bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Synthesis of Conjugated Crystalline 2D Fluorescent Polymer Film Containing Aggregation‐Induced Emission Unit
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Zhaohui , Wu Chenyu , Pan Qingyan , Zhao Yingjie , Li Zhibo
Published: January 2019

A fully conjugated 2D fluorescent film containing a tetraphenylethene (TPE) unit is constructed by Glaser–Hay coupling reaction on the surface of copper foil. A large‐area, freestanding fluorescent films with an average thickness 4.5 nm can be obtained through the strategy of solid–liquid interfacial synthesis. The film and the pore structure are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). High‐resulution TEM and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) further confirm the dual pores structure with triangular‐ and hexagonal‐shaped pores. The as‐prepared 2D films exhibit excellent solid‐state fluorescence emission arising from the confinement of TPE units.
Single Metal Atom Photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Bin , Cai Hairui , Shen Shaohua
Published: January 2019

Photocatalysis suffers from rapid recombination of photoexcited charge carriers and limited active sites for the catalytic reactions, resulting in unsatisfactory performances that are far from practical application. Single metal atom catalysts not only increase the number of active sites due to the maximum atom‐utilization efficiency, but also enhance the intrinsic activity of each active site because of their unique geometric and electronic features. Furthermore, single metal atom catalysts provide a platform for photocatalysis research on the atomic level. This review discusses the unique characteristics, including geometric and electronic properties, of single metal atom catalysts, summarizes their synthesis strategies, and reviews their most recent development in photocatalysis. Finally, the challenges of single metal catalysts for both fundamental research and practical application are highlighted.
Well‐developed muscle attachments in British Albian inoceramids (Inoceramidae, Bivalvia): implications for inoceramid palaeobiology, evolution and taxonomy
Authors: Knight Robin I. , Morris Noel J.
Published: January 2019

Well‐developed muscle scars and associated thickened myostracum preserved in the umbones of phosphatized Gnesioceramus anglicus (Woods) provide insights into the palaeobiology of the Inoceramidae. Deeply anchored pedo‐byssal (anterior and posterior) and gill retractor muscle scars are identified amongst the umbonal scars. Comparison with modern bivalves indicates that the remainder of the umbonal scars, and other deeply incised muscle scars around the pallial line in G. anglicus were attachment sites for mantle muscles that were used to aid soft‐part manipulation. Unusually thick umbonal pallial myostracum in G. anglicus, comprising stacked growth increments, indicates that the mantle musculature was well developed and strongly anchored, and therefore that inoceramid soft tissues represented a significant body mass. This suggests that the complex gill, with unusual number of filament components per plica, observed in gigantiform inoceramids, may have also been present in moderate‐sized species of the family. The muscle scars observed in G. anglicus and Actinoceramus concentricus (Parkinson) are found in several extant families within the Pteriomorphia, notably Isognomonidae and Pteriidae, further strengthening the argument for their place in this infraclass. More specifically this is additional evidence for the Inoceramidae being part of the Ostreida. However, the muscle scar organization observed in this study does not provide further evidence in the conundrum that is the superfamily affiliations of this family.
Designing Alternative Non‐Fullerene Molecular Electron Acceptors for Solution‐Processable Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Sauvé Geneviève
Published: January 2019

Until recently, solution‐processable organic photovoltaics (OPVs) mainly relied on fullerene derivatives as the n‐type material, paired with a p‐type conjugated polymer. However, fullerene derivatives have disadvantages that limit OPV performance, thus fueling research of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs). Initially, NFAs showed poor performance due to difficulties in obtaining favorable blend morphologies. One example is our work with 2,6‐dialkylamino core‐substituted naphthalene diimides. Researchers then learned to control blend morphology by NFA molecular design. To limit miscibility with polymer while preventing excessive self‐aggregation, non‐planar, twisted or 3D structures were reported. An example of a 3D structure is our work with homoleptic zinc(II) complexes of azadipyrromethene. The most recent design is a planar A‐D‐A conjugated system where the D unit is rigid and has orthogonal side chains to control aggregation. These have propelled power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) to ∼14 %, surpassing fullerene‐based OPVs. These exciting new developments prompt further investigations of NFAs and provide a bright future for OPVs.
Surface Compositions of Oxide Supported Bimetallic Catalysts: A Compared Study by High‐Sensitivity Low Energy Ion Scattering Spectroscopy and X‐Ray Photoemission Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Yangyang , Huang Junjie , Zheng Yanping , Chen Mingshu
Published: January 2019

