bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harmonizing Plasmonic and Photonic Effects to Boost Photocatalytic H2 Production over 550 mmol ⋅ h−1 ⋅ gcat−1
Authors: Raja Mogan Tharishinny , Zhang Jiajia , Ng Li Shiuan , Boong Siew Kheng , Chong Carice , Lee Jinn‐Kye , Li Haitao , Lee Hiang Kwee
Published: February 2024

Integrating plasmonic nanoparticles with photonic crystals holds immense potential to enhance green hydrogen photosynthesis by amplifying localized electromagnetic field through generating surface plasmons and slow photons. Current plasmonic photonic designs primarily employ semiconductor‐based structural backbone deposited with plasmonic nanoparticles. However, the competition between various optical phenomena in these ensembles hinders effective field enhancement rather than facilitating it. This limitation creates a formidable performance bottleneck that retards hydrogen evolution. Herein, we enhance plasmonic catalysis for efficient hydrogen evolution by effectively harmonizing plasmonic and photonic effects. This is achieved by using inert SiO2 opal as a non‐photoabsorbing photonic framework. By aligning the excitation wavelengths of surface plasmons and slow photons, our optimized plasmonic photonic crystals demonstrates a remarkable H2 evolution rate of 560 mmol h−1 gAg−1, surpassing bare plasmonic Ag nanoparticles by >106‐fold and other high‐performance photocatalytic designs by 280‐fold. Mechanistic studies highlight the pivotal role of the non‐photoabsorbing photonic backbone in facilitating effective light confinement through the photonic effect. This in turn boosts the plasmonic field for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution, even without needing additional co‐catalysts. Our work offers valuable insights for future design of electromagnetically hot plasmonic catalysts to achieve efficient light‐to‐chemical transformations in diverse energy, chemical, and environmental applications.
A High‐Rate and Long‐Life Sodium Metal Battery Based on a NaB3H8 ⋅ xNH3@NaB3H8 Composite Solid‐State Electrolyte
Authors: Qiu Pengtao , Chen Xinwei , Zhang Wanyu , Zhang Guoguo , Zhang Yichun , Lu Zhiwei , Wu Yiying , Chen Xuenian
Published: February 2024

All‐solid‐state sodium metal batteries are promising for large‐scale energy storage applications owing to their intrinsic safety and cost‐effectiveness. However, they generally suffer from sodium dendrite growth or rapid capacity fading, especially at high rates, mainly due to poor wettability, sluggish ionic transport, or low interfacial stability of the solid electrolytes. Herein, we report a novel composite, NaB3H8 ⋅ xNH3@NaB3H8 (x<1), as a new class of solid electrolyte for high‐rate batteries. NaB3H8 ⋅ xNH3@NaB3H8 is obtained from the sticky NaB3H8 ⋅ NH3 after removal of NH3 partially at room temperature. It delivers an ionic conductivity of 0.84 mS cm−1 at 25 °C and reaches 20.64 mS cm−1 at 45 °C after an order‐disorder phase transformation. It also reveals a good capability of dendrite suppression and remarkable stability against sodium metal. These performances enable the all‐solid‐state Na//TiS2 battery with a high capacity of 232.4 mAh g−1 (97.2 % of theoretical capacity) and long‐term cycling stability at 1 C. Notably, this battery shows superior long‐life cycling stability even at 5 and 10 C, which has been rarely reported in all‐solid‐state sodium metal batteries. This work opens a new group of solid electrolytes, contributing to fast‐charging or high‐power‐density sodium metal batteries.
Synthesis of alkynyl alcohol derivatives and its corrosion inhibition on N80 steel in 5 M HCl
Authors: Tu Sheng , Li Pengxi , Ai Lunhong , Tang Qi
Published: February 2024

Alkynyl alcohol derivatives (N‐14) were synthesized by 2‐chloromethyl pyridine, propargyl alcohol and bromotetradecane and the structure was confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and FTIR. The corrosion inhibition performance was evaluated by weight loss, Tafel polarization, EIS measurements and DFT quantum calculations. The results proved that N‐14 effectively inhibited the acid corrosion of N80 steel. The corrosion inhibition of N‐14 increased with its concentration and decreased with increasing temperature. A maximum of 99.56% inhibition efficiency was achieved using 5 × 10−5 mol/l of N‐14 at 60°C. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of N‐14 on N80 steel is spontaneous and exothermic, conforming to Langmuir's adsorption. Electrochemical results showed that N‐14 behaved as a mixed‐type inhibitor. In addition, corrosion products produced on N80 steel surface were researched by SEM, XRD, UV and contact angle. At the same time, the corrosion inhibition mechanism was discussed.
Non‐Linear Optical Activity of Chiral Bipyrimidine‐Based Thin Films
Authors: Nicolas Prescillia , Abdallah Stephania , Dok Ahmet , de Coene Yovan , Jeannin Olivier , Bellec Nathalie , Malval Jean‐Pierre , Verbiest Thierry , Clays Koen , Van Cleuvenbergen Stijn , Bilgin‐Eran Belkiz , Akdas‐Kiliç Huriye , Camerel Franck
Published: February 2024

