bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning of co‐extrusion processing conditions and film layout to optimize the performances of PA/PE multilayer nanocomposite films for food packaging
Authors: Garofalo Emilia , Scarfato Paola , Di Maio Luciano , Incarnato Loredana
Published: February 2017

Despite the great potentialities of nanotechnology for food packaging applications, there are still a number of important issues to consider, mainly regarding the safety concerns and the industrial scale‐up. A feasible solution to overcome the problem of possible nanoparticles migration can be the use of a functional barrier between the nanomaterial and the food. In this work, multilayer packaging films, incorporating a layered silicate/polyamide nanocomposite (as oxygen barrier layer) and low‐density polyethylene (as moisture resistant and sealable layer) in direct contact with food, were produced by a lab‐scale blown co‐extrusion equipment using different processing conditions and film layouts, to determine the key parameters for performance improvement and to assess their potential applicability on an industrial scale. In particular, a copolyamide 6,66 was used as polymer matrix and two organomodified layered silicates (Cloisite 30B and Dellite 43B) were selected as nanofillers. The results demonstrated the potential technological interest of the proposed packaging solutions in terms of increased performances and ecofriendliness because all the multilayer hybrid films, particularly the ones filled with Cloisite 30B, display significant improvements in barrier and mechanical properties not only with respect to the corresponding unfilled systems, but also compared to similar PA/PE commercial films. The observed increments, up to 60% for oxygen barrier and 55% for stiffness, are more relevant in the case of the films with the thinner nanocomposite layer. Moreover, no detectable changes in film ductility, optical properties, and overall migration behavior were measured as consequence of nanofiller addition. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3157–3167, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
A manufacturing cost estimation method with uncertainty analysis and its application to perovskite on glass photovoltaic modules
Authors: Chang Nathan L. , Yi Ho‐Baillie Anita Wing , Basore Paul A. , Young Trevor L. , Evans Rhett , Egan Renate J.
Published: February 2017

Manufacturing cost analysis is becoming an increasingly important tool in the photovoltaics industry to identify research areas that need attention and enable progress towards cost reduction targets. We describe a method to estimate manufacturing cost that is suitable for use during an early stage of technology development, delivering both the manufacturing cost estimate as well as an uncertainty analysis that quickly highlights the opportunities for greatest cost improvement. We apply the technique to three process sequences for the large‐scale production of organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite photovoltaic modules. A process sequence that combines two demonstrated perovskite module sequences is estimated to cost $107/m2 (uncertainty range $87 to 140/m2), comparable with commercial crystalline silicon and cadmium telluride technologies (on a US $/m2 basis). A levelized cost of electricity calculation shows that this perovskite technology would be competitive in 2015 with incumbent photovoltaic technologies if a module power conversion efficiency of 18% and lifetime of 20 years can be achieved. Further analysis shows that even if the cost of the active layers and rear electrode were reduced to zero, a module power conversion efficiency of 18% and lifetime of 20 years would be required to meet the 2020 SunShot levelized cost of electricity targets. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Characterization of Crystalline Styrene‐b‐(Ethylene‐co‐Butylene)‐b‐Styrene Triblock Copolymers
Authors: Lin Fei , Wu Chunji , Cui Dongmei
Published: February 2017

By merit of dual catalysis of the cationic rare‐earth complex [(η5‐Flu‐CH2‐Py)Ho(CH2SiMe3)2(THF) (Flu = fluorenyl, Py = pyridyl) for the living polymerizations of butadiene (BD) and styrene (St), the crystalline styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) triblock copolymers consisting of elastic polybutadiene (PBD) sequences with suitable 1,4 regularity (about 70%) and crystalline syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS, [rrrr] > 99%) sequences were successfully synthesized through sequential addition of St, BD, and St monomers. The catalytic system showed high polymerization activities for St and BD in a controlled manner. The crystalline styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymers were obtained by hydrogenation of the above SBS copolymers. The observation of a strong endothermic peak at 266 °C in their differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves confirmed the existence of the sPS blocks in the crystalline SEBS different from the industrial product Kraton SEBS‐1652. Thermal degradation temperature of the crystalline SEBS (418 ± 2 °C) indicated the well thermostability and process window of this polymer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 55, 1243–1249
The role of TEOS‐TIP within a pentablock ionomer: Morphology, physical properties, and ion transport
Authors: Huang Fei , Zheng Wenjian , Tahmasbi Rad Armin , Nieh Mu‐Ping , Cornelius Chris J.
Published: February 2017