It is well known that there is a critical relationship between the surface composition and catalytic performance for a bimetallic catalyst. However, in most cases, the surface composition is obviously different from that of the bulk. Moreover, the surface is normally reconstructed under reaction conditions. In this personal account, our recent progresses in determining the surface compositions of oxide supported bimetal catalysts by high‐sensitivity low energy ion scattering spectroscopy (HS‐LEIS) and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) are summarized. Phase diagrams of the surface compositions under various conditions as a function of the bulk composition are established and compared. It is found that oxidation induces de‐alloying and enrichment of PdO, CuO, SnO2 on the surface, while H2 reduction results in re‐alloying. The addition of the second component not only modifies the nature of the active site, but also varies the dispersion of the active components. The support effects are discussed. The compared studies reveal that HS‐LEIS can achieve a more reliable surface composition for oxide supported catalysts.
Gold‐Palladium Nanocluster Catalysts for Homocoupling: Electronic Structure and Interface Dynamics
Authors: Ehara Masahiro , Priyakumar U. Deva
Published: January 2019

The gold‐palladium (Au−Pd) bimetallic nanocluster (NC) catalyst in colloidal phase performs the homocoupling reaction of various aryl chlorides (Ar−Cl) under ambient conditions. We have systematically investigated various aspects of the Au−Pd NC catalysts with respect to this homocoupling reaction by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, genetic algorithm (GA) approaches, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our findings include the geometric and electronic structures of the Au−Pd NC, the reactive Pd sites on the NC surface, the electron‐donating effects of surrounding polymer matrix, the reaction mechanism of homocoupling reaction and rate‐determining step, the inverse halogen dependence of the reaction, and the solvation dynamics at interface region between NC and polymer matrix in aqueous solution.
Prediction of wind power generation base on neural network in consideration of the fault time
Authors: Cao Yunkun , Hu Qingqing , Shi Hui , Zhang Yanli
Published: January 2019

Along with the rapid increase in wind power penetration into the power grid, wind power generation predicting is becoming increasingly important to power system operators and electricity market participants. However, the random nature of the wind power would increase the uncertainty of power systems. The influencing factor is one of the most important factors in the quality of wind power prediction. In order to obtain a higher prediction accuracy, a two‐stage prediction method combined with meteorological factor and fault time is proposed. In the first stage, we present a detailed review of fault time of wind power predicting with machine‐learning methods and compare ten different models based on different influencing factors, and then, the second stage is combined with the predicted results of first stage, coupled with meteorological factors for the final wind power prediction. The results show good prediction accuracy in operation data of one wind farm from the Hu‐Nan province with different machine‐learning algorithms. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Male and female anatomical homologies in the perineum of the dog (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Hall Margaret I. , Plochocki Jeffrey H. , Rodriguez‐Sosa José R.
Published: January 2019

Understanding the homologies between male and female perineal structure helps both evolutionary biologists and clinicians better understand the evolution and anatomy of canines. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) play an important role in human society, and canine perineal anatomy is important for maintaining dogs’ reproductive health for successful breeding and a wide variety of pathologies. Here, we investigate homologies between male and female perineal structure, identifying structures based on common function, anatomical relationships and attachments. In this investigation we dissected 21 male and female large‐breed dogs. We find broad structural homologies between male and female dogs related to erection, micturition and defecation, including muscles, fasciae and erectile tissue. Using these homologies will help anatomists and clinicians interpret the anatomical organization of the perineum, a notoriously difficult area of anatomy.
Effect of immunosuppressive drugs on cytokine production in canine whole blood stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or a combination of ionomycin and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate
Authors: Dandrieux Julien R.S. , Narayanan Lakshmi , Firestone Simon , Archer Todd M. , Mansfield Caroline S.
Published: January 2019

A pharmacodynamic assay has been previously developed to monitor ciclosporin treatment in dogs by assessing inhibition of cytokine transcription after whole blood stimulation with 12‐myristate 13‐1 acetate and ionomycin (PMA/I). In this study, whole blood stimulation with either PMA/I or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to assess the effect of multiple drugs (azathioprine, ciclosporin, mycophenolate, leflunomide and prednisone) after a 7‐day treatment course on production of cytokines measured with a multiplex assay in healthy dogs (n = 4 for each treatment). Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), interferon gamma (IFNγ) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were significantly activated by PMA/I stimulation and IL‐6, IL‐10 and TNFα by LPS stimulation, in the absence of immunosuppressive drugs. After ciclosporin treatment, IL‐10, IFNγ and TNFα production was significantly reduced after stimulation with PMA/I compared to pre‐treatment. After prednisone treatment, TNFα production was significantly reduced after stimulation with PMA/I or LPS compared to pre‐treatment. No significant change was observed after treatment with azathioprine, leflunomide or mycophenolate. This methodology may be useful to monitor dogs not only treated with ciclosporin, but also with prednisone or a combination of both. Further studies are needed to assess the use of this assay in a clinical setting.
First report of caprine abortions due to Chlamydia abortus in Argentina
Authors: Di Paolo Leandro A. , Alvarado Pinedo María F. , Origlia Javier , Fernández Gerardo , Uzal Francisco A. , Travería Gabriel E.
Published: January 2019