An original series of bipyrimidine‐based chromophores featuring alkoxystyryl donor groups bearing short chiral (S)‐2‐methylbutyl chains in positions 4, 3,4 and 3,5, connected to electron‐accepting 2,2‐bipyrimidine rings, has been developed. Their linear and non‐linear optical properties were studied using a variety of techniques, including one‐ and two‐photon absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence measurements, as well as Hyper‐Rayleigh scattering to determine the first hyperpolarizabilities. Their electronic and geometrical properties were rationalized by TD‐DFT calculations. The thermal properties of the compounds were also investigated by a combination of polarized light optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry measurements and small‐angle X‐ray scattering experiments. The derivatives were found not to have mesomorphic properties, but to exhibit melting temperatures or cold crystallization behavior that enabled the isolation of well‐organized thin films. The nonlinear optical properties of amorphous or crystalline thin films were studied by wide‐field second harmonic generation and multiphoton fluorescence imaging, confirming that non‐centrosymmetric crystal organization enables strong second and third harmonic generation. This new series confirms that our strategy of functionalizing 3D organic octupoles with short chiral chains to generate non‐centrosymmetric organized thin films enables the development of highly second order nonlinear optical active materials without the use of corona‐poling or tedious deposition techniques.
Einsatzstellenbewertungen der deutschen Feuerwehren – Brandversuche in situ
Authors: Maiworm Björn , Göldner Moritz , Engel Thomas
Published: February 2024

Die deutschen Feuerwehren erfassen seit dem Jahr 2016 systematisch signifikante Brände in Gebäuden. Teil dieser Erfassung ist die Überprüfung, ob Schutzziele verletzt werden. Die Branddirektion München wertet diese Daten für den Fachausschuss Vorbeugender Brand‐ und Gefahrenschutz der deutschen Feuerwehren (FA VB/G) aus und kooperiert dabei mit der Technischen Universität München. Dieser Aufsatz stellt die Methode und die ersten Erkenntnisse aus dieser Statistik dar. Erste Trends zeigen eine erheblich hohe Anzahl von Rauchausbreitungen, die direkte Wirkung des abwehrenden Brandschutzes und organisatorischer Brandschutzmaßnahmen.
Photocatalytic degradation of 4‐nitrophenol by using multicomponent Cu2O‐Cu@TiO2 nanoparticle aggregates
Authors: Jiang Jianwei , Moon Seokyeong , Yoon Sungho , Piao Longhai
Published: February 2024

Multicomponent nanomaterials with synergistic effect were typically used to enhance the photocatalytic performance. Herein, three‐component nanomaterials composed of Cu2O, Cu, and TiO2 were prepared using a facile method, and applied in the photocatalytic degradation reactions. The synthetic procedure involves the formation of Cu2O nanoparticle aggregates (NPAs) followed by Cu nanoparticles growth on the surface of Cu2O NPAs in one pot, and TiO2 encapsulation (Cu2O‐Cu@TiO2). The catalyst structure was characterized by x‐ray diffraction, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersed x‐ray. The catalytic performance of Cu2O‐Cu@TiO2 NPAs was evaluated through the photocatalytic degradation of 4‐nitrophenol under the simulated solar light. We found that it exhibited greater activity than the Cu2O‐Cu NPAs, commercial TiO2, and Cu2O@TiO2 NPAs, probably due to their synergistic interactions resulting in the effective photogenerated carrier transfer in the multicomponent nanomaterials.
Secondary bladder and colorectal cancer after treatments for prostate cancer: A population based study
Authors: Bárcena Patricia Grisel Quintana , Aprikian Armen Garo , Dragomir Alice
Published: February 2024

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) patients receiving radiotherapy may be predisposed to secondary malignancies. This study aimed to determine the association between PCa treatments, including radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), brachytherapy (BT) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); and secondary bladder and colorectal cancer.

Methods

A cohort study was constructed using Quebec administrative databases (Med‐Echo and RAMQ). Included men were diagnosed and treated for PCa between 2000 and 2016. Patients with bladder or colorectal cancer prior to PCa were excluded. Follow‐up ended at the earliest of the following: incidence of bladder or colorectal cancer, death, or December 31, 2016. EBRT, BT, EBRT+ADT, RP + ADT or ADT only were compared individually to RP. The incidence of secondary bladder and colorectal cancer were computed. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on a propensity score was used to control for potential confounding. IPTW‐Cox proportional hazards models were used.

Results

A significant association was found between secondary bladder cancer and EBRT (HR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.60;2.13), and also EBRT+ADT (HR: 2.08, 95%CI: 1.67;2.56), but not with BT (HR: 1.36, 95%CI: 0.68;2.74). Secondary colorectal cancer was significantly associated to either EBRT (HR: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.21;1.53); or BT (HR: 2.46, 95%CI: 1.71;3.54). The association between ADT alone and both secondary cancers was also significant (HR: 1.98, 95%CI: 1.69;2.31 and HR: 1.69, 95%CI: 1.49;1.92, respectively).