Inorganic–organic nanocomposites were created using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), titanium isopropoxide (TIP), and poly(t‐butylstyrene‐b‐hydrogenated isoprene‐b‐sulfonated styrene‐b‐hydrogenated isoprene‐b‐t‐butylstyrene) or pentablock copolymer (PBC). A TEOS–TIP–H2O ternary phase diagram was generated to create homogenous sol solutions with designable condensation reactions that led to controllable materials. An inorganic TEOS–TIP network was synthesized using sol–gel chemistry within the organic PBC domain. All TEOS–TIP–PBC films exhibited higher water sorption than unmodified PBC ionomer that was attributed to a change in morphology. Proton conductivity increased up to 80% due to TEOS–TIP within the nanocomposite film. This can be attributed to ion domain redistribution and partial charge transfer from the titanate's inorganic domains to sulfonate groups that promote acid dissociation. PBC had a microphase‐separated morphology that changed with increasing TIP concentration, which was observed from atomic force microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering results. Finally, thermal gravimetric analysis revealed a decrease in degradation temperature, and dynamic mechanical analysis results demonstrated reduced polymer chain mobility caused by inorganic–organic interactions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 575–586
Novel nanoscale pheromone dispenser for more accurate evaluation of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) attract‐and‐kill strategies in the laboratory
Authors: Czarnobai De Jorge Bruna , Bisotto‐de‐Oliveira Ricardo , Pereira Cláudio Nunes , Sant'Ana Josué
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Nanotechnology has recently allowed the production of formulations for controlled release of active ingredients. In the present study, the electrospinning technique was used to produce nanoscale dispensers for attract‐and‐kill strategies. Non‐woven nanofibres containing insecticide (cypermethrin) and (E)‐8,(Z)‐8‐dodecenyl acetate and (Z)‐8‐dodecanol (0.87 mg L−1), the main components of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) (Busck) pheromone, were evaluated in laboratory experiments. Male electroantennographic (EAG) responses and mortality (tarsal‐contact and attract‐and‐kill behavioural cages) bioassays were performed for nanofibres (with and without insecticide) exposed for different periods (21, 42, 63 and 84 days) in controlled and non‐exposed conditions.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in G. molesta male EAG responses based on the time of exposure within treatments. Nanofibres with pheromone only and with pheromone plus insecticide elicited equal EAG responses. Mortality in tarsal‐contact bioassays was greater than 87% after exposure for 84 days. In the attract‐and‐kill bioassays, mortality ranged from 28.4 to 56.6%, although no difference was observed on insect mortalities over time (24, 48 and 72 h).

CONCLUSION

Incorporation of cypermethrin in nanofibres did not interfere with G. molesta attractiveness. Both aspects of the strategy, the attractant and killing effects, were recorded using innovative nanofibres, and long‐term effects suggest a controlled release of pheromone and insecticide. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Facet‐dependent gas sensing properties of Cu2O crystals
Authors: Xie Zheng , Han Ning , Li Wenhui , Deng Yuzhou , Gong Shuyan , Wang Ying , Wu Xiaofeng , Li Yingxia , Chen Yunfa
Published: February 2017

Well‐defined polyhedral Cu2O exposing different crystal facets are synthesized via a facile solution‐phase method, and the facet‐dependent gas sensing properties are investigated. The results show that cubic Cu2O exposing (100) facets has higher sensitivity to NO2, acetone and benzene than octahedral Cu2O with (111) facets. More importantly, the cubic Cu2O has high selectivity to NO2 and acetone at varied working temperatures by different sensing mechanisms of adsorption, chemical reaction, and intrinsic carrier excitation, as verified by the catalytic and electric property measurements. The higher sensitivity and selectivity of cubic Cu2O is explained by the relatively lower work function of (100) surfaces than that of (111), which induces a thicker surface hole accumulation layer and thus, a higher bulk hole activation energy (0.55 eV and 0.36 eV respectively). The synergistic effect of catalytic and electric properties gives rise to gas sensitivity decrease with the reduced percentage of (111) facets, which is beneficial to the gas sensing material design and also, is promising for the future highly sensitive and selective gas sensor fabrication.
Simulations of dislocation core in pyramidal plane of n‐ and p‐doped wurtzite GaN and AlGaN
Authors: Batyrev Iskander G. , Weingarten N. Scott , Jones Kenneth A.
Published: February 2017

We present results of classical and quantum atomistic simulations of two dislocation core structures of mixed dislocations in a pyramidal plane of wurtzite GaN and AlGaN. We also studied the distribution of n‐ (Si) and p‐ (Mg) dopants relative to the dislocation core in the pyramidal plane. A Tersoff‐type interatomic potential is used to generate and relax two fully periodic systems containing hundreds of atoms, and one of the final configurations was relaxed using density functional theory (DFT). We studied trends for segregation around the dislocation core of n‐dopant Si atoms and p‐dopant Mg atoms using DFT and a simulation cell containing 1448 atoms with a dislocation dipole to provide periodic boundary conditions. Presumably, the segregation of the dopants relieves the stress accumulated in the dislocation cores. We also simulated various distributions of Al in AlGaN with 27% of Al near the dislocation core to understand thermodynamic trends in distribution of Al atoms. Our calculations indicate that atoms of Al randomly distributed in AlGaN with no discernible segregation to the dislocation core. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectra were simulated for the dislocations in the pyramidal plane using the virtual diffraction method.
Evaluation of IR radiance simulation for all‐sky assimilation of Himawari‐8/AHI in a mesoscale NWP system
Authors: Okamoto Kozo
Published: February 2017