Infectious abortions of goats in Argentina are mainly associated with brucellosis and toxoplasmosis. In this paper, we describe an abortion outbreak in goats caused by Chlamydia abortus. Seventy out of 400 goats aborted. Placental smears stained with modified Ziehl‐Neelsen stain showed many chlamydia‐like bodies within trophoblasts. One stillborn fetus was necropsied and the placenta was examined. No gross lesions were seen in the fetus, but the inter‐cotyledonary areas of the placenta were thickened and covered by fibrino‐suppurative exudate. The most consistent microscopic finding was found in the placenta and consisted of fibrinoid necrotic vasculitis, with mixed inflammatory infiltration in the tunica media. Immunohistochemistry of the placenta was positive for Chlamydia spp. The results of polymerase chain reaction targeting 23S rRNA gene performed on placenta were positive for Chlamydia spp. An analysis of 417 amplified nucleotide sequences revealed 99% identity to those of C. abortus pm225 (GenBank AJ005617) and pm112 (GenBank AJ005613) isolates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of abortion associated with C. abortus in Argentina.
Enhanced UV resistance of solar cooling high density polyethylene/titanium dioxide composites for long outdoor life via synergy effect of UV absorber and antioxidant
Authors: Jiang Tiankai , Wang Shichao , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2019

In this study, the ultraviolet (UV) resistance of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) composites was investigated. It is widely known that UV absorber could efficiently improve the UV resistance of the composites, and prevent the composites from being damaged by UV light. However, a small percentage of UV light still exist that may cause damage to material only with the assistance of UV absorber. Therefore, antioxidant was used in combination with UV absorber to further improve the UV resistance of the materials. Herein, three kinds of main antioxidants were used in combination with one kind of auxiliary antioxidant, and simultaneously UV absorber was added into the matrix material to enhance the UV resistance of the HDPE/TiO2 composites. It was found that antioxidant could prevent the break of the molecular chains during preparation processing and reduce the rate of the photo‐oxygen degradation during UV irradiation. As the aging time increases, the crystallinity of the composites increased, but the control HDPE increased the most. The reflectance of the composites without antioxidant showed a slight decrease after UV irradiation, whereas the reflectance of the composites containing antioxidant still maintained the same level after UV irradiation. With the enhancement of the aging resistance of HDPE/TiO2 composites, the general characters were highlighted without sacrificing the excellent solar reflectivity and great cooling performance. Besides, with the addition of antioxidant and UV absorber, excellent mechanical properties of the composites can be also achieved after UV irradiation. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:303–309, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
What Is Unfair about Unequal Brute Luck? An Intergenerational Puzzle
Authors: Beard S. J.
Published: January 2019

According to Luck egalitarians, fairness requires us to bring it about that nobody is worse off than others where this results from brute bad luck, but not where they choose or deserve to be so. In this paper, I consider one type of brute bad luck that appears paradigmatic of what a Luck Egalitarian ought to be most concerned about, namely that suffered by people who are born to badly off parents and are less well off as a result. However, when we consider what is supposedly unfair about this kind of unequal brute luck, luck egalitarians face a dilemma. According to the standard account of luck egalitarianism, differential brute luck is unfair because of its effects on the distribution of goods. Yet, where some parents are worse off because they have chosen to be imprudent, it may be impossible to neutralize these effects without creating a distribution that seems at least as unfair. This, I argue, is problematic for luck egalitarianism. I, therefore, explore two alternative views that can avoid this problem. On the first of these, proposed by Shlomi Segall, the distributional effects of unequal brute luck are unfair only when they make a situation more unequal, but not when they make it more equal. On the second, it is the unequal brute luck itself, rather than its distributional effects, that is unfair. I conclude with some considerations in favour of this second view, while accepting that both are valid responses to the problem I describe.
Hydro-Jet Dissection of the Cavernous Nerves Preserves Erection Function in a Radical Prostatectomy Animal Model
Authors: Campbell Jeffrey D. , Alenezi Husain , DeYoung Ling X. , Brock Gerald B. , Pautler Stephen E.
Published: January 2019

Background

Postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a prevalent consequence of radical prostatectomy (RP) that significantly impacts patient quality of life. Water-jet technology is widely used for dissection in neurosurgical procedures but novel to urologic surgery.

Aim

To establish the impact of hydro-jet dissection (HJD) of the cavernous nerves (CN) on postoperative erectile function in an animal model of RP-induced ED.

Methods

32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to 4 groups: Sham surgery (n = 8), bilateral HJD of CN (n = 8), blunt CN injury (n = 8), or stretch CN injury (n = 8). After 4 weeks, erectile function was assessed by measuring intracavernous pressure (ICP), and penile tissues were harvested for immunohistologic studies.

Main Outcome Measure

The peak ICP and the area under the curve were calculated for each group. Immunohistologic studies were performed for α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase on cross-sections of penile tissue.

Results

Rats in the HJD group demonstrate a significantly higher mean peak ICP and area under the curve compared with both CN injury groups (P = .001). Postoperative erectile function in the HJD group returned to baseline function. Preservation of α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase was observed in the HJD group compared with the other surgical trauma groups.

Clinical Implications

Hydro-jet dissection used in an RP animal model maintains erectile function and offers a potential benefit that warrants further human studies.

