Structural Analysis of the Trauma Symptom Inventory–2

The Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI; Briere, 1995), a measure of the psychological effects of trauma and other adverse events, was recently expanded and updated (TSI–2; Briere, 2011). This study evaluated 4 competing models of TSI–2 dimensionality and determined the predictive validity of the best fitting solution. Data were collected from 679 adults in the general population. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a 4-factor solution best fit the data. All 4 factors of the final model were significant predictors of exposure to trauma or some other very upsetting event, especially posttraumatic stress. Additional research is indicated to further probe the characteristics of the TSI–2, including its dimensionality in other groups.     

Examination of MMPI–2–RF Substantive Scales as Indicators of Acute Suicidal Affective Disturbance Components

A new suicide-specific diagnostic entity, acute suicidal affective disturbance (ASAD), was recently proposed to fill a void in the nomenclature. Although several studies have examined the reliability, validity, and potential clinical utility of ASAD, no studies have examined personality indicators of ASAD. This study sought to examine the association between personality and psychopathology factors, as assessed by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Revised Form (MMPI–2–RF), and constructs that comprise ASAD in a sample of 554 psychiatric outpatients who completed all measures prior to their intake appointments. A smaller subset of patients (N = 58) also completed a measure designed to assess lifetime ASAD symptoms. Results indicated that ASAD symptoms were associated with traits characterized by emotional turmoil and atypical cognitive processes. Further, suicide-related criteria that comprise ASAD were related to low positive emotionality and hopelessness, whereas the overarousal criteria were associated with somatic symptoms and an inability to tolerate frustration and stress. These findings expand on previous research that examines the convergent and discriminant validity of ASAD and could inform clinical treatment by providing insight into personality traits that might be associated with acute suicide risk.     

Development and Validation of Personality Disorder Spectra Scales for the MMPI–2–RF

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a set of MMPI–2–RF (Ben-Porath &; Tellegen, 2008/2011) personality disorder (PD) spectra scales. These scales could serve the purpose of assisting with DSM–5 PD diagnosis and help link categorical and dimensional conceptions of personality pathology within the MMPI–2–RF. We developed and provided initial validity results for scales corresponding to the 10 PD constructs listed in the DSM–5 using data from student, community, clinical, and correctional samples. Initial validation efforts indicated good support for criterion validity with an external PD measure as well as with dimensional personality traits included in the DSM–5 alternative model for PDs. Construct validity results using psychosocial history and therapists' ratings in a large clinical sample were generally supportive as well. Overall, these brief scales provide clinicians using MMPI–2–RF data with estimates of DSM–5 PD constructs that can support cross-model connections between categorical and dimensional assessment approaches.     

The Utility of MMPI–2–RF Scale Scores in the Differential Diagnosis of Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder

This study was designed to determine whether scores on selected Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF) scales could be used to differentiate between individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The sample was drawn from 2 psychiatric inpatient hospitals and included data from 199 individuals with SCZ and 808 individuals with MDD. A series of multivariate analyses of variance, analyses of variance, and odds ratios were calculated to determine which MMPI–2–RF scales provide the best differentiation between individuals presenting with these 2 disorders. Results indicated scales assessing internalizing dysfunction, including Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction (EID), Restructured Clinical Scales Demoralization (RCd), Low Positive Emotions (RC2), Suicidal/Death Ideation (SUI), and Self Doubt (SFD) best discriminated MDD from SCZ. Scales assessing thought dysfunction, incluidng Thought Dysfunction (THD), Restructured Clinical Scales Ideas of Persecution (RC6) and Aberrant Experiences (RC8), and Psychoticism-Revised (PSYC-r) were demonstrated to best identify SCZ. Comparisons of the examined MMPI–2–RF scales to MMPI–2 scales assessing similar constructs suggested scales from the MMPI–2–RF perform similarly to their MMPI–2 counterparts in detecting MDD or SCZ, but might have increased ability to discriminate SCZ from other conditions. Overall, results of this study suggest that scores on the examined MMPI–2–RF scales provide important information about the differential diagnosis of MDD and SCZ to clinicians working in inpatient settings.     