To assimilate the all‐sky infrared radiances of Himawari‐8/AHI (Advanced Himawari Imager), we investigated the statistical characteristics of a radiance simulation from a mesoscale cloud‐resolving model. Compared with AHI observations, the simulations tended to show insufficiently low brightness temperature (BT), probably because of a lack of high‐cloud prediction and insufficient cloud‐scattering in the radiative transfer (RT) calculations. For effective assimilation, quality control (QC) procedures were developed to eliminate samples in which high inhomogeneities were identified, observed BTs were very low, and simulated (background) radiances deviated substantially from observations. The probability distribution function (PDF) of observation‐minus‐background (O–B) was Gaussian for the QC‐passed samples at the humidity bands (6.2 and 6.9 µm) of the AHI. This evaluation was implemented for four representative meteorological conditions around Japan to ensure robustness. The PDF at the window band (10.4 µm), however, was not close to Gaussian, probably because of the significant negative bias even after QCs. The PDF at a low‐tropospheric temperature band (13.3 µm) was Gaussian for three out of four meteorological conditions.

The relationship of the removal of inhomogeneous scenes to the O–B statistics and BT distribution was investigated quantitatively. The stricter threshold of inhomogeneity reduced O–B difference but also decreased the percentage of low BT, resulting in the possibility of excessive removal of high‐altitude cloud samples. This relationship was enhanced for larger samples that included more diverse cloud scenes. Finally, comparison of simulations at various resolutions with two RT models revealed that the reproducibility of low BT was more affected by using a different RT model than by using higher‐resolution systems.
Statistical extended‐range forecast of winter surface air temperature and extremely cold days over China
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , Li Tim
Published: February 2017

An extremely cold day (ECD) in boreal winter over China is often accompanied by freezing rainfall or snow, leading to power outages, paralysed traffic and damaged ecosystems. Extended‐range (5–30 days lead) forecast of Chinese winter surface air temperature (SAT) and ECD has become a critical demand nationwide. In the present study, based on training data during 1960/1961–1999/2000, a statistical spatial–temporal projection model (STPM) is conducted to carry out an independent extended‐range forecast of winter SAT and ECD over China.

For the independent forecast period (2000/2001–2012/2013), STPM is able to capture the empirical orthogonal function (EOF)‐filtered 10–80 days SAT anomaly at all 5–30 days lead times. Verification against the observed 10–80 days SAT anomaly shows that significant temporal correlation coefficient skill persists to 25–30 days lead times over most parts of China, except for northeastern China and the Tibetan Plateau where useful skill is up to a 15 days lead time. Significant pattern correlation coefficients between forecasted and the EOF‐filtered/observed 10–80 days SAT anomaly account for over 63%/59% of total forecasts for all 5–30 days lead times.

The forecast local ECD is determined based on reconstructed SAT by adding the lower frequency (longer than 80 days) climatological SAT to the forecast 10–80 days SAT anomaly. Except for southeastern China and the Tibetan Plateau, STPM can hit above 30% of local ECDs over most parts of China at least 15 days in advance.
Identification of degradation products of saquinavir mesylate by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry and its application to quality control
Authors: Thummar Mohit , Patel Prinesh N. , Petkar Arun L. , Swain Debasish , Srinivas R. , Samanthula Gananadhamu
Published: February 2017

Rationale

Saquinavir mesylate (SQM) is an antiviral drug used for the treatment of HIV infections. The identification and characterization of all degradation products are essential for achieving the quality in pharmaceutical product development and also for patient safety.

Methods

The drug was subjected to hydrolytic (HCl, NaOH and water), oxidative (H2O2), photolytic (UV and fluorescence light) and thermal (dry heat) forced degradation conditions as per ICH guidelines. The best chromatographic separation of the drug and all degradation products (DPs) was achieved on a CSH‐Phenyl Hexyl column (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) with ammonium acetate (10 mM, pH 5.0) and methanol as mobile phase in gradient mode at a flow rate of 0.28 mL/min.

Results

Nine DPs were obtained under various forced degradation conditions. All the DPs were characterized by using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/ESI‐QTOF MS/MS) and the degradation pathway of the drug was justified by mechanistic explanations. The main DPs were formed by amide hydrolysis, conversion into diastereomers, an N‐oxide and dehydration as well as oxidation of the alcohol from the drug. The method was validated and can be used in a quality control (QC) laboratory to assure the quality of SQM in bulk and finished formulations.