Conclusions

Compared to PCa patients undergoing RP, the secondary bladder cancer was associated with EBRT, ADT, alone or in combination. The secondary colorectal cancer was also associated with receiving either EBRT, BT or ADT.
Sports betting gambles with student‐athletes’ well‐being
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2024

Although legalized sports betting can be a harmless form of entertainment, it also carries high‐stakes risks in the form of harassment targeted at student‐athletes, gambling addictions, and violations of NCAA bylaws. At the annual NCAA Convention, a panel of experts discussed the risks and safeguards related to sports betting, which has been legalized in 47 states. Moderated by Clint Hangebrauck, NCAA Managing Director of Enterprise Risk Management, the panel included Teresa Fiore, Vice President of Partnerships at EPIC Global Solutions; Timothy W. Fong, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA, and Co‐Director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program; Mark Hicks, J.D., NCAA Managing Director of Enforcement; and Jonathan Hirshler, Co‐Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Signify Group, an ethical data science company.
Molecular Docking and GC/MS‐Based Approach for Identification of Anxiolytic Alkaloids from Griffinia (Amaryllidaceae) Species in a Zebrafish Model
Authors: Leite Elder Luis Lima , Sheila de Queiroz Souza Ana , Riceli Vasconcelos Ribeiro Paulo , de Cássia Alves Pereira Rita , Florêncio Martins Natália , Kueirislene Amâncio Ferreira Maria , Silva Alencar de Menezes Jane Eire , Silva dos Santos Hélcio , Deusdênia Loiola Pessoa Otília , Marques Canuto Kirley
Published: February 2024

Griffinia gardneriana Ravenna, Griffinia liboniana Morren and Griffinia nocturna Ravenna (Amarillydaceae) are bulbous plants found in tropical regions of Brazil. Our work aimed to determine the alkaloid profiles of Griffinia spp. and evaluate their anxiolytic potential through in vivo and in silico assays. The plants grown in greenhouses were dried and their ground bulbs were subjected to liquid‐liquid partitions, resulting in alkaloid fractions that were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Anxiolytic activity was evaluated in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through intraperitoneal injection at doses of 40, 100 and 200 mg/kg in light‐dark box test. GC‐MS analyses revealed 23 alkaloids belonging to different skeleton types: lycorine, homolychorine, galanthamine, crinine, haemanthamine, montanine and narcisclasine. The chemical profiles were relatively similar, presenting 8 alkaloids common to the three species. The major component for G. gardneriana and G. liboniana was lycorine, while G. nocturna consisted mainly of anhydrolycorine. All three alkaloid fractions demonstrated anxiolytic effect. Furthermore, pre‐treatment with diazepam and pizotifen drugs was able to reverse the anxiolytic action, indicating involving the GABAergic and serotonergic receptors. Molecular docking showed that the compounds vittatine, lycorine and 11,12‐dehydro‐2‐methoxyassoanine had high affinity with both receptors, suggesting them to be responsible for the anxiolytic effect.
Design, Synthesis, and Molecular Docking of Novel Miscellaneous Chalcones as p38α Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Zeid Mai M. , El‐Badry Osama M. , Elmeligie Salwa , Hassan Rasha A.
Published: February 2024

New chalcones were synthesized and evaluated to serve as p38‐α type of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors. According to the National Cancer Institute, the findings indicated that at a 10 μM dosage, compounds 3a and 6 were the most active among all the compounds examined, with mean growth inhibition% of 94.83 and 58.49, respectively. In 5‐dose testing, they showed anticancer activity in the micro‐molar range with GI50 in the range of 1.41–46.1 and 2.07–31.3 μM, respectively. Besides, powerful activity, especially against the leukaemia cell lines and good selectivity to cancer cells compared to normal PCS‐800‐017 with a selectivity index=12.41 and 23.77, respectively. Compounds 3a and 6 inhibited p38α MAPK with IC50 values of 0.1462±0.0063 and 0.4356±0.0189 μM, correspondingly. 3a showed good inhibition for HL‐60(TB) cells and induced cell cycle arrest in HL‐60(TB) cells at the G2/M phase. Besides, it elevated the total apoptosis by 14.68‐fold and increased the caspase‐3 level by 3.52‐fold compared with doxorubicin, which raised it by 4.30‐fold, inducing apoptosis by acting as caspase‐dependent inducers. These results suggest that 3a is a promising antiproliferative and p38α MAPK inhibitor, confirmed by molecular docking with high compatibility 3a with the p38α MAPK binding site.
Histological study of telocytes in mice intrauterine adhesion model and their positive effect on mesenchymal stem cells in vitro
Authors: Wei Xiaojiao , Li Hui , Chen Tianquan , Yang Xiaojun
Published: February 2024

Intrauterine adhesions (IUA), the main cause of secondary infertility in women, result from irreversible fibrotic repair of the endometrium due to inflammation or human factors, accompanied by disruptions in the repair function of endometrial stem cells. This significantly impacts the physical and mental health of women in their childbearing years. Telocytes (TCs), a distinctive type of interstitial cells found in various tissues and organs, play diverse repair functions due to their unique spatial structure. In this study, we conduct the inaugural exploration of the changes in TCs in IUA disease and their potential impact on the function of stem cells. Our results show that in vivo, through double immunofluorescence staining (CD34+/Vimentin+; CD34+/CD31−), as endometrial fibrosis deepens, the number of TCs gradually decreases, telopodes shorten, and the three‐dimensional structure becomes disrupted in the mouse IUA mode. In vitro, TCs can promote the proliferation and cycle of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by promoting the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, which were inhibited using XAV939. TCs can promote the migrated ability of BMSCs and contribute to the repair of stem cells during endometrial injury. In addition, TCs can inhibit the apoptosis of BMSCs through the Bcl‐2/Bax pathway. In conclusion, our study demonstrates, for the first time, the resistance role of TCs in IUA disease, shedding light on their potential involvement in endometrial repair through the modulation of stem cell function.
Concepts behind the Redox Photocatalysis with Quantum Dots
Authors: Navarro Marcelo , Costa Jadielson , Sousa Felipe L. N.
Published: February 2024