Formation of ω -Al7Cu2Fe phase during laser processing of quasicrystal-forming Al–Cu–Fe alloy

The formation of an ω-Al₇Cu₂Fe phase during laser cladding of quasicrystal-forming Al₆₅Cu_23.3Fe_11.7 alloy on a pure aluminium substrate is reported. This phase is found to nucleate at the periphery of primary icosahedral-phase particles. A large number of ω-phase particles form an envelope around the icosahedral phase. On the outer side, they form an interface with an α-Al solid solution. Detailed transmission electron microscopic observations show that the ω phase exhibits an orientation relationship with the icosahedral phase. Analysis of experimental results suggests that the ω phase forms by precipitation on an icosahedral phase by heterogeneous nucleation and grows into the aluminium-rich melt until supersaturation is exhausted. The microstructural observations are explained in terms of available models of phase transformations.     

Assessment of DSM–5 Section II Personality Disorders With the MMPI–2–RF in a Nonclinical Sample

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF; Ben-Porath &; Tellegen, 2008 Kamphuis, J. H., Arbisi, P. A., Ben-Porath, Y. S., &; McNulty, J. L. (2008). Detecting comorbid Axis-II status among inpatients using the MMPI–2 restructured clinical scales. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 24, 157–164. doi:10.1027/1015-5759.24.3.157[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]/2011 Ben-Porath, Y. S., &; Tellegen, A. (2011). Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 Restructured Form: Manual for administration, scoring, and interpretation. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. (Original work published 2008) [Google Scholar]) is frequently used in clinical practice. However, there has been a dearth of literature on how well this instrument can assess symptoms associated with personality disorders (PDs). This investigation examined a range of hypothesized MMPI–2–RF scales in predicting PD symptoms. We evaluated these associations in a sample of 397 university students who had been administered the MMPI–2–RF and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM–IV Axis II Disorders–Personality Questionnaire (First, Gibbon, Spitzer, Williams, &; Benjamin, 1997 First, M. B., Gibbon, M., Spitzer, R. L., Williams, J. B. W., &; Benjamin, L. S. (1997). Structured Clinical Interview for DSM–IV Axis II personality disorders (SCID–II). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press. [Google Scholar]). Zero-order correlation analyses and negative binomial regression models indicated that a wide range of MMPI–2–RF scale hypotheses were supported; however, the least support was available for predicting schizoid and obsessive–compulsive PDs. Implications for MMPI–2–RF interpretation and PD diagnosis are discussed.     

Formation of plate-shaped Guinier–Preston zones during natural aging of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Zr Alloy

Plate-shaped Guinier–Preston (G–P) zone formation in an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Zr alloy has been studied using transmission electron microscopy. The results provide, for the first time, direct evidence showing nucleation and growth of plate-shaped coherent G–P zones during natural aging.     

High-resolution characterization of the precipitation behavior of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

The metastable particles in an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy have been examined at atomic-resolution using high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging. In under-aged conditions, thin η′ plates were formed with a thickness of seven atomic planes parallel to the {111}_Al planes. The five inner planes of the η′ phase appear to be alternatively enriched in Mg and Zn, with two outer planes forming distinct Zn-rich interfacial planes. Similar Zn-rich interfacial enrichment has also been identified for the η phase, which is a minimum 11-plane thick structure. In rare instances, particles less than seven planes were found indicating a very early preference for seven-layer particle formation. Throughout the aging, the plate thickness appears constant, while the plate radius increases and no particles between 7 and 11 planes were observed. Based on the HAADF contrast, our observations do not support the η′ models previously set forth by other authors. Clear structural similarities between η′ and η were observed, suggesting that drawing distinctions between η′ and η phases may not be necessary or useful.     