Conclusions

A simple UHPLC/photodiode array (PDA) method was developed and successfully transferred to UHPLC/ESI‐Q‐TOF MS/MS for the identification and characterization of DPs. Very interestingly, diastereomeric DPs were obtained and successfully resolved by the chromatographic method. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Control Design via Controller Unfalsification
Authors: Battistelli Giorgio , Mari Daniele , Selvi Daniela , Tesi Pietro
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes a non‐iterative direct approach for controller design from experimental data; the parameters of a controller of a prescribed order and structure are optimized with respect to a relevant performance criterion. The proposed design method enjoys the following features: (i) It does not involve the identification of the process to be controlled; (ii) it only requires a single experiment; (iii) in the case of stable plants, no initial controller is needed even when the process to be controlled is non‐minimum phase; and (iv) it provides sufficient conditions for the resulting closed‐loop system to be stable. The approach builds upon the so‐called unfalsified control theory; this key point makes it possible to derive simple and intuitive relations between the choice of the performance criterion to be optimized and closed‐loop stability conditions. The analysis is supported by numerical examples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust periodically time‐varying horizon finite memory fault detection filter design for polytopic uncertain discrete‐time systems
Authors: Han Ke‐Zhen , Feng Jian
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a robust periodically time‐varying horizon finite memory fault detection filter (PTVHFM‐FDF) is proposed to generate residual signal for the purpose of system monitoring. The major advantage of PTVHFM‐FDF is that finite historical data can be sufficiently utilized to enhance the robustness of fault detection against model uncertainty and external disturbance. The analysis, design, and application of PTVHFM‐FDF consist of several steps. Firstly, a periodic time‐varying residual error system is constructed on the basis of augmented method and time domain partition method. Secondly, in facilitating robust stability and
performance analysis, the time‐varying residual error system is further transformed into a polyhedral time‐invariant system on the basis of time lifting technique. Thirdly, less conservative PTVHFM‐FDF analysis and design conditions are then obtained on the basis of Finsler relaxation lemma and slack variable structure definition. Fourthly, choices of memory window horizon parameters are properly suggested on the basis of a compromise between FDF robustness and its structural complexity. Finally, an integrated design and application algorithm of PTVHFM‐FDF is summarized. Effectiveness of PTVHFM‐FDF is verified through three examples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confining Cation Injection to Enhance CBRAM Performance by Nanopore Graphene Layer
Authors: Zhao Xiaolong , Liu Sen , Niu Jiebin , Liao Lei , Liu Qi , Xiao Xiangheng , Lv Hangbing , Long Shibing , Banerjee Writam , Li Wenqing , Si Shuyao , Liu Ming
Published: February 2017

Conductive‐bridge random access memory (CBRAM) is considered a strong contender of the next‐generation nonvolatile memory technology. Resistive switching (RS) behavior in CBRAM is decided by the formation/dissolution of nanoscale conductive filament (CF) inside RS layer based on the cation injection from active electrode and their electrochemical reactions. Remarkably, RS is actually a localized behavior, however, cation injects from the whole area of active electrode into RS layer supplying excessive cation beyond the requirement of CF formation, leading to deterioration of device uniformity and reliability. Here, an effective method is proposed to localize cation injection into RS layer through the nanohole of inserted ion barrier between active electrode and RS layer. Taking an impermeable monolayer graphene as ion barrier, conductive atomic force microscopy results directly confirm that CF formation is confined through the nanohole of graphene due to the localized cation injection. Compared with the typical Cu/HfO2/Pt CBRAM device, the novel Cu/nanohole‐graphene/HfO2/Pt device shows improvement of uniformity, endurance, and retention characteristics, because the cation injection is limited by the nanohole graphene. Scaling the nanohole of ion barrier down to several nanometers, the single‐CF‐based CBRAM device with high performance is expected to achieve by confining the cation injection at the atomic scale.
Highly Efficient Electron‐Selective Layer Free Perovskite Solar Cells by Constructing Effective p–n Heterojunction
Authors: Cui Peng , Wei Dong , Ji Jun , Song Dandan , Li Yaoyao , Liu Xin , Huang Jing , Wang Tianyue , You Jingbi , Li Meicheng
Published: February 2017

A heterojunction concept with an n‐type self‐doped perovskite and a p‐type hole‐transport material was proposed for fabricating highly efficient electron‐selective layer (ESL)‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The self‐doping property of the perovskite is controlled by defects engineering, which can change from p‐ to n‐type, and the n‐type self‐doping degree is tuned serially by precursor composition and process conditions. Meanwhile, the compact homogenous and large‐grain film morphology is achieved by introducing mixed nonpolar aprotic solvents to obtain optimal balancing between densification and grain size. Hence, the ESL‐free PSCs with n‐type self‐doped compact CH3NH3PbI3 film exhibit state of the art performance with the highest efficiency of 15.69%. Besides, the as‐fabricated ESL‐free PSCs, which keep their initial efficiencies for a period of 21 days without degradation, demonstrate better long‐term stability compared to the conventional planar PSCs.
Investigating the effects of norepinephrine α1 receptor blockade on dopamine levels: A pilot PET study with [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO in controls
Authors: Le Foll Bernard , Thiruchselvam Thulasi , Lu Shawna Xiaoyun , Mohammed Shakira , Mansouri Esmaeil , Lagzdins Dina , Nakajima Shinichiro , Wilson Alan A. , Graff‐Guerrero Ariel , Di Ciano Patricia , Boileau Isabelle
Published: February 2017

Interest in a role for norepinephrine (NE) in substance use disorders has increased over recent years. In particular, its interaction with dopamine (DA) is of importance. In this study, positron emission tomography (PET) was used to explore the impact of prazosin (an alpha 1 NE antagonist) on DA levels. Healthy volunteers were administered prazosin for approximately 4 weeks at the daily dose of 15 mg to reach steady state. Participants were scanned with PET imaging and the [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO tracer at baseline (before prazosin), at steady state, and after a wash out period. Prazosin administration was associated with an increase of [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO binding potential in the dorsal caudate relative to baseline, which corresponds to a decrease in DA levels. This study is the first to demonstrate interactions between DA and NE in healthy humans.
Validation of prediction model for successful vaginal birth after Cesarean delivery based on sonographic assessment of hysterotomy scar
Authors: Baranov A. , Salvesen K. Å. , Vikhareva O.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To validate a prediction model for successful vaginal birth after Cesarean delivery (VBAC) based on sonographic assessment of the hysterotomy scar, in a Swedish population.