In this conceptual review, we present the optical and electronic characteristics of quantum dots for the designing of organic synthesis experiments through the photocatalysis. We discuss the control parameters associated to the charge recombination processes on the semiconductor interface. The positioning of bands and control of intragap states, such as charge donors and acceptors, can define the performance of faradaic processes. Electrochemical strategies, such as voltammetry, can be used as a powerful tool for the determining of the electronic band edges with good precision.
A local perspective on internal, external, and reflexive biomarker testing processes for lung cancer in an academic medical center
Authors: Russell Andrea M. , Pack Allison P. , Bailey Stacy C. , Weldon Christine B. , Dreyer Marie S. , Kircher Sheetal M. , Wolf Michael S.
Published: February 2024

In a large academic medical center, processes for ordering and receiving biomarker testing to inform cancer treatment in non–small cell lung cancer varied by whether tests were conducted internally or externally. Lack of standardization in biomarker testing processes, despite the availability of electronic health record solutions, contributes to clinician burden and may increase risk of delays in receipt of testing results; therefore, efforts to streamline ordering processes may benefit health systems.
Impact of prophylactic central lymph node dissection on the complications and recurrence rates in papillary thyroid carcinoma—An AFCE (French‐speaking Association of Endocrine Surgery) multicentre study based on the EUROCRINE® national data
Authors: Chereau Nathalie , Christou Niki , Caiazzo Robert , Le Fouler Adrien , Lifante Jean Christophe , Maillard Laure , Mirallie Eric , Pattou Francois , Bouviez Nicolas , Santucci Nicolas , Brunaud Laurent , Menegaux Fabrice
Published: February 2024

Background

Prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) remains controversial during the initial surgery for preoperative and intraoperative node‐negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy with or without pCND (Nx) for PTC in nine French surgical departments, registered in the EUROCRINE® national data in France between January 2015 and June 2021, were included in a cohort study. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics, complications, and recurrence rates were compared using multivariate regression analysis.

Results

A total of 1905 patients with cN0 PTC were enrolled, including 1534 who had undergone pCND and 371 who hadn't (Nx). Of these, 1546 (81.2%) were female, and the median age was 49 years (range: 15–89 years). Patients who had undergone pCND were more likely to have multifocal tumors (n = 524 [34.2%] vs. n = 68 [18.3%], p < .001) and larger tumors (15.3 vs. 10.2 mm, p = .01) than patients with Nx. Of the patients with pCND, 553 (36%) had positive central LN (N1a), with a median of 1 N1 (IQR 0–5). pCND was associated with a higher temporary hypocalcemia rate (n = 25 [8%] vs. n = 15 [4%], p < .001). The rates of permanent hypocalcemia and temporary and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy were not significantly different between the two groups (p > .2). After adjusting for covariates (age, sex, multifocality, and pathological T stage) in a multivariable Cox PH model, the performance of lymph node dissection (pCND vs. no‐pCND) was not associated with PTC recurrence (p = .2).

Conclusion

pCND in PTC does not reduce recurrence and is associated with a two‐fold increase in the incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism. These data should be considered while issuing further guidelines regarding the treatment of patients with cN0 PTC.
Researchers recommend training ED physicians on suicide risks in children and teens
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2024

With most young people who die by suicide interfacing with the health care system sometime in the year before, there are opportunities for preventing this. On the other hand, most children and adolescents evaluated for mental health conditions in the emergency department (ED) did not get an appointment with a mental health professional within a week. Researchers have looked at the data and conclude that there needs to be a more standardized and reliable way to screen children and adolescents for suicide risk.
Dining accommodations: What are the legal responsibilities of colleges and universities?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: February 2024

The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that around 2% of adults have a food allergy (https://bit.ly/3UjKHVE). Food allergies also affect students at colleges and universities.
Campus Security
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: February 2024

An overview of the key topics faced by disability services providers with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Screening tools combined with multivariate data analysis to predict or confirm virgin olive oil classification by the Panel test
Authors: Grigoletto Ilaria , Casadei Enrico , Panni Filippo , Valli Enrico , Cevoli Chiara , Bendini Alessandra , García‐González Diego Luis , Focante Francesca , Savino Angela Felicita , Carpino Stefania , Gallina Toschi Tullia
Published: February 2024