Strengths & Limitations

This is a novel animal study comparing a new technology to established CN dissection techniques. This study uses an animal model, which may not completely translate to post-RP ED in humans.

Conclusion

Hydro-jet dissection of the CN during RP in an animal model is associated with significantly better postoperative erectile function when compared with other CN injury. Clinical studies are needed to further investigate the putative benefit of HJD on erectile function in patients undergoing RP.
Compromised Sexual Health Among Male Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Authors: Palm Pernille , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Giraldi Annamaria , Rasmussen Marianne Linnet , Berg Selina Kikkenborg
Published: January 2019

Introduction

In cardiac patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), sexual function is sparsely described.

Aim

To determine the prevalence and distribution of sexual dysfunction, and to describe whether primary or secondary prophylactic ICD indication and antitachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock is associated with sexual function.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of men with an implanted ICD was conducted at 2 university hospitals in Denmark. Inclusion criteria were men over the age of 18 with an ICD. Exclusion criterion was no partner.

Main Outcome Measure

Sexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and data on implantation indication (primary/secondary prevention) and therapy such as ATP and shock (both appropriate and inappropriate) was obtained from the Danish ICD Register.

Results

Data from 415 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate 50.2%). Patients had a mean age of 63.9±12.1 years. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was present in 70% of patients, orgasmic dysfunction was present in 57.9% of patients, 82.8% had reduced sexual desire, 85.8% had intercourse satisfaction problems, and 76.9% experienced overall satisfaction problems (non-validated metric except for ED). Patients with an ICD on primary prophylactic indication had more sexual dysfunction and ED compared with patients with an ICD on secondary prophylactic indication. ATP therapy, but not shock, was associated with more ED.

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with ICD and is not limited to ED, but also orgasmic function, desire, intercourse, and overall satisfaction are affected. Primary prophylactic ICD indication and ATP, but not shock therapy, is associated with compromised sexual function.
Sexual Activity the Night Before Exercise Does Not Affect Various Measures of Physical Exercise Performance
Authors: Zavorsky Gerald S. , Vouyoukas Eleftherios , Pfaus James G.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The idea that sexual activity can affect athletic performance has been a matter of conjecture for the past several decades.

Aim

To provide preliminary data on whether sexual activity the evening before several physical exercise performance tests affects performance the next day.

Methods

Eight participants (mean age, 28 ± 5 years) underwent several physical exercise performance tests on 3 different mornings, under 3 conditions: (i) no sexual intercourse the night before the tests (control), (ii) sexual intercourse the night before the tests, and (iii) yoga the night before the tests (randomized, single-blinded).

Main Outcome Measures

Physical work capacity, lower body muscular power (standing vertical jump), upper body strength (handgrip strength), reaction time, and upper body musculoskeletal endurance (number of push-ups completed).

Results

All participants experienced orgasm through intercourse. The more pleasurable the orgasm, the lower the systolic blood pressure (SBP) on the day after intercourse (Spearman’s rho = -0.86; P = .007). For every 2% increase in the total orgasm score, SBP decreased by 1 mmHg. Intercourse lasted 13 minutes; mean heart rate (HR) and caloric expenditure ranged from 88 to 145 beats/minute and from 53 to 190 kcal, respectively. There were no significant differences in the physical working capacity that elicited an HR of 170 beats/minute, number of push-ups completed, vertical jump height, grip strength, or reaction time across the 3 conditions.

Conclusion

Orgasm through sexual activity on the night before physical exercise may reduce SBP; however, we were unable to demonstrate a statistically significant difference in physical exercise performance in any of the 3 conditions.
Characterization of Mood Instability through Bipolar Disorders: A cluster-analytic approach using weekly prospective life-chart methodology
Authors: Szmulewicz A.G. , Martino D.J. , Strejilevich S.A.
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to characterize mood instability (MI) in Bipolar Disorder (BD) and to investigate potential differences between subtype I and II.

MethodsLife-charts from weekly mood ratings of 90 patients were used to compute: weeks spent with symptoms, number of episodes, and MI. Regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between BD subtype and MI adjusting by all potential confounding factors. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to determine the appropriate number of clusters that described the data and to assign subjects to a specific cluster based on their MI. We then compared clusters on clinical and psychosocial outcomes.

ResultsMedian follow-up was 5 years (IQR: 3.6–7.9). Patients spent 15.2%, 5%, and 3% of follow-up with depressive, manic, and mixed symptoms, respectively. BD type II presented higher MI (β = 1.83, 95% CI: 0.66–3.00) and subsydromal symptoms than BD type I patients. No differences in functioning or recurrences were found between subtypes. Differences in MI between the two clusters mimicked those between type I and II but enhanced (β = 3.86, 95%CI -4.72, -2.66). High MI (n = 43) patients presented poorer functioning and higher recurrences compared to Low MI patients (n = 43).