Methods

Data were collected from a prospective cohort study. We recruited non‐pregnant women aged 18–35 years who had undergone one previous low‐transverse Cesarean delivery at ≥ 37 gestational weeks and had had no other uterine surgery. Participants who subsequently became pregnant underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination of the Cesarean hysterotomy scar at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 and at 19 + 0 to 21 + 6 gestational weeks. Thickness of the myometrium at the thinnest part of the scar area was measured. After delivery, information on pregnancy outcome was retrieved from hospital records. Individual probabilities of successful VBAC were calculated using a previously published model. Predicted individual probabilities were divided into deciles. For each decile, observed VBAC rates were calculated. To assess the accuracy of the prediction model, receiver–operating characteristics curves were constructed and the areas under the curves (AUC) were calculated.

Results

Complete sonographic data were available for 120 women. Eighty (67%) women underwent trial of labor after Cesarean delivery (TOLAC) with VBAC occurring in 70 (88%) cases. The scar was visible in all 80 women at the first‐trimester scan and in 54 (68%) women at the second‐trimester scan. AUC was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.28–0.60) among all women who underwent TOLAC and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.32–0.71) among those with the scar visible sonographically at both ultrasound examinations.

Conclusion

The prediction model demonstrated poor accuracy for prediction of successful VBAC in our Swedish population. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Curve‐fitting regression: improving light element quantification with XRF
Authors: Kikongi Philippe , Salvas Joanny , Gosselin Ryan
Published: February 2017

Light elements are hard to quantify by X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry because, after a photoelectric excitation, they predominantly relax emitting Auger electrons, greatly reducing the fluorescence count thus limiting the signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR) observed. Low SNR values have deleterious outcomes in model building. Notable in ordinary least squares (OLS) regression based on peak height, they also affect more robust regression methods, such as partial least squares regression. While low SNR can also be observed with low concentrations of heavier elements, this paper focuses on boron.

To overcome the low SNR hurdle, curve‐fitting regression (CFR), a novel method elaborated in this paper, seeks to fit full scans with summed Gaussian curves. The methodology was illustrated with pressed microcrystalline cellulose spiked with sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax) powder samples. The calibration set ranged from 0% to 21.5% m/m boron, and a PANalytical Axios wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence system with rhodium source was used to perform the tests. A calibration curve with determination coefficient (R2) = 0.990 and root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) = 0.7% m/m was produced with CFR versus RMSEC = 1.2% m/m with OLS regression.

Validity of the method was tested with a set of 17 pearled samples containing a mixture of different oxides. Root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.1% m/m was obtained with the validation set, using CFR against RMSEP = 0.99% m/m with OLS regression, thus illustrating the proposed method's potential. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The “Hidden Observer” as the Cognitive Unconscious During Hypnosis
Authors: Császár Noemi , Scholkmann Felix , Kapócs Gabor , Bókkon Istvan
Published: February 2017

The question of how to define and explain hypnosis is still not completely answered. Most of the theories of hypnosis are based on describing it as an altered state of consciousness; others focus on intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects, sociopsychological, neurocognitive or sociocognitive processes. More detailed explanation of hypnosis requires a synthesis of these various perspectives — a task for future research. Recent experiments are in agreement with Braid’s concept of hypnosis (published already in 1843) defining hypnosis as a process enhancing or depressing neural activity as well as changing functional connectivity among brain regions; the brain regions involved in mental imagery are thought to be central for hypnosis. In the present article we suggest that the “hidden observer” under hypnosis might be due to the cognitive unconscious and that this special state emerges principally in highly susceptible subjects. Explicitly, the “hidden observer” might be nothing other than the cognitive unconscious.
Synesthetic Associations and Psychopathological Symptoms: Preliminary Evidence in Young Women
Authors: Neckar Marcel , Bob Petr
Published: February 2017

Synesthesia is a neuropsychological condition in which stimulation of one sensory modality or cognitive pathway is associated with unusual experiences in a different unstimulated modality. In this context a purpose of this study is to find relationships between word-color associations and psychopathological symptoms of anxiety (SAS), depression (BDI-II), alexithymia (TAS-20) and symptoms of traumatic stress (TSC-40) in 43 healthy young women (mean age 18.25). Results of this study show that colors associated to specific words have significant correlations with symptoms of anxiety, depression, alexithymia and symptoms of traumatic stress. Sum of scores related to color associations to these words create subscales that are significantly correlated with BDI-II (Spearman R= −0.60), SAS (−0.44), TAS-20 (−0.70) and TSC-40 (−0.64); p<0.01. The results indicate specific synesthetic-like mechanisms in association processes specifically linked to psychopathological thinking, feelings and imagination.
Pain, Dissociation and Posttraumatic Growth
Authors: Bob Petr
Published: February 2017

Painful experience involving psychological and physical dimension is most frequently understood as a dangerous signal from physical and social environment. In this context recent psychological research in posttraumatic growth strongly suggests that pain in its consequences must not be only hurtful experience as such but may have a unique psychological dimension for human development and growth. Acceptation of pain experience as not only negative sheds new light to this problem and has important consequences for psychotherapy as a unique opportunity to resolve psychological conflict and intensive inner suffering. These findings are particularly important for human growth and spirituality, and are in contrast to hedonic aspect of our culture that tend to ignore painful experience as a part of human life that can uncover real meaning of personal existence and self-reflection as an essential principle for learning and creative process of understanding.
Intensity-Dependent Auditory Evoked Potential Defines Subgroups of Patients with PTSD: A Multimodality Imaging Study
Authors: Poprawski Teresa J. , Lonser Kara A. , Korpics John , Zadecki Jerzy , Crayton John W. , Halaris Angelos , Konopka Lukasz M.
Published: February 2017

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex and heterogeneous psychiatric disorder. Patients with chronic PTSD present with significant psychiatric co-morbidities. Current treatment guidelines recommend the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in PTSD patients, but only 50–60% of these patients respond favorably. To improve the response rate, understanding the underlying pathophysiology is necessary. Serotonergic transmission has been implicated in PTSD and the intensity-dependent auditory evoked potential (IDAEP) is presumed to reflect central serotonergic activity, thereby providing an opportunity to more precisely characterize PTSD patient populations and possibly predict response to treatment. We studied nineteen patients diagnosed with PTSD, matched for age and medications. Based on the stimulus intensity relationship, the patients were divided into two groups: augmenters and reducers. These groups were further evaluated using resting state quantitative EEG and HMPAO-based SPECT brain perfusion acquired simultaneously. The imaging data were correlated with behavioral measures characterizing symptoms of PTSD and measurements of mood state. The augmenters differed from the reducers in the resting state quantitative EEG and SPECT perfusion measures. The differences were primarily localized to the right hemisphere. There were significant differences in measures of PTSD symptoms, but not in overall measures of depression. Item analysis of depression measures showed a significant difference between the augmenters and the reducers in reported sleep difficulties, which correlated with the reported anxiety measures. Objective separation of patients into subgroups based on the IDAEP contributes to the understanding of PTSD biological substrate and can potentially lead to more effective treatment strategies.
The Perception and the Recognition of Human Faces and their Emotional Expressions — In Healthy Subjects and Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Rotenberg Vadim S.
Published: February 2017

This article displays a reconsideration of literary data that leads to the suggestion that the process of the face identification and of the recognition of human facial expressions, in addition to the perception of single facial features and their configurations, is based on the more essential creation of the polysemantic interpersonal relationships. In schizophrenic patients this ability is lost. The feeling of the human nature of faces is out of the competence of these patients and faces cause emotional tension with the subsequent use of the psychological defense.
Epigenetics and Primal Therapy
Authors: Janov Arthur
Published: February 2017

Epigenetics is focused on the study of how experience changes an individual’s genetic expression, previously considered inalterable. Recent pioneering research indicates that epigenetics is revolutionizing the study of mental health and challenging the belief that DNA is destiny. Moreover, in terms of the history of science, the new developments augur the convergence of previously distinct fields, psychology and biology. There is a growing understanding that mental illness has a crucial physical component and may cause disturbances of mind and body which strongly emphasis a crucial role of psychotherapy focused on early stressful experiences mainly during critical developmental periods including prenatal and perinatal traumas.
Placebo Effect: A New Approach to Explanation of its Psychophysiological Mechanisms
Authors: Rotenberg Vadim
Published: February 2017

In this theoretical overview will be reconsidered basic mechanisms of placebo effect with a purpose to examine a hypothesis that the generally accepted psycho-physiological mechanisms of the placebo effect that explain many clinical and experimental data are related to search activity. Search related activity in general is a behavioral attitude that is capable to restore mental and physical health in different conditions that may explain basic mechanisms of placebo effect.
Association between Dysthymic Disorder and Disability, with Religiosity as Moderator
Authors: Sandhu Ravinder S. , Ghosh Samiran , Dellenbaugh Timothy
Published: February 2017