A particular aspect of quality control of virgin olive oil (VOO) is the mandatory application, together with chemical and instrumental determinations, of a standardized and official method for sensory assessment. The latter, known as Panel test, is carried out by trained assessors and contributes to the classification of VOOs into three commercial categories (extra virgin, virgin, and lampante). One drawback of this method is related to the large number of samples to be analyzed, compared to the work capacity of a sensory panel, especially during the selection for purchase by companies that blend and market virgin oils and the quality control conducted by the authorities to verify the declared commercial category. For this reason, it is helpful to develop and validate robust and rapid screening methods, based on volatile fingerprints, to preclassify each sample into one of the three commercial categories. Considering the strict relation between volatile compounds and the main sensory attributes (fruity and defects), a gas‐chromatographic volatile fingerprint can be the right choice. In this paper, the comparison of two emerging techniques, namely, headspace‐gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (HS‐GC‐IMS) and flash‐gas chromatography (FGC), applied on a sample set of 49 VOOs, using calibrations previously built with a larger number of samples, is presented. The number of correctly classified samples, with respect to the commercial category determined by the Panel test, was satisfactory and comparable (92% for HS‐GC‐IMS, and 94% for FGC), confirming the effectiveness of both methods and the robustness of the predictive models.

Practical Applications: The demand for rapid screening tools to reduce the number of samples to be assessed by the Panel test has increased in recent years. The validation of robust models and their joint adoption by companies that market VOOs as well as official control bodies could reduce nonconformities and increase the batches of VOO being controlled, thus better protecting the consumer. Therefore, it is desirable to have different tools available to analyze volatile compounds, together with the associated calibration models, along with detailed instructions for their application, to have different alternatives that suit the equipment of individual laboratories.
Implementing coaching programmes for healthcare professionals—A review of the barriers and facilitators
Authors: Jansen E. J. , Czabanowska K. , de Pagter A. P. J. , de Koeijer R. J.
Published: February 2024

Background

The European Union faces severe and worsening personnel shortages in healthcare. Coaching has emerged as a human‐centred strategy to enhance sustainable employment and retention. While the number of efficacy studies on coaching continues to grow, knowledge about the barriers and facilitators to implementing coaching interventions among healthcare professionals (HCPs) remains scarce.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to describe common barriers and facilitators to the implementation of coaching interventions for HCPs.

Methods

In April 2023, five databases were searched for eligible articles. Barriers and facilitators were systematically identified and mapped onto the constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Directed content analysis yielded thematic areas and a reporting frequency.

Results

A total of thirty (n = 30) studies were included in this review, representing twenty‐five (n = 25) distinct coaching programmes. Implementation determinants were clustered under two CFIR domains: the Inner Setting (8 facilitators, 5 barriers) and Implementation Process (6 facilitators, 1 barrier). Barriers included (i) limited organisational capacity, (ii) lack of psychological safety, (iii) competing work demands, and (iv) insufficient leadership buy‐in, while facilitators were the (i) allocation of protected time for participants and coaches, (ii) promotion through opinion leaders, (iii) embeddedness in existing Continuous Professional Development programmes, and (iv) programme co‐creation.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide practical insights to guide the future implementation of coaching interventions at an organisational level. In particular, the identified barriers and facilitators suggest, for optimal efficacy and sustainment, coaching interventions must be implemented within a safe, supportive organisational climate.
Sediment quality classification in freshwater lakes predicted by the history of treatment with copper-based aquatic algaecides
Authors: Chen Yu , Sullivan Patrick J. , Paul Eric
Published: February 2024

Copper-based aquatic algaecides have been widely used in the management of aquatic macrophyte and harmful algal blooms for decades due to their effectiveness and low cost. However, repeated treatment of freshwater lakes results in the accumulation of copper in the sediment, which may adversely affect the ecosystem of the lakes through toxicity to benthic invertebrates and other organisms. Consequently, copper-based aquatic herbicides and algaecides have been frequently subjected to regulations aimed at preventing further ecological deterioration in treated waterbodies. Many states in the US are taking or considering taking an approach that limits or prohibits copper treatment in waterbodies. Freshwater lakes with extensive historical copper treatments typically have significantly higher concentrations of copper in the sediment than untreated lakes. However, the correlation between the extent of the treatments and level of copper accumulation in the sediment has not been quantitatively characterized. In the present study, between 2006 and 2017, copper concentrations were measured in the sediment from selected lakes in New York State with different histories of copper-based aquatic algaecide treatment. Analysis of these data confirmed findings from earlier studies conducted by New York State that lakes with histories of copper treatment have significantly higher copper concentrations in the sediment. It also demonstrated that sediment copper concentrations were significantly higher in the sublittoral zone than the littoral zone in treated lakes. Moreover, a positive correlation was detected between sediment copper concentrations and the total number of treatments with copper-based aquatic algaecide for both littoral and sublittoral zones (p-value = 7.94 × 10−8 and 3.1 × 10−13, respectively). This relationship can be used as a screening tool for regulatory agencies to identify lakes with sediment copper levels possibly higher than the toxicity threshold for aquatic life. Consequently, additional ecological risk assessment may be required before allowing future treatment with copper-based aquatic algaecides. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1586–1597. © 2024 SETAC

Key Points

Sediment copper concentration in freshwater lakes is positively correlated with the extent of copper-based algaecide treatment in the past. The correlation can be quantitatively characterized and used by regulators as a screening tool for management of future treatment of freshwater lakes with copper-based algaecide.
Retracted: International expansion and audit opinion shopping: A signaling perspective
Authors: Ding Hao
Published: February 2024