ConclusionBD type II presented higher MI and subsyndromal symptoms than BD type I patients. However, these differences did not translate into clinically relevant outcomes. A classification based on MI may provide useful clinical insights.
Evaluation of DNA damage and mutation screening of exon 26 of SCN1A gene in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Sekar Nishu , Ramgir Shalaka , Prabhu D , Renu Kaviyarasi , V.G Abilash
Published: January 2019

Background Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders. Around 50 million people worldwide suffer from Epilepsy, 85% of them are from the developing countries. It is a most significant as well as common brain disorder worldwide. Sodium channel alpha 1 subunit gene (SCN1A) is most commonly mutated the gene in different forms of epilepsy.

Objective To screen the genomic damage and SCN1A gene mutation in patients with epilepsy.

Methods To screen the genetic instability of SCN1A gene using Buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay and molecular analysis with Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) technique was used to observe the variations in SCN1A gene.

Results We found significant differences in buccal cells of patients than controls. So, we can interpret that BMCyt assay would be a minimally invasive biomarker to detect DNA damage and mutation screening in the SCN1A gene with SSCP technique showed no variation in epileptic patients.

Conclusion These data confirmed that there is certainly DNA damage and no mutations in the SCN1A gene; hence the genetic instability has occurred in epileptic patients.
A practical approach to securing IoT
Authors: Perez Gabe
Published: January 2019

The Internet of Things (IoT) is here. A recent Gartner report states that organisations are beginning to see tremendous value in adopting IoT technology, such as revenue growth, cost reduction and monetising customer data through the delivery of value-added services. 1 Additionally, technology is advancing at a pace that makes deploying IoT resources somewhat easy.
Managing the risks of shadow IoT
Authors: Cox Gary
Published: January 2019

Over the past decade, IT teams have been charged with managing the complexities and security risks inherent in their organisations’ bring your own device (BYOD) schemes and unsanctioned shadow IT operations. The burgeoning growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the plethora of consumer devices being connected to enterprise networks have only exacerbated the situation further, adding new levels of complexity and risk and giving rise to the phenomenon of shadow IoT.
The role of decoupling factor on sugarcane crop water use under tropical conditions
Authors: Nassif Daniel Silveira Pinto , da Costa Leandro Garcia , Vianna Murilo dos Santos , dos Santos Carvalho Kassio , Marin Fabio Ricardo
Published: January 2019

The expansion of sugarcane crop to regions with lower water supply in Brazil has increased the importance of correct estimation of crop water requirements. Currently, the irrigation management is generally done using the crop coefficient (Kc) based on the FAO 56 bulletin. Kc is used to determine the potential water demand of the crop for a given period of time and is considered constant for each crop stage. However, some recent studies have shown that Kc can be significantly variable under different evapotranspiration (ETo) rates. This paper aimed to analyse sugarcane water consumption at different scales: plant (sap flow measurements by energy balance method); canopy (Bowen ratio energy balance method); and plant–atmosphere coupling (infrared gas analyser) to reduce the uncertainties on the irrigation practices. Measurements were taken at two experimental sites, where a modern Brazilian cultivar CTC 12 was grown under drip irrigation and an old main Brazilian cultivar (RB867515) was grown under sprinkler irrigation by a central pivot. The mean crop evapotranspiration (ETc) values by the Bowen ratio energy balance method were 2.92 and 3.68 mm d−1 for RB867515 and CTC 12, respectively, resulting in a mean Kc of 0.99 at the full vegetative growth stage. Kc values were dependent on ETo and varied between 0.2 and 1.7 for both cultivars. This occurred in a crop coupled to the atmosphere (Ω = 0.37) and was the same found in other coupled crops such as coffee and citrus. In conclusion, the sugarcane Kc for southeast Brazil presented temporal variability due to coupling conditions according to reference evapotranspiration, and this should be considered in irrigation management.
A drift of Langmuir waves in a magnetized inhomogeneous plasma
Authors: Erofeev Vasily I.
Published: January 2019

The concept of informativeness of nonlinear plasma physics scenarios is explained. Natural ideas of developing highly informative models of plasma kinetics are spelled out. They are applied to develop a formula that governs the drift of long Langmuir waves in spatial positions and wave vectors in a magnetized plasma due to the plasma inhomogeneity. Together with previous findings (Erofeev, Phys. Plasmas, vol. 22, 2015, 092302), the formula evidences the need for an intelligent generalization of the notion of wave energy density from usual homogeneous plasmas to inhomogeneous ones.
Inclusion of neural effort in cost function can explain perceptual decision suboptimality
Authors: Shimansky Yury P. , Dounskaia Natalia
Published: January 2019

A more general form of optimality approach applied to the entire behavioral paradigm should be used instead of abandoning the optimality approach. Adding the cost of information processing to the optimality criterion and taking into account some other recently proposed aspects of decision optimization could substantially increase the explanatory power of an optimality approach to modeling perceptual decision making.
Satisficing as an alternative to optimality and suboptimality in perceptual decision making
Authors: Mastrogiorgio Antonio , Petracca Enrico
Published: January 2019