Examining Current Conceptualizations of Psychopathology With the MMPI–2/MMPI–2–RF Restructured Clinical Scales: Preliminary Findings From a Cross-Cultural Study

Watson (2005 Watson, D. (2005). Rethinking the mood and anxiety disorders: A quantitative hierarchical model for DSM–V. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 114, 522–536.[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) proposed a hierarchical reorganization of the underlying structure of emotional disorders. This study cross-culturally evaluated Watson's (2005) structure of mood and anxiety disorders, using mainly dichotomous criteria, and explored the placement of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in this model. It also tested Sellbom, Ben-Porath, and Bagby's (2008) proposed elaboration of the 2-factor model (positive and negative activation) that incorporates a higher order dimension of demoralization. One hundred men and 133 women from psychiatric settings in Israel completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (Butcher et al., 2001 Butcher, J. N., Graham, J. R., Ben-Porath, Y. S., Tellegen, A., Dahlstrom, W. G., &; Kaemmer, B. (2001). Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI–2): Manual for administration, scoring and interpretation (Rev. ed.). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) and the Maudsley Obsessional–Compulsive Inventory (Hodgson &; Rachman, 1977 Hodgson, R. J., &; Rachman, S. (1977). Obsessive–compulsive complaints. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 15, 389–395.[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). They were interviewed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (Sheehan et al., 1998 Sheehan, D. V., Lecrubier, Y., Sheehan, K. H., Amorim, P., Janavs, J., &; Weiller, E. (1998). The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.): The development and validation of a structured diagnostic psychiatric interview for DSM–IV and ICD–10. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 59, 22–33.[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Confirmatory factor analyses replicated Watson's structure for women but not for men. Mixed results were obtained regarding OCD's location in the model. Findings among women support the applicability of Watson's (2005) model across a variety of assessment modalities, as well as in a different language and for diversified cultural backgrounds. This conclusion, however, should be tempered in consideration of the results among men. Findings also provide evidence of the importance of demoralization in mood and anxiety disorders.     

Effects of Augmenting Response Options on MMPI–2 RC Scale Psychometrics

A number of empirical investigations indicate that tests with a greater number of response options tend to yield better psychometric performance. We hypothesized that a version of the MMPI–2 with a polytomous response format would outperform the standard dichotomous format in terms of observed score reliability and validity. Two versions of the MMPI–2 RC scales were administered consecutively in counterbalanced order to 199 undergraduate students attending a large Midwestern university: the standard true–false version, and an experimental version containing 4 response options (very true, mainly true, slightly true, and false, not at all true). After participants completed both versions, 2 scales from the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) were administered to assess differences in convergent validity. Results showed enhancements in reliability for all RC scale scores and increases in the convergent validity of scores. Directions for further investigation and potential implications for future test development are discussed.     

Crystal structure of 1–2–3 superconductor precursor material: Vacancy distribution and lattice relaxation

Abstract

The crystal structure of tetragonal YBa₂Cu₃O_7-δ, with δ close to the critical composition for the tetragonal–orthorhombic transition, has been refined. The oxygen deficiency δ = 0·65(10) is accommodated by both the O(1) and O(2) sites which coordinate the ‘square planar’ Cu(1) site. Structural relaxation around the vacancies is indicated by large anisotropic Debye-Waller ellipsoids in the structural layer formed by these atomic sites. The Y, Ba, Cu(2) and O(3) sites are not involved in the relaxation mechanism. On comparing this structure with the δ ≈ 0 and δ ≈ 1 end-members, we find that with decreasing oxygen content of the structure the Cu(2) valence type transforms from square-pyramidal character towards square-planar character. This effect gives the main contribution to the increase of the c ₀ lattice constant with decreasing oxygen content.     

Codetype-Based Interpretation of the MMPI–2 in an Outpatient Psychotherapy Sample

In an evaluation of the codetype-based interpretation of the MMPI–2, 48 doctoral student psychotherapists rated their clients’ (N = 120) standardized interpretations as more accurate when based on the profile's codetype, in comparison with ratings for interpretations based on alternate codetypes. Effect sizes ranged from nonsignificant to large, depending on the degree of proximity between the profile's codetype and the alternate codetype. There was weak evidence to suggest that well-defined profiles yielded more accurate interpretations than undefined profiles. It appears that codetype-based interpretation of the MMPI–2 is generally valid, but there might be little difference in the accuracy of interpretations based on nearby codetypes.     

Bias-corrected estimation of the Rudas–Clogg–Lindsay mixture index of fit

Rudas, Clogg, and Lindsay (1994, J. R Stat Soc. Ser. B, 56, 623) introduced the so-called mixture index of fit, also known as pi-star (π*), for quantifying the goodness of fit of a model. It is the lowest proportion of ‘contamination’ which, if removed from the population or from the sample, makes the fit of the model perfect. The mixture index of fit has been widely used in psychometric studies. We show that the asymptotic confidence limits proposed by Rudas et al. (1994, J. R Stat Soc. Ser. B, 56, 623) as well as the jackknife confidence interval by Dayton ( 2003 , Br. J. Math. Stat. Psychol., 56, 1) perform poorly, and propose a new bias-corrected point estimate, a bootstrap test and confidence limits for pi-star. The proposed confidence limits have coverage probability much closer to the nominal level than the other methods do. We illustrate the usefulness of the proposed method in practice by presenting some practical applications to log-linear models for contingency tables.     

Psychometric Examination,Adaptation, and Evaluation of the Hebrew Translation of the MMPI–2–RF VRIN-r and TRIN-r Validity Scales

In this study we examined the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008/2011; Tellegen & Ben-Porath, 2008/2011) Variable Response Inconsistency–Revised (VRIN-r) and True Response Inconsistency–Revised (TRIN-r) scales, including alternative versions of the scales, in the Hebrew translation of the test. First, we examined the applicability of the U.S. VRIN-r and TRIN-r scales in an Israeli Hebrew-speaking mixed clinical sample, and replaced original item pairs that did not meet the development criteria with substitution item pairs that did. Then, using the Israeli normative sample and a pure clinical sample, we compared the psychometric functioning of the adapted Hebrew-language VRIN-r and TRIN-r scales with that of the original versions of these scales under various conditions of simulated non-content-based (random and fixed) responding. Overall, results showed that the adapted versions of the scales did not improve on the original ones. We therefore recommend using the U.S. VRIN-r and TRIN-r versions, which could also facilitate cross-cultural comparisons.     

Introduction to the Special Section: Linking the MMPI–2–RF to Contemporary Models of Psychopathology

This special section considers 9 independent articles that seek to link the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF; Ben-Porath &; Tellegen, 2008/2011 Ben-Porath, Y. S., &; Tellegen, A. (2011). MMPI–2–RF (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 Restructured Form) manual. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. (Original work published 2008) [Google Scholar]) to contemporary models of psychopathology. Sellbom (this issue Sellbom, M. (this issue). Mapping the MMPI–2–RF Specific Problems scales onto extant psychopathology structures. Journal of Personality Assessment. doi:10.1080/00223891.2016.1206909[Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) maps the Specific Problems scales onto hierarchical psychopathology structures, whereas Romero, Toorabally, Burchett, Tarescavage, and Glassmire (this issue Romero, I. E., Toorabally, N., Burchett, D., Tarescavage, A. M., &; Glassmire, D. M. (this issue). Mapping the MMPI–2–RF Substantive scales onto internalizing, externalizing, and thought dysfunction dimensions in a forensic inpatient setting. Journal of Personality Assessment. doi:10.1080/00223891.2016.1223681[Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) and Shkalim, Almagor, and Ben-Porath (this issue Shkalim, E., Almagor, M., &; Ben-Porath, Y. S. (this issue). Examining current conceptualizations of psychopathology with the MMPI–2/MMPI–2–RF Restructured Clinical scales: Preliminary findings from a cross-cultural study. Journal of Personality Assessment. doi:10.1080/00223891.2016.1189429[Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) show evidence of linking the instruments' scales to diagnostic representations of common higher order psychopathology constructs. McCord, Achee, Cannon, Harrop, and Poynter (this issue McCord, D. M., Achee, M. C., Cannon, E. M., Harrop, T. M., &; Poynter, W. D. (this issue). Using the research domain criteria framework to explore associations between MMPI–2–RF constructs and physiological variables assessed by eye-tracker technology. Journal of Personality Assessment. doi:10.1080/00223891.2016.1228067[Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) link the MMPI–2–RF scales to psychophysiological constructs inspired by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Research Domain Criteria. Sellbom and Smith (this issue Sellbom, M. (this issue). Mapping the MMPI–2–RF Specific Problems scales onto extant psychopathology structures. Journal of Personality Assessment. doi:10.1080/00223891.2016.1206909[Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) find support for MMPI–2–RF scale hypotheses in covering personality psychopathology in general, whereas Klein Haneveld, Kamphuis, Smid, and Forbey (this issue Klein Haneveld, E., Kamphuis, J.H., Smid, W., &; Forbey, J. D. (this issue). Using MMPI–2–RF correlates to elucidate the PCL–R and its four facets in a sample of male forensic psychiatric patients. Journal of Personality Assessment. doi:10.1080/00223891.2016.1228655[Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) and Kutchen et al. (this issue Kutchen, T. J., Wygant, D. B., Tylicki, J. L., Dieter, A. M., Veltri, C. O., &; Sellbom, M. (this issue). Construct validity of the MMPI–2–RF Triarchic Psychopathy scales in correctional and collegiate samples. Journal of Personality Assessment. doi:10.1080/00223891.2016.1238829[Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) demonstrate the utility of the MMPI–2–RF in capturing contemporary conceptualizations of the psychopathic personality. Finally, Franz, Harrop, and McCord (this issue Franz, A. O., Harrop, T. M., &; McCord, D. M. (this issue). Examining the construct validity of the MMPI–2–RF Interpersonal Functioning scales using the Computerized Adaptive Test of Personality Disorder as a comparative framework. Journal of Personality Assessment. doi:10.1080/00223891.2016.1222394[Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) and Rogers et al. (this issue Rogers, M. L., Anestis, J. C., Harrop, T. M., Schneider, M., Bender, T. W., Ringer, F. B., &; Joiner, T. E. (this issue). Examination of MMPI–2–RF Substantive scales as indicators of acute suicidal affective disturbance components. Journal of Personality Assessment. doi:10.1080/00223891.2016.1222393[Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) mapped the MMPI–2–RF scales onto more specific transdiagnostic constructs reflecting interpersonal functioning and suicide behavior proneness, respectively.     

Inconsistent Responding in a Criminal Forensic Setting: An Evaluation of the VRIN-r and TRIN-r Scales of the MMPI–2–RF

Criminal forensic evaluations are complicated by the risk that examinees will respond in an unreliable manner. Unreliable responding could occur due to lack of personal investment in the evaluation, severe mental illness, and low cognitive abilities. In this study, 31% of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008/2011) profiles were invalid due to random or fixed-responding (T score ≥ 80 on the VRIN–r or TRIN–r scales) in a sample of pretrial criminal defendants evaluated in the context of treatment for competency restoration. Hierarchical regression models showed that symptom exaggeration variables, as measured by inconsistently reported psychiatric symptoms, contributed over and above education and intellectual functioning in their prediction of both random responding and fixed responding. Psychopathology variables, as measured by mood disturbance, better predicted fixed responding after controlling for estimates of cognitive abilities, but did not improve the prediction for random responding. These findings suggest that random responding and fixed responding are not only affected by education and intellectual functioning, but also by intentional exaggeration and aspects of psychopathology. Measures of intellectual functioning and effort and response style should be considered for administration in conjunction with self-report personality measures to rule out rival hypotheses of invalid profiles.     

Synthesis of a single phase of high-entropy Laves intermetallics in the Ti–Zr–V–Cr–Ni equiatomic alloy

The high-entropy Ti–Zr–V–Cr–Ni (20 at% each) alloy consisting of all five hydride-forming elements was successfully synthesised by the conventional melting and casting as well as by the melt-spinning technique. The as-cast alloy consists entirely of the micron size hexagonal Laves Phase of C14 type; whereas, the melt-spun ribbon exhibits the evolution of nanocrystalline Laves phase. There was no evidence of any amorphous or any other metastable phases in the present processing condition. This is the first report of synthesising a single phase of high-entropy complex intermetallic compound in the equiatomic quinary alloy system. The detailed characterisation by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the existence of a single-phase multi-component hexagonal C14-type Laves phase in all the as-cast, melt-spun and annealed alloys. The lattice parameter a = 5.08 Å and c = 8.41 Å was determined from the annealed material (annealing at 1173 K). The thermodynamic calculations following the Miedema’s approach support the stability of the high-entropy multi-component Laves phase compared to that of the solid solution or glassy phases. The high hardness value (8.92 GPa at 25 g load) has been observed in nanocrystalline high-entropy alloy ribbon without any cracking. It implies that high-yield strength (~3.00 GPa) and the reasonable fracture toughness can be achieved in this high-entropy material.