Opinion shopping is an essential indication of audit collusion. Hence, it is crucial to explore the driving factors of audit uopinion shopping to better control and address this issue. Drawing upon signaling theory, this paper explores the relationship between international expansion and audit opinion shopping and the moderating roles of internal control quality and auditors’ quality. We find that the higher the level of international expansion of an enterprise, the greater the likelihood of audit opinion shopping. Furthermore, we also find that high internal control quality and high auditor quality can weaken the positive relationship between international expansion and audit opinion shopping. Besides, heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of international expansion on audit opinion shopping is more pronounced in non‐SOEs and firms which stay in the growth and maturity stage. This paper contributes to the antecedent research of audit opinion shopping and exposes the possible “dark side” of international expansion. Finally, this study may provide practical implications to help the authorities better regulate internationalized enterprises as well as contribute to the healthy development of the auditing market.
Avoiding embarrassment online: Response to and inferences about chatbots when purchases activate self‐presentation concerns
Authors: Jin Jianna , Walker Jesse , Reczek Rebecca Walker
Published: February 2024

We explore how self‐presentation concerns and the desire to avoid embarrassment impact two distinct types of interactions consumers have with chatbots: interactions when a chatbot's identity is (1) not disclosed and therefore ambiguous or (2) disclosed. We propose that consumers feel less embarrassed with a chatbot than a human service agent in purchase contexts where self‐presentation concerns are active because consumers ascribe less mind to chatbots. Therefore, when a chat agent's identity is ambiguous, consumers with greater self‐presentation concerns are more likely to infer that an agent is human because this judgment allows consumers to proactively protect themselves from potential embarrassment in the event they are interacting with a human. We further show that when agent identity is clearly disclosed, consumers respond more positively to chatbots than human agents. However, this effect is contingent on the extent to which the chatbot is imbued with human characteristics: Anthropomorphizing chatbots leads consumers with higher self‐presentation concerns to ascribe more mind to even clearly identified chatbots, resulting in a more negative consumer response.
Instructional strategies and challenges for implementing teledentistry in dental hygiene curricula: A qualitative study
Authors: Spearin Tricia A. , Ayers Candace L.
Published: February 2024

Purpose/Objectives

Research has documented the implementation of telecommunications and virtual technology use in health care disciplines to expand accessibility. Despite the current trend of digital innovations in healthcare systems, telehealth technology is not readily adopted in the dental hygiene profession yet. Currently, no standardized educational framework exists in dental hygiene curricula to prepare professionals with the technical skill set and professional knowledge necessary for telehealth applications. The aims and objectives of this research were (1) to investigate existing dental hygiene educators’ pedagogical frameworks for incorporating telehealth technology into dental hygiene curricula, (2) explore these educators’ instructional strategies for teaching telehealth technology, and (3) examine the theoretical implications and practical outcomes of teaching telehealth technology for professional development and transferrable work‐force ready skills.

Methods

A nine‐item, open‐ended, semi‐structured interview guide was prepared and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in January 2023 to qualitatively investigate accredited entry‐level dental hygiene programs in the United States. Thematic interpretational analysis was conducted using NVivo software.

Results

A total of 54 of the 328 dental hygiene programs volunteered for participation. Thirteen full‐time and part‐time dental hygiene educators met inclusion criteria. The core salient themes identified included (a) curriculum mapping, (b) technology integration, (c) professional collaboration, and (d) supplemental skill set.

Conclusions

These findings provide guidance to dental hygiene programs for bridging the teledentistry knowledge gap in curriculum development. Incorporating telehealth applications into dental hygiene curricula prepares future dental hygienists with the specialized training needed to function as a member of contemporary health care teams addressing access to care.
The importance of crowdsourced observations for urban climate services
Authors: Mitchell Timothy D. , Fry Matthew J.
Published: February 2024

Crowdsourced observation networks are typically much more dense than those maintained by National Meteorological Services, and sample a much wider range of local climates. This offers an opportunity to build observed climatologies that are more representative of lived experience, particularly in cities. This study provides a worked example to show their potential for improving operational climate services, and to identify the challenges to realizing that potential. To demonstrate the concept, data from personal weather stations, obtained through citizen science, are used to build an observed record of daily maximum temperatures in 2020 in Manchester (UK). This record is compared to the standard baseline used in a current climate service, showing a substantial increase in the estimated heat hazard. If such potential benefits are to be realized in a climate service, it will be necessary to first build an alternative observed baseline of decadal length and at national or international scale. This requires further work to acquire, quality‐control, exposure‐control and map the crowdsourced observations.
Generating weather pattern definitions over South Africa suitable for future use in impact‐orientated medium‐range forecasting
Authors: Ireland Lewis G. , Robbins Joanne , Neal Robert , Barciela Rosa , Gilbert Rebecca
Published: February 2024