Rahnev & Denison's (R&D) critique of optimality in perceptual decision making leads either to implicitly retaining optimality as a normative benchmark or disregarding the normative approach altogether. We suggest that “bounded rationality,” and particularly the “satisficing” criterion, would help dispense with optimality while salvaging normativity. We also suggest that satisficing would provide a parsimonious and robust explanation for perceptual behavior.
Optimality is critical when it comes to testing computation-level hypotheses
Authors: Geurts Laura S. , Chetverikov Andrey , van Bergen Ruben S. , Zhou Ying J. , Bertana Andrea , Jehee Janneke F. M.
Published: January 2019

We disagree with Rahnev & Denison (R&D) that optimality should be abandoned altogether. Rather, we argue that adopting a normative approach enables researchers to test hypotheses about the brain's computational goals, avoids just-so explanations, and offers insights into function that are simply inaccessible to the alternatives proposed by R&D.
The role of (bounded) optimization in theory testing and prediction
Authors: Howes Andrew , Lewis Richard L.
Published: January 2019

We argue that a radically increased emphasis on (bounded) optimality can contribute to cognitive science by supporting prediction. Bounded optimality (computational rationality), an idea that borrowed from artificial intelligence, supports a priori behavioral prediction from constrained generative models of cognition. Bounded optimality thereby addresses serious failings with the logic and testing of descriptive models of perception and action.
Non-optimal perceptual decision in human navigation
Authors: Zhao Mintao , Warren William H.
Published: January 2019

We highlight that optimal cue combination does not represent a general principle of cue interaction during navigation, extending Rahnev & Denison's (R&D) summary of nonoptimal perceptual decisions to the navigation domain. However, we argue that the term “suboptimality” does not capture the way visual and nonvisual cues interact in navigational decisions.
Altruism, collective rationality, and extreme self-sacrifice
Authors: Colman Andrew M. , Pulford Briony D.
Published: January 2019

Puzzlement about extreme self-sacrifice arises from an unarticulated assumption of psychological egoism, according to which people invariably act in their own self-interests. However, altruism and collective rationality are well established experimentally: people sometimes act to benefit others or in the interests of groups to which they belong. When such social motives are sufficiently strong, extreme self-sacrifice presents no special problem of explanation and does not require out-group threats.
The power of norms to sway fused group members
Authors: Louis Winnifred R. , McGarty Craig , Thomas Emma F. , Amiot Catherine E. , Moghaddam Fathali M.
Published: January 2019

Whitehouse adapts insights from evolutionary anthropology to interpret extreme self-sacrifice through the concept of identity fusion. The model neglects the role of normative systems in shaping behaviors, especially in relation to violent extremism. In peaceful groups, increasing fusion will actually decrease extremism. Groups collectively appraise threats and opportunities, actively debate action options, and rarely choose violence toward self or others.
“Self-sacrifice” as an accidental outcome of extreme within-group mutualism
Authors: Marie Antoine
Published: January 2019

Whitehouse makes no room for evolutionary approaches to extreme behaviors based on partner choice and mutualism, which have been convincingly invoked to make sense of ordinary morality. Extended to intergroup warfare, these evolutionary mechanisms may play a pivotal role in explaining the existence of extreme – though not functionally sacrificial – behaviors, benefiting non-kin fellow fighters, together with the distinctive phenomenology those behaviors display.
The importance of environmental threats and ideology in explaining extreme self-sacrifice
Authors: Elnakouri Abdo , McGregor Ian , Grossmann Igor
Published: January 2019

We argue that Whitehouse's group-based model neglects two key contextual variables: environmental threats and ideology. Environmental threats lead to extremism outside of group settings and predispose individuals toward joining ideologically zealous groups. Ideologies and environmental threats can also explain why certain groups adopt norms that encourage violent self-sacrifice.
Individual difference in acts of self-sacrifice
Authors: Stagnaro Michael N. , Littman Rebecca , Rand David G.
Published: January 2019

Whitehouse's model explains when people engage in self-sacrifice, but not who is most likely to do so. We propose incorporating individual differences, such as cognitive style (one's inclination toward intuition versus deliberation), and argue that individuals who rely on intuition may be more likely to (1) develop group identity fusion after an emotional experience and (2) engage in pro-social self-sacrifice.
The role of entitativity in perpetuating cycles of violence
Authors: Choi Virginia K. , Jackson Joshua C. , Gelfand Michele J.
Published: January 2019

Whitehouse's theory on fusion can explain why suicide terrorists are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their groups, but the following questions on violent extremism remain: (a) Why are victims of suicide terrorism often innocent bystanders? (b) Why do terrorists seem motivated by ancient conflicts? We incorporate findings from the entitativity literature to provide insights into how perceptions of in-groups and out-groups are key processes influencing violent extremism.
Path Planning of UGV Based on Bézier Curves
Authors: Hu Yanming , Li Decai , He Yuqing , Han Jianda
Published: January 2019

An effective path planner is critical for autonomous traversal of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in harsh environments. This paper describes a novel path planning method considering Bézier curves and a two-layer planning framework. In the two-layer framework, a road centerline (RCL) estimator located on the upper layer works as a global planner to obtain the local target for the bottom local planner. The RCL is estimated from a series of candidate Bézier curves based on a safety criterion. In the bottom layer, an optimal trajectory planner and a speed planner make up the local planner to obtain the desired steering turning angle and linear speed. The criteria for optimal trajectory selection are designed for comfortable driving. Road safety is considered in the speed planner for robust driving. Three sets of simulations are used to evaluate and quantify the relative performance of variations of our path planning algorithm. The proposed path planning method is implemented on a modified Polaris RZR 800 UGV, too. Two experiments based on this UGV are set up in the country road environment to demonstrate the viability of the proposed method.
Uniform Star Catalogue using GWKM Clustering for Application in Star Sensors
Authors: Somayehee Farshad , Nikkhah Amir Ali , Roshanian Jafar
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a novel algorithm of weighted k-means clustering with geodesic criteria is presented to generate a uniform database for a star sensor. For this purpose, selecting the appropriate star catalogue and desirable minimum magnitude and eliminating double stars are among the steps of the uniformity process. Further, Delaunay triangulation and determining the scattered data density by using a Voronoi diagram were used to solve the problems of the proposed clustering method. Thus, by running a Monte Carlo simulation to count the number of stars observed in different fields of view, it was found that the uniformity leads to a significant reduction of the probability of observing a large number of stars in all fields of view. In contrast, the uniformity slightly increased the field of view needed to observe the minimum number of required stars for an identification algorithm.
A Major Limitation of the Direction of Causation Model: Non-Shared Environmental Confounding
Authors: Rasmussen Stig Hebbelstrup Rye , Ludeke Steven , Hjelmborg Jacob V. B.
Published: January 2019

Determining (1) the direction of causation and (2) the size of causal effects between two constructs is a central challenge of the scientific study of humans. In the early 1990s, researchers in behavioral genetics invented what was termed the direction of causation (DoC) model to address exactly these two concerns. The model claims that for any two traits whose mode of inheritance is sufficiently different, the direction of causation can be ascertained using a sufficiently large genetically informative sample. Using a series of simulation studies, we demonstrate a major challenge to the DoC model, namely that it is extremely sensitive to even tiny amounts of non-shared confounding. Even under ideal conditions for the DoC model (a large sample,N= 10,000), a large causal relationship (e.g., a causal correlation of .50) with very different modes of inheritance between the two traits (e.g., a pure AE model for one trait and a pure CE model for another trait) and a modest degree (correlation of .10) of non-shared confounding between the two traits results in the choice of the wrong causal models and estimating the wrong causal effects.
Imaging Slab Detachment Within the Western Hellenic Subduction Zone
Authors: Hansen Samantha E. , Evangelidis Christos P. , Papadopoulos Gerassimos A.
Published: January 2019

The Western Hellenic Subduction Zone (WHSZ) has been the focus of numerous seismic investigations, but its structure, particularly between ~150‐ and 250‐km depth, remains poorly understood. Many questions exist regarding the slab geometry at these intermediate depths, including whether the slab displays any tears related to tectonic processes along the WHSZ; however, local and regional studies only provide limited depth coverage, and the coarser resolution associated with broader‐scale investigations makes it difficult to discern detailed slab structure. Here, we have employed an adaptively parameterized inversion scheme to develop a new P wave tomography model for the WHSZ that bridges the gap between regional‐ and broader‐scale studies. Our new model highlights a trench‐parallel tear in the subducting lithosphere between northern Greece and the Gulf of Corinth. Further south, the imaged velocity structure indicates that the slab is retreating to the west and that it is thinned by the southward propagating tear, but the slab has not yet detached in this area. The tear well correlates with the down‐dip limit of seismicity in central Greece, while the steeply dipping slab between ~60‐ and 200‐km depth beneath southern Greece coincides with a steeper and deeper Wadati‐Benioff zone. While the slab continues into the lower mantle, earthquakes terminate at ~200‐km depth, and this is best attributed to dehydration processes in the subducting lithosphere. The southern extent of the tear imaged in our study also coincides with volcanic centers in eastern Peloponnese. Our results suggest that the trench‐parallel tear strongly influences seismicity and volcanism throughout Greece.
A 16‐kyr Record of Ocean Circulation and Monsoon Intensification From the Central Bay of Bengal
Authors: Naik Sushant S. , Basak Chandranath , Goldstein Steven L. , Naidu P. Divakar , Naik Smita N.
Published: January 2019

The monsoonal signal dominates most climate records from the Indian Ocean. As a consequence, conventional stable isotope tracers have not been effective at tracking ocean circulation in the Indian Ocean and distinguishing between monsoonal and ocean circulation changes in the Bay of Bengal. Here we present a deglacial through Holocene Nd isotope record of seawater in the central Bay of Bengal, spanning the last 16 kyr. Comparison with a published record from the deep equatorial Indian Ocean (Piotrowski et al., , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2009.06.007 shows that Nd isotope ratios of these cores were similar until ~8 ka (ƐNd = −7 to −8 until ~13 ka, and −8.5 to −9.5 between ~13 and 8 ka), after which the Bay of Bengal record diverges to lower values (ƐNd = ~ −10.5). We interpret the Nd isotope record until ~8 ka in both cores to represent the influence of the global overturning ocean circulation. The divergence of the record in the Bay of Bengal since ~8 ka to lower ƐNd values is coincident with a major increase in the strength of the rain‐bearing southwest monsoon and a high sediment load from the Ganga‐Brahmaputra Rivers to the Bengal Fan that reflects major impacts from the intensified monsoon. Thus, the Nd isotopes are sensitive recorders of the changes in monsoon intensity in the Bay of Bengal.
Transport and Loss of Ring Current Electrons Inside Geosynchronous Orbit During the 17 March 2013 Storm
Authors: Aseev N. A. , Shprits Y. Y. , Wang D. , Wygant J. , Drozdov A. Y. , Kellerman A. C. , Reeves G. D.
Published: January 2019

Ring current electrons (1–100 keV) have received significant attention in recent decades, but many questions regarding their major transport and loss mechanisms remain open. In this study, we use the four‐dimensional Versatile Electron Radiation Belt code to model the enhancement of phase space density that occurred during the 17 March 2013 storm. Our model includes global convection, radial diffusion, and scattering into the Earth's atmosphere driven by whistler‐mode hiss and chorus waves. We study the sensitivity of the model to the boundary conditions, global electric field, the electric field associated with subauroral polarization streams, electron loss rates, and radial diffusion coefficients. The results of the code are almost insensitive to the model parameters above 4.5 RERE, which indicates that the general dynamics of the electrons between 4.5 RE and the geostationary orbit can be explained by global convection. We found that the major discrepancies between the model and data can stem from the inaccurate electric field model and uncertainties in lifetimes. We show that additional mechanisms that are responsible for radial transport are required to explain the dynamics of ≥40‐keV electrons, and the inclusion of the radial diffusion rates that are typically assumed in radiation belt studies leads to a better agreement with the data. The overall effect of subauroral polarization streams on the electron phase space density profiles seems to be smaller than the uncertainties in other input parameters. This study is an initial step toward understanding the dynamics of these particles inside the geostationary orbit.
Opening up new horizons for psychiatric genetics in the Russian Federation: moving toward a national consortium
Authors: Fedorenko Olga Yu. , Golimbet Vera E. , Ivanova Svetlana А. , Levchenko Аnastasia , Gainetdinov Raul R. , Semke Arkady V. , Simutkin German G. , Gareeva Аnna E. , Glotov Аndrey S. , Gryaznova Anna , Iourov Ivan Y. , Krupitsky Evgeny M. , Lebedev Igor N. , Mazo Galina E. , Kaleda Vasily G. , Abramova Lilia I. , Oleichik Igor V. , Nasykhova Yulia A. , Nasyrova Regina F. , Nikolishin Anton E. , Kasyanov Evgeny D. , Rukavishnikov Grigory V. , Timerbulatov Ilgiz F. , Brodyansky Vadim M. , Vorsanova Svetlana G. , Yurov Yury B. , Zhilyaeva Tatyana V. , Sergeeva Anzhelika V. , Blokhina Elena A. , Zvartau Edwin E. , Blagonravova Anna S. , Aftanas Lyubomir I. , Bokhan Nikolay А. , Kekelidze Zurab I. , Klimenko Tatyana V. , Anokhina Irina P. , Khusnutdinova Elza K. , Klyushnik Tatyana P. , Neznanov Nikolay G. , Stepanov Vadim A. , Schulze Thomas G. , Kibitov Аleksandr О.
Published: January 2019

We provide an overview of the recent achievements in psychiatric genetics research in the Russian Federation and present genotype-phenotype, population, epigenetic, cytogenetic, functional, ENIGMA, and pharmacogenetic studies, with an emphasis on genome-wide association studies. The genetic backgrounds of mental illnesses in the polyethnic and multicultural population of the Russian Federation are still understudied. Furthermore, genetic, genomic, and pharmacogenetic data from the Russian Federation are not adequately represented in the international scientific literature, are currently not available for meta-analyses and have never been compared with data from other populations. Most of these problems cannot be solved by individual centers working in isolation but warrant a truly collaborative effort that brings together all the major psychiatric genetic research centers in the Russian Federation in a national consortium. For this reason, we have established the Russian National Consortium for Psychiatric Genetics (RNCPG) with the aim to strengthen the power and rigor of psychiatric genetics research in the Russian Federation and enhance the international compatibility of this research.

The consortium is set up as an open organization that will facilitate collaborations on complex biomedical research projects in human mental health in the Russian Federation and abroad. These projects will include genotyping, sequencing, transcriptome and epigenome analysis, metabolomics, and a wide array of other state-of-the-art analyses. Here, we discuss the challenges we face and the approaches we will take to unlock the huge potential that the Russian Federation holds for the worldwide psychiatric genetics community.