There has been much research on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in terms of functional impairment associated with the disorder. On the other hand, Dysthymic Disorder (DD) has not received much attention in the literature in relation to the functional disability associated with the disorder. Similarly, the moderator effect of religiosity has been studied in many physical and mental health disorders, but has not been explored in DD. The aims of the present study were to explore the association between DD and functional disability, and to study the moderator effect of religiosity on the association. The data for the study was obtained from consortium of Psychiatric Epidemiologic Survey (CPES). The survey collected data on prevalence of mental health problems and the sociocultural determinants, in the national population. The present study utilized the data on DD and factors such as race, gender, marital status, employment status, and religiosity, in order to explore association between DD and disability and the effect of religiosity on the association. Results show that the subjects who have endorsed DD are 1.092 times more likely to have functional disability than those who have not endorsed DD. The association is statistically significant with the 95% CI for the Odds Ratio (OR) as 1.072–1.113. The religiosity has not shown a significant effect on the association between DD and functional disability. In conclusion there is statistically significant association between DD and the functional disability. Although the cross-sectional study design makes it difficult to determine the causal relationship, the results may signify that DD could potentially cause significant functional impairment. Further longitudinal studies are needed to probe the association between DD and disability.
Standards for the Reporting of Genetic Counseling Interventions in Research and Other Studies (GCIRS): an NSGC Task Force Report
Authors: Hooker Gillian W. , Babu D , Myers MF , Zierhut H , McAllister M
Published: February 2017

As the demand for evidence to support the value of genetic counseling increases, it is critical that reporting of genetic counseling interventions in research and other types of studies (e.g. process improvement or service evaluation studies) adopt greater rigor. As in other areas of healthcare, the appraisal, synthesis, and translation of research findings into genetic counseling practice are likely to be improved if clear specifications of genetic counseling interventions are reported when studies involving genetic counseling are published. To help improve reporting practices, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) convened a task force in 2015 to develop consensus standards for the reporting of genetic counseling interventions. Following review by the NSGC Board of Directors, the NSGC Practice Guidelines Committee and the editorial board of the Journal of Genetic Counseling, 23 items across 8 domains were proposed as standards for the reporting of genetic counseling interventions in the published literature (GCIRS: Genetic Counseling Intervention Reporting Standards). The authors recommend adoption of these standards by authors and journals when reporting studies involving genetic counseling interventions.
Apolipoproteins and their subspecies in human cerebrospinal fluid and plasma
Authors: Koch Manja , Furtado Jeremy D. , Falk Kim , Leypoldt Frank , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Jensen Majken K.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Subspecies of apolipoproteins can be defined by fractionating apolipoproteins based on the presence and absence of coexisting apolipoproteins.

Methods

We determined age‐ and sex‐adjusted correlations of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay–measured plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) apolipoproteins (apoA‐I, apoC‐III, apoE, and apoJ) or apolipoprotein subspecies (apoA‐I with and without apoC‐III, ApoE, or apoJ; apoE with and without apoC‐III or apoJ) in 22 dementia‐free participants.

Results

CSF apoE did not correlate with plasma apolipoproteins or their subspecies. CSF apoJ correlated most strongly with plasma apoA‐I without apoJ (r = 0.7). CSF apoA‐I correlated similarly strong with plasma total apoA‐I and all apoA‐I subspecies (r ≥ 0.4) except for apoA‐I with apoE (r = 0.3) or apoA‐I with apoJ (r = 0.3). CSF apoC‐III was most strongly correlated with plasma apoA‐I with apoC‐III (r = 0.7).

Discussion

CSF levels of some apolipoproteins implicated in the pathophysiology of dementia might be better approximated by specific plasma apolipoprotein subspecies than total plasma concentrations.
Development of an instrument to assess social functioning in dementia: The Social Functioning in Dementia scale (SF‐DEM)
Authors: Sommerlad Andrew , Singleton David , Jones Rebecca , Banerjee Sube , Livingston Gill
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Social functioning is a core domain in the life of people with dementia, but there is no accepted instrument to measure it. We aimed to develop the Social Functioning in Dementia (SF‐DEM) scale and test its psychometric properties for assessing social function in people with dementia.

Methods

We interviewed people with mild dementia and family caregivers to develop patient and caregiver‐rated SF‐DEM versions and refined them through interviews with health care professionals. We tested its psychometric properties in 30 dyads of people with dementia and family caregivers.

Results

Both SF‐DEM versions had content validity and demonstrated concurrent validity against a single item rating overall social functioning (patient rated r = 0.42, 95% CI [0.07–0.68]; caregiver rated r = 0.59, 95% CI [0.29–0.78]). All participants found it acceptable. Analyses showed reliability (test–retest, inter‐rater, internal consistency) and indications of responsiveness to change.

Discussion

SF‐DEM shows promise as a valid, reliable, acceptable measure of social functioning in dementia.
Acute myeloid leukemia in a patient with thrombocytopenia with absent radii
Authors: Jameson-Lee Maximilian , Chen Katherine , Ritchie Ellen , Shore Tsiporah , Al-Khattab Omar , Gergis Usama
Published: February 2017

Thrombocytopenia with absent radii (TAR) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by low platelet counts of various severity, bilateral absent radii but thumbs are usually present. TAR syndrome is not generally associated with bone marrow failure or malignancy. Janus kinase-2, myeloproliferative leukemia protein, and calreticulin are not mutated in TAR patients. Only four cases of leukemia were reported in TAR patients in the literature: three acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and one acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Of the three cases of AML found in TAR patient, only one was reported in an adult. We report a case of myelodysplastic syndrome progressing to AML with calreticulin driver mutation in an adult male with TAR syndrome who was successfully treated with hematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Phylogeny and taxonomy of the scab and spot anthracnose fungus Elsinoë (Myriangiales, Dothideomycetes)
Authors: Fan X.L. , Barreto R.W. , Groenewald J.Z. , Bezerra J.D.P. , Pereira O.L. , Cheewangkoon R. , Mostert L. , Tian C.M. , Crous P.W.
Published: February 2017

Species of Elsinoë are phytopathogens causing scab and spot anthracnose on many plants, including some economically important crops such as avocado, citrus, grapevines, and ornamentals such as poinsettias, field crops and woody hosts. Disease symptoms are often easily recognisable,
and referred to as signature-bearing diseases, for the cork-like appearance of older infected tissues with scab-like appearance. In some Elsinoë-host associations the resulting symptoms are better described as spot anthracnose. Additionally the infected plants may also show mild
to severe distortions of infected organs. Isolation of Elsinoë in pure culture can be very challenging and examination of specimens collected in the field is often frustrating because of the lack of fertile structures. Current criteria for species recognition and host specificity
in Elsinoë are unclear due to overlapping morphological characteristics, and the lack of molecular and pathogenicity data. In the present study we revised the taxonomy of Elsinoë based on DNA sequence and morphological data derived from 119 isolates, representing 67
host genera from 17 countries, including 64 ex-type cultures. Combined analyses of ITS, LSU, rpb2 and TEF1-α DNA sequence data were used to reconstruct the backbone phylogeny of the genus Elsinoë. Based on the single nomenclature for fungi, 26 new combinations
are proposed in Elsinoë for species that were originally described in Sphaceloma. A total of 13 species are epitypified with notes on their taxonomy and phylogeny. A further eight new species are introduced, leading to a total of 75 Elsinoë species supported
by molecular data in the present study. For the most part species of Elsinoë appear to be host specific, although the majority of the species treated are known only from a few isolates, and further collections and pathogenicity studies will be required to reconfirm this conclusion.
Surfaces of constant Gauβ curvature and of arbitrary genus
Authors: Böhme R.
Published: February 2017

We construct a class of topologically non-trivial surfaces with singularities, immersed in

ℝ^3

, with gauss curvature

K ≡ 1

.

On construit une classe de surfaces dans

ℝ^3

, présentant des singularités, topologiquement non triviales, dont la courbure gaussienne est constante et positive.
G-convergence of monotone operators
Authors: Chiado’ Piat Valeria , Dal Maso Gianni , Defranceschi Anneliese
Published: February 2017

A general notion of

G

-convergence for sequences of maximal monotone operators of the form

\mathscr A_h u=-\mathrm{div} (a_h(x,Du))

is introduced in terms of the asymptotic behavior, as

h → + ∞

, of the solutions

u_h

to the equations

\mathscr A_h u_h=f_h

and of their momenta

a_h(x, Du_h)

. The main results of the paper are the local character of the

G

-convergence and the

G

-compactness of some classes of nonlinear monotone operators.

On présente une notion générale de

G

-convergence pour des opérateurs maximaux monotones sous forme divergence. On démontre le caractère local de la

G

-convergence et de la

G

-compacité pour certaines classes d’opérateurs de ce type.
Existence of geodesics for the Lorentz metric of a stationary gravitational field
Authors: Benci Vieri , Fortunato Donato
Published: February 2017

Let

g = g(z)

(

z = (z_0, …, z_3) \in ℝ^4

) be a Lorentz metric (with signature

+, −, −, −

) on the space-time manifold

ℝ^4

. Suppose that

g

is stationary, i.e.,

g

does not depend on

z_0

. Then we prove, under some other mild assumptions on

g

, that for any two points

a, b \in ℝ^4

there exists a geodesic, with respect to

g

, joining

a

and

b

.

Soit

g = g(z)

(

z = (z_0, …, z_3) \in ℝ^4

) une métrique de Lorentz (avec signature

+, −, −, −

) sur l’espace-temps

ℝ^4

. On suppose que

g

soit stationnaire, c’est-à-dire indépendante de

z_0

. Nous démontrons, sous des autres convenable hypothèses sur

g

, l’existence d’arcs de géodésique joignant deux points

a,b

arbitrairement donné dans

ℝ^4

.
State Development, Parity, and International Conflict
Authors: GIBLER DOUGLAS M.
Published: February 2017

This article explains the empirical connection between dyadic capability differences and international conflict as a consequence of how, when, and where states enter the international system. State capabilities are largely static, and, since states enter the system in geographic clusters, the processes of state maturation affect contiguous and regionally proximate states similarly. This makes dyadic capability differences static as well. The lack of change in capability differences over time suggests that the parity-conflict relationship is largely a product of the factors associated with state system entry. Indeed, as I demonstrate, several different proxies for the conditions of state system entry separately eliminate any statistical relationship between parity and militarized dispute onset, 1816–2001. I also find no relationship between parity and the wars that have occurred during that same time period. These results have a number of implications for the role of power and capabilities in explaining international conflict.