This work aims to define a set of representative weather patterns for South Africa that can be utilized to support impact‐based forecasting of heatwave events. Sets of weather patterns have been generated using k‐means clustering on daily ERA5 reanalysis data between 1979 and 2020. Different pattern sets were generated by varying the clustering atmospheric variable, the spatial domain and the number of weather patterns. These weather patterns are evaluated using the explained variation score to assess their ability to represent the variability of the maximum daily 2m temperature (Tmax,2m). The results indicate that a set of 30 weather patterns generated using mean sea‐level pressure, with a clustering domain in the range 15°–34°E and 21°–36°S, provides a reasonable representation of Tmax,2m variability across South Africa. The implementation of an appropriate weather pattern set into a medium‐range forecasting tool has the potential to extend the prediction of high‐impact weather events in South Africa, such as heatwaves, and also highlight specific impacts on the population, for example, food and water insecurity, heat exhaustion or energy and transport impacts.
Self‐Compression of Ultrahigh‐Peak‐Power Lasers
Authors: Chen Renjing , Liang Wenhai , Xu Yilin , Shen Xiong , Wang Peng , Liu Jun , Li Ruxin
Published: February 2024

Pulse self‐compression can offer a more compact and efficient solution for improving the peak power of ultraintense laser pulses. By solving a modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation considering the fifth‐order susceptibility, it is found that self‐compression occurred even in a normally dispersive medium owing to the negative fifth‐order susceptibility inducing a mass of negative frequency chirp. Furthermore, negatively prechirped pulses enabled self‐compression at lower intensities, thus preventing damage to the medium. The optimal choices for prechirp, input intensity, and medium length are numerically analyzed. A proof‐of‐principle experiment confirmed the aforementioned theoretical findings. It is expected that petawatt or even exawatt laser pulses with 25 fs/15 fs transform‐limited pulse duration can be self‐compressed to ≈ 9.9 fs/7.6 fs in normally dispersive media, such as fused silica glass plate.
New users of anxiolytics and sedatives in Sweden—Drug type, doses, prescribers' characteristics, and psychiatric comorbidity in more than 750,000 patients
Authors: Dahlén Elin , Bardage Carola , Tuvendal Paulina , Ljung Rickard
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Anxiety and sleep disorders are common in the population and anxiolytics and sedatives are widely used. Our aim was to describe the drug utilization of new users of anxiolytics and sedatives in adults including type of drug, doses, prescribers' characteristics, and psychiatric comorbidity.

Methods

A register‐based cohort study of new users (18–64 years) of anxiolytics and sedatives in 2015–2019, free of any such drug 5 years prior to inclusion. The individuals were linked to national registers on dispensed drugs and recorded diagnoses.

Results

In total, 764,432 new users of anxiolytics and sedatives were identified, which corresponds to an incidence of 26/1000 inhabitants and year. The proportion of new users of benzodiazepines (including both anxiolytics and sedatives) decreased, whereas the proportion of sedative antihistamines and melatonin increased. The most common drug dispensed was hydroxizin (33%) followed by benzodiazepine related drugs (zopiclone and zolpidem; 20%), propiomazine (14%) and benzodiazepines (13%). The majority (68%) of the prescriptions were from primary care. Most new users were prescribed 1–30DDDs and 52% among women and 49% among men were dispensed their drug only once during the first year. Half of the new users had a previous comorbid psychiatric disorder.

Conclusions

The findings are well reflecting the recommendations in national guidelines.
Multinuclear 1H/13C/15N chemical shift assignment of therapeutic octreotide acetate performed at natural abundance
Authors: Menke Alexander J. , Chen Fu , Chen Kang
Published: February 2024

Octreotide acetate, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the long‐acting release (LAR) drug product Sandostatin®, is a cyclic octapeptide that mimics the naturally occurring somatostatin peptide hormone. Modern NMR can be a robust analytical method to identify and quantify octreotide molecules. Previous 1H chemical shift assignments were mostly performed in organic solvents, and no assignments for heteronuclear 13C, 15N, and aromatic 1H nuclei are available. Here, using state‐of‐the‐art 1D and 2D homo‐ and heteronuclear NMR experiments, octreotide was fully assigned, including water exchangeable amide protons, in aqueous buffer except for 13CO and 15NH of F1, 15NH of C2, and 15NζHζ of K5 that were not observed because of water exchange or conformational exchange. The solution NMR spectra were then directly compared with 1D 1H/13C/15N solid‐state NMR (SSNMR) spectra showing the potential applicability of 13C/15N SSNMR for octreotide drug product characterization.
Pilot study of a virtual weight management program for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Billich Natassja , Bray Paula , Truby Helen , Evans Maureen , Carroll Kate , de Valle Katy , Adams Justine , Kennedy Rachel A. , Villano Daniella , Kornberg Andrew J. , Yiu Eppie M. , Ryan Monique M. , Davidson Zoe E.
Published: February 2024

Introduction/Aims

Young people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are at increased risk of obesity. Weight management is important to families; however, several barriers exist. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a co‐designed weight management program for DMD.

Methods

The Supporting Nutrition and Optimizing Wellbeing Program (SNOW‐P) was a single‐arm diet and behavior weight management intervention delivered via weekly telehealth/phone visits over 6 weeks to young people with DMD and obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile) and their caregivers. Using an online survey, caregivers of boys with DMD were consulted on the structure and topics delivered in SNOW‐P. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability; secondary outcomes were weight, physical function, and quality of life at 6‐ and 12‐weeks follow‐up.

