bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a 3D patient‐specific collision avoidance virtual framework for half‐gantry proton therapy system
Authors: Dougherty Jingjing M. , Whitaker Thomas J. , Mundy Daniel W. , Tryggestad Erik J. , Beltran Chris J.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

This study presents a comprehensive collision avoidance framework based on three‐dimension (3D) computer‐aided design (CAD) modeling, a graphical user interface (GUI) as peripheral to the radiation treatment planning (RTP) environment, and patient‐specific plan parameters for intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT).

Methods

A stand‐alone software application was developed leveraging the Varian scripting application programming interface (API) for RTP database object accessibility. The Collision Avoider software models the Hitachi ProBeat‐V half gantry design and the Kuka robotic couch with triangle mesh structures. Patient‐specific plan parameters are displayed in the collision avoidance software for potential proximity evaluation. The external surfaces of the patients and the immobilization devices are contoured based on computed tomography (CT) images. A “table junction‐to‐CT‐origin” (JCT) measurement is made for every patient at the time of CT simulation to accurately provide reference location of the patient contours to the treatment couch. Collision evaluations were performed virtually with the program during treatment planning to prevent four major types of collisional events: collisions between the gantry head and the treatment couch, gantry head and the patient's body, gantry head and the robotic arm, and collisions between the gantry head and the immobilization devices.

Results

The Collision Avoider software was able to accurately model the proton treatment delivery system and the robotic couch position. Commonly employed clinical beam configuration and JCT values were investigated. Brain and head and neck patients require more complex gantry and patient positioning system configurations. Physical measurements were performed to validate 3D CAD model geometry. Twelve clinical proton treatment plans were used to validate the accuracy of the software. The software can predict all four types of collisional events in our clinic since its full implementation in 2020.

Conclusion

A highly efficient patient‐specific collision prevention program for scanning proton therapy has been successfully implemented. The graphical program has provided accurate collision detection since its inception at our institution.
Depressed Symptomatology in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Kellahan Sara R. , Huang Xinliang , Lew Daphne , Xian Hong , Eisen Seth , Kim Alfred H. J.
Published: December 2021

Objective

Depression is a prevalent (24–30%) and significant comorbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the present study, we leveraged the longitudinal SLE cohort at the Washington University Lupus Clinic to address 1) what is the longitudinal course of depressed affect among outpatients with SLE and 2) what is the longitudinal relationship between SLE disease activity and depressed affect?

Methods

Longitudinal data from patients with American College of Rheumatology– or Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics–classified SLE were analyzed. Depressed symptoms were assessed at each visit using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Revised (CESD‐R), and SLE disease activity was measured via the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K). Group‐based trajectory modeling (GBTM) and linear mixed models were used for analysis.

Results

The study sample (n = 144) was 56.3% Black and 38.9% White. GBTM revealed 5 distinct groups of patients who demonstrated consistent trends in depression over time. Members of groups 4 (n = 44, 30.6%) and 5 (n = 44, 30.6%) demonstrated CESD‐R scores consistent with depression. Of note, Black patients were much more common in group 5 (n = 32, 72.7%, P < 0.02). Analyses identified an association between SLEDAI disease activity and depression scores in multivariate analysis but did not show significance in GBTM and univariate analysis.

Conclusions

The majority (61.2%) of patients had CESD‐R scores consistent with persistent depressed affect or major depression over a period of up to 4 years. The lack of a consistent relationship of CESD‐R with SLE disease activity highlights the need to regularly monitor, treat, and better understand the causes behind this comorbidity.
Patient advocate on Norcross bill: OTPs still involved
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2021

We asked Zachary Talbott, president of the National Alliance for Medication Assisted Recovery (NAMA Recovery), for his reaction to the introduction of the bill to relax restrictions for methadone patients in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD; see story, p. 4). Talbott had this to say when we asked about turf questions between the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), which has increasingly supported office‐based buprenorphine treatment and backed away from OTPs, and the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD).
SAMHSA announces harm‐reduction grants
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2021

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for the first‐ever SAMHSA Harm Reduction Grant Program. With funding from the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress, SAMHSA expects to issue $30 million in grant awards for prevention of opioid overdose deaths and reduction of health risks associated with drug use.
Wireless Force‐Inducing Neuronal Stimulation Mediated by High Magnetic Moment Microdiscs
Authors: Collier Claudia , Muzzio Nicolas , Thevi Guntnur Rohini , Gomez Amanda , Redondo Carolina , Zurbano Raquel , Schuller Ivan K. , Monton Carlos , Morales Rafael , Romero Gabriela
Published: December 2021

Noninvasive manipulation of cell signaling is critical in basic neuroscience research and in developing therapies for neurological disorders and psychiatric conditions. Here, the wireless force‐induced stimulation of primary neuronal circuits through mechanotransduction mediated by magnetic microdiscs (MMDs) under applied low‐intensity and low‐frequency alternating magnetic fields (AMFs), is described. MMDs are fabricated by top‐down lithography techniques that allow for cost‐effective mass production of biocompatible MMDs with high saturation and zero magnetic magnetic moment at remanence. MMDs are utilized as transducers of AMFs into mechanical forces. When MMDs are exposed to primary rat neuronal circuits, their magneto‐mechanical actuation triggers the response of specific mechanosensitive ion channels expressed on the cell membranes activating ≈50% of hippocampal and ≈90% of cortical neurons subjected to the treatment. Mechanotransduction is confirmed by the inhibition of mechