physical universe. In its failure under evidential scrutiny and without physical explanation, this model is destined for terminal decline. Instead, a genuine biological and physical function for the brain phenomenon can be developed. This is the theory of brain-sign. It accepts the causality of the brain as its physical characteristics, already under scientific scrutiny. What is needed is a new neurophysiological mapping language that specifies the relation of the structure and operation of the brain to organismic action in the world. Still what is lacking is an account of how neurophysiologies in different organisms communicate on dynamic, i.e. unpredictable, tasks. It is this evolved capacity that has emerged as brain-sign. Thus rather than mentality being an inner epistemological parallel world suddenly appearing in the head, brain-sign, as the neural sign of the causal status of the brain, facilitates the communicative medium of otherwise isolated organisms. The biogenesis of the phenomenon emerges directly from the account of the physical brain, and functions as a monistic feature of organisms in the physical world. This new paradigm offers disciplinary compatibility, and genuine development in behavioral and brain sciences.
Use of Multimodality Imaging and Neuropsychological Measures for the Assessment and Treatment of Auditory Verbal Hallucinations: A Brain to Behavior Approach
Authors: Zimmerman Elizabeth M. , Golla Megan A. , Paciora Renata A. , Epstein Philip S. , Konopka Lukasz M.
Published: February 2017

Patients suffering from auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) may utilize unique coping strategies in order to reduce distraction caused by the perception of internal speech. Behavioral strategies may include externalizing speech through self-talk. This paper examines the benefits of a multimodality brain to behavior approach applied to the outpatient psychiatric assessment of a 55-year-old Caucasian female presenting with auditory verbal hallucinations and challenges in attention, concentration, and emotional regulation, who employed self-talk as a coping strategy to focus her attention.
Consensus‐based recommendations for the management of rapid cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jia Jianping , Gauthier Serge , Pallotta Sarah , Ji Yong , Wei Wenshi , Xiao Shifu , Peng Dantao , Guo Qihao , Wu Liyong , Chen Shengdi , Kuang Weihong , Zhang Junjian , Wei Cuibai , Tang Yi
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Rapid cognitive decline (RCD) occurs in dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Literature review, consensus meetings, and a retrospective chart review of patients with probable AD were conducted.

Results

Literature review showed that RCD definitions varied. Mini‐Mental State Examination scores <20 at treatment onset, vascular risk factors, age <70 years at symptom onset, higher education levels, and early appearance of hallucinations, psychosis, or extrapyramidal symptoms are recognized RCD risk factors. Chart review showed that RCD (Mini‐Mental State Examination score decline ≥3 points/year) is more common in moderate (43.2%) than in mild patients (20.1%; P < .001). Rapid and slow decliners had similar age, gender, and education levels at baseline.

Discussion

RCD is sufficiently common to interfere with randomized clinical trials. We propose a 6‐month prerandomization determination of the decline rate or use of an RCD risk score to ensure balanced allocation among treatment groups.
Dysregulation of lipids in Alzheimer's disease and their role as potential biomarkers
Authors: Wong Matthew W. , Braidy Nady , Poljak Anne , Pickford Russell , Thambisetty Madhav , Sachdev Perminder S.
Published: February 2017

The brain is highly enriched in lipids, and an intensive study of these lipids may be informative, not only of normal brain function but also of changes with age and in disease. In recent years, the development of highly sensitive mass spectrometry platforms and other high‐throughput technologies has enabled the discovery of complex changes in the entire lipidome. This lipidomics approach promises to be a particularly useful tool for identifying diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of age‐related neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), which has till recently been limited to protein‐ and gene‐centric approaches. This review highlights known lipid changes affecting the AD brain and presents an update on the progress of lipid biomarker research in AD. Important considerations for designing large‐scale lipidomics experiments are discussed to help standardize findings across different laboratories, as well as challenges associated with moving toward clinical application.
Using education and support strategies to improve the way nurses assess regular and transient pain – A quality improvement study of three hospitals
Authors: Peterson Anna , Carlfjord Siw , Schaller Anne , Gerdle Björn , Larsson Britt
Published: February 2017

Background and aims

Systematic and regular pain assessment has been shown to improve pain management. Well-functioning pain assessments require using strategies informed by well-established theory. This study evaluates documented pain assessments reported in medical records and by patients, including reassessment using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) after patients receive rescue medication.

Methods

Documentation surveys (DS) and patient surveys (PS) were performed at baseline (BL), after six months, and after 12 months in 44 in-patient wards at the three hospitals in Östergötland County, Sweden. Nurses and nurse assistants received training on pain assessment and support. The Knowledge to Action Framework guided the implementation of new routines.

Results

According to DS pain assessment using NRS, pain assessment increased significantly: from 7% at baseline to 36% at 12 months (p < 0.001). For PS, corresponding numbers were 33% and 50% (p < 0.001). According to the PS, the proportion of patients who received rescue medication and who had been reassessed increased from 73% to 86% (p = 0.003). The use of NRS to document pain assessment after patients received rescue medication increased significantly (4% vs. 17%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

After implementing education and support strategies, systematic pain assessment increased, an encouraging finding considering the complex contexts of in-patient facilities. However, the achieved assessment levels and especially reassessments related to rescue medication were clinically unsatisfactory. Future studies should include nursing staff and physicians and increase interactivity such as providing online education support. A discrepancy between documented and reported reassessment in association with given rescue medication might indicate that nurses need better ways to provide pain relief.

Implications

The fairly low level of patient-reported pain via NRS and documented use of NRS before and 12 months after the educational programme stresses the need for education on pain management in nursing education. Implementations differing from traditional educational attempts such as interactive implementations might complement educational programmes given at the work place. Standardized routines for pain management that include the possibility for nurses to deliver pain medication within well-defined margins might improve pain management and increase the use of pain assessments. Further research is needed that examines the large discrepancy between patient-reported pain management and documentation in the medical recording system of transient pain.
Targeting butyrylcholinesterase for preclinical single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: DeBay Drew R. , Reid George A. , Pottie Ian R. , Martin Earl , Bowen Chris V. , Darvesh Sultan
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in vivo, by molecular imaging of amyloid or tau, is constrained because similar changes can be found in brains of cognitively normal individuals. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), which becomes associated with these structures in AD, could elevate the accuracy of AD diagnosis by focusing on BChE pathology in the cerebral cortex, a region of scant BChE activity in healthy brain.

Methods

N‐methylpiperidin‐4‐yl 4‐[123I]iodobenzoate, a BChE radiotracer, was injected intravenously into B6SJL‐Tg(APPSwFlLon, PSEN1∗M146 L∗L286 V) 6799Vas/Mmjax (5XFAD) mice and their wild‐type (WT) counterparts for comparative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies. SPECT, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enabled comparison of whole brain and regional retention of the BChE radiotracer in both mouse strains.

Results

Retention of the BChE radiotracer was consistently higher in the 5XFAD mouse than in WT, and differences were particularly evident in the cerebral cortex.

Discussion

Cerebral cortical BChE imaging with SPECT can distinguish 5XFAD mouse model from the WT counterpart.
How to blow infinitely large soap bubbles with a fixed boundary
Authors: Ye Rugang
Published: February 2017

Consider (area minimizing) soap bubbles (
i. e
. surfaces of constant mean curvature) spanning a Jordan curve

Γ

in

ℝ^3

. We show that they converge to infinitely large minimal surfaces spanning

Γ

as their volumes approach infinity.

On considère des bulles de savon (
i.e
. des surfaces de courbure moyenne constante) à bord d’une courbe Jordan

Γ ⊂ ℝ^3

. Nous démontrons qu’ils convergent vers des surfaces minimales infiniment larges à bord

Γ

si leur volume tend vers l’infini.
Prolongation of classical solutions and singularities of generalized solutions
Authors: Tsuji Mikio
Published: February 2017

We consider the Cauchy problem for general partial differential equations of first order. It is well known that it admits locally a smooth solution. When we extend a solution of class

C^1

, what kinds of phenomena may appear? The aim of this paper is to see what may happen in this extension. Our method depends principally on the analysis of characteristic curves.

Nous considérons le problème de Cauchy pour les équations aux dérivées partielles du premier ordre. Nous savons bien qu’il admet localement une solution régulière. Qu’est ce qui se passe quand on prolonge la solution de classe

C^1

? Le but de cet article est d’étudier les phénomènes qui apparaissent dans cette extension. Notre méthode dépend principalement de l’analyse des courbes caractéristiques.
Espaces de Krein et index des systèmes hamiltoniens
Authors: Brousseau V.
Published: February 2017

Some concepts and some results of the Krein-Spaces theory are introduced. We define the concept of “Krein trace”. This is then applied to a new, general definition of the index of a linear periodic hamiltonian system, which is shown to generalize the one of Morse–Ekeland and the one of Conley and Zehnder, which are then equivalent.

On présente quelques notions et résultats de la théorie des espaces de Krein, qui généralisent à la fois les espaces de Hilbert et de Minkowski. On introduit en particulier la « trace de Krein » de certains opérateurs. Ce travail est ensuite appliqué à une définition de l’index d’un système hamiltonien linéaire périodique, dont on montre qu’elle généralise celles de Morse–Ekeland et de Conley et Zehnder, qui sont donc équivalentes.
Long-time behavior for a regularized scalar conservation law in the absence of genuine nonlinearity
Authors: Weinberger H.F.
Published: February 2017

It is shown that as time approaches infinity, the solution of the initial value problem for a regularized one-dimensional scalar conservation law converges along rays to the solution of a certain Riemann problem for the hyperbolic conservation law, even when this conservation law is not genuinely nonlinear.

On démontre que quand le temps devient très grand, la solution du problème de Cauchy pour une loi de conservation scalaire régularisée à une dimensión converge le long des rayons vers la solution d’un problème de Riemann pour la loi de conservation hyperbolique, même quand cette loi n’est pas véritablement non linéaire.
Ondelettes, analyses multirésolutions et filtres miroirs en quadrature
Authors: Cohen A.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we give a complete characterisation of the “quadrature mirror filters” associated with a multiscale analysis. As an application, new types of wavelet belonging to Schwartz class are constructed.

Suivant un raisonnement dû à S. Mallat, on peut reconstituer une analyse multirésolution de

L^2(ℝ^n)

par la donnée simple d’une fonction

m_0

possédant la propriété de « quadrature mirror filter ». Nous proposons ici une condition nécessaire et suffisante portant sur cette fonction pour qu’elle engendre effectivement une analyse multirésolution. Des applications sont ensuite présentées pour illustrer le sens de ce critère. Ainsi, dans le cas unidimensionel, nous construisons une base orthonormée d’ondelettes de la classe de Schwartz dont les éléments sont arbitrairement proches d’un signal progressif. Dans le cas multidimensionel, nous presentons une généralisation non triviale de cette construction.
Multiple critical points for variational problems on partially ordered Hilbert spaces
Authors: Wysocki K.
Published: February 2017

We are studying the existence of multiple critical points for functionals whose potential operators preserve an order structure. By using Morse type arguments we prove that the existence of local minima of a functional

Φ

which are ordered in a special way « forces »

Φ

to have many additional critical points. We also show how these abstract results apply to a concrete situation.

Nous étudions l’existence de points critiques multiples pour les problèmes variationnels dont les opérateurs potentiels préservent une structure d’ordre en utilisant des arguments du type Morse. Nous démontrons que, pour une fonctionnelle

Φ

, l’existence de minima locaux qui soient ordonnés d’une manière particulière « force »

Φ

à avoir beaucoup d’autres points critiques. Nous montrons comment ces résultats abstraits s’appliquent à une situation concrète.
Some inverse mapping theorems
Authors: Frankowska Hélène
Published: February 2017

We prove several first and high order inverse mapping theorems for set-valued maps from a complete metric space to a Banach space and study the stability of the open mapping principle. The obtained results allow to investigate questions of controllability of finite and infinite dimensional control systems, necessary conditions for optimality, implicit function theorem, stability of constraints with respect to a parameter. Applications to problems of optimization, control theory and nonsmooth analysis are provided.

On démontre des théorèmes d’inversion locale d’ordre quelconque pour des correspondances définies sur un espace métrique complet. Les résultats sont appliqués à quelques problèmes des contrôles.
Stable approximations of set-valued maps
Authors: Aubin Jean-Pierre , Wets Roger J.B.
Published: February 2017

The celebrated Lax’ principle “stability and consistency implies convergence” is adapted to the case of nonlinear equation and even inclusions (multivalued equations) through a convenient concept of stability. It requires the definition of “contingent derivative” of single or set-valued maps and states that a family of maps is stable if and only if the inverses of their contingent derivatives are bounded.

An extension of the Banach-Steinhauss theorem to the set-valued analogues of continuous linear operators is also provided, as well as relations between pointwise and graph convergence of sequences of set-valued maps.

Le célèbre principe de Lax: « stabilité et consistence impliquent convergence » est adapté au cas des équations non linéaires et même des inclusions (équations multivoques) grâce à une définition adéquate de la stabilité. Celle-ci est basée sur le concept de « dérivée contingente » d’une correspondance. On dit qu’une famille de correspondances est stable si les inverses de leurs dérivées contingentes sont bornés.

On démontre aussi une adaptation du théorème de Banach-Steinhauss au cas des processus convexes fermés, qui sont les analogues multivoques des opérateurs linéaires continus, et on examine les relations entre convergence simple et convergence graphique d’une suite de correspondances.
Convergence of convex-concave saddle functions: applications to convex programming and mechanics
Authors: Wets Roger J.-B. , Azé Dominique , Attouch Hedy
Published: February 2017

It is shown that operation of partial conjugation (the partial Legendre-Fenchel transform) of bivariate convex-concave functions has bicontinuity properties with respect to the extended epi/hypo-convergence of saddle functions and the epi-convergence of the partial conjugate (convex) functions. The results are applied to study the stability of the optimal solutions and associated multipliers of convex programs, and to a couple of problems in mechanics.

On montre que la conjuguée partielle (la transformation de Legendre-Fenchel partielle) de fonctions de selles convexes-concaves a des propriétés de bicontinuité par rapport à l’épi/hypo-convergence des fonctions de selles et l’épi-convergence des conjuguées partielles. On applique les résultats à l’étude de la stabilité des solutions et des multiplicateurs (de Lagrange associés à ces solutions) de problèmes d’optimisation convexe, ainsi qu’à des problèmes en mécanique qui proviennent de l’homogénéisation et du renforoement de matériaux.
Differential inclusions with free time
Authors: Loewen Philip D. , Clarke Frank H. , Vinter Richard B.
Published: February 2017

We prove Hamiltonian necessary conditions for stateconstrained differential inclusion problems in which the basic time interval is one of the unknowns. Previous approaches typically reduce this problem to one based on a fixed time interval by transforming the time variable into an auxiliary state – a device which unfortunately requires that the data exhibit rather smooth

t

-dependence. Here we use proximal analysis to avoid this transformation, and offer the first complete treatment of free-time problems whose dynamics are assumed to be merely measurable in

t

.

Nous démontrons des conditions nécessaires d’optimalité sous forme hamiltonienne pour des problèmes de contrôle avec contraintes sur l’état lorsque l’horizon fait partie des inconnues. Notre étude utilise l’analyse proximale et s’applique des situations où la dépendance en

t

est simplement mesurable.