Results

Of nineteen eligible participants, eight were enrolled (median age 11.4 years, range 4.9–15.8), and seven completed the program. Visit attendance was high (88%–100%); most participants reported high satisfaction and that participation was easy. Suggested changes included online and visual DMD‐specific resources. At 6‐weeks, median change in weight z‐scores was −0.01 (IQR: −0.23, 0.17) indicating that on average, weight gain tracked as expected for age. Waist circumference measured by caregivers lacked accuracy and the completion rate of caregiver‐reported secondary outcome measures (e.g., food diaries) was low.

Discussion

A co‐designed, telehealth/phone weight management program appeared to be feasible and acceptable in a small group of boys with DMD. An adapted, hybrid telehealth and face‐to‐face program is recommended for efficacy testing.
Probabilistic relative entropy in elasto‐plasticity using the iterative generalized stochastic stress‐based Finite Element Method
Authors: Kamiński Marcin , Bredow Rafał
Published: February 2024

The generalized iterative stochastic perturbation approach to the stress‐based Finite Element Method has been proposed in this work. This approach is completed using the complementary energy principle, Taylor expansion of the general order applicable to all random functions and parameters as well as nodal polynomial response bases determined with the use of the Least Squares Method. The main aim of this elaboration is the usage of such a probabilistic approach to determine Bhattacharyya relative entropy for some nonlinear engineering stress analysis with uncertainty. Mathematical apparatus with its numerical implementation has been used to study elastoplastic torsion of some prismatic bar with Gaussian material uncertainty and the corresponding reliability measures. This problem has been solved using the Constant Stress Triangular (CST) plane finite elements, the modified Newton–Raphson algorithm, whereas the first four probabilistic characteristics resulting from the iterative generalized stochastic perturbation method have been contrasted with these obtained with the crude Monte‐Carlo sampling and the semi‐analytical probabilistic approach.
A case of posterior cortical atrophy and paranoid schizophrenia
Authors: Toma Ioana , Obinwa Chinwe , Rathnaiah Mohan
Published: February 2024

Posterior cortical atrophy, also called Benson's syndrome or visual variant of Alzheimer's disease, refers to a constellation of neurodegenerative features associated with Alzheimer's disease. The authors describe an unusual case of a patient diagnosed with this condition in addition to paranoid schizophrenia, in a forensic low secure unit. The focus of the article is on the distinctiveness of the presentation, the heterogeneity of symptoms and difficulties encountered in the diagnostic formulation process.
Othello syndrome and dopamine dysregulation syndrome
Authors: Masmoudi Rim , Derbel Emna , Cherif Farah , Hentati Salma , Feki Ines , Sellami Rim , Masmoudi Jawaher
Published: February 2024

Othello syndrome is a paranoid delusional jealousy characterised by false absolute certainty of the infidelity of a partner, leading to preoccupation with a partner's sexual unfaithfulness based on unfounded evidence. Here, we present a case of Othello syndrome comorbid to dopamine dsyregulation syndrome in a patient suffering from juvenile Parkinson's disease. The case investigates the relationship between compulsive levodopa use and delusional jealousy, the serious consequences of these conditions and the difficulty in patient management.
Innovative and sustainable synthesis and structure of novel N‐substituted hexahydroacridine derivatives
Authors: Vinoth Nangagoundan , Kalaiarasi Chinnasamy , Lalitha Appaswami
Published: February 2024

An efficient and green synthesis of tetramethyl‐10‐(phenylamino)‐3,4,6,7,9,10‐hexahydroacridine‐1,8(2H,5H)‐dione derivatives has been achieved from various substituted aryl aldehydes, 5,5‐dimethyl‐3‐(2‐phenylhydrazinyl)cyclohex‐2‐enone and dimedone in aqueous ethanol medium. Environment‐friendly reaction, excellent yields, operational simplicity and shorter reaction times are the significant features of the present protocol. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and X‐ray crystal diffraction studies.
Cover Image
Authors: Lu Lan , Wang Jingya , Wang Chongrui , Zhu Jie , Wang Hongping , Liao Li , Zhao Yuting , Wang Xiaobo , Yang Chen , He Zhengyou , Li Mingxing
Published: February 2024

The cover image is based on the Review Plant‐derived virulence arresting drugs as novel antimicrobial agents: Discovery, perspective, and challenges in clinical use by Lan Lu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8072.

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Sampled‐data control of time‐delay uncertain systems with uncontrollable/unobservable linearization by memoryless feedback
Authors: Zhao Congran , Lin Wei
Published: February 2024

Sampled‐data control problems via memoryless state and output feedback are studied, respectively, for a class of strongly nonlinear systems with state and input delays. Under sample and hold, both state and output feedback control schemes are developed by virtue of the emulation method, the adding a power integrator technique, and the recursive design of nonlinear observers. With the aid of Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional theorem, together with the idea of robust control, we prove that the proposed sampled‐data state and output feedback controllers make the hybrid closed‐loop systems with delays and uncertainty globally asymptotically stable, if the input delay and sampling period are limited. The class of time‐delay uncertain systems under consideration goes beyond the Lipschitz or linear growth condition and is genuinely nonlinear in the sense that it contains uncontrollable/unobservable linearization and is not stabilizable, even locally, by any linear or smooth feedback. Applications of the sampled‐data robust control schemes presented in this article are illustrated by examples with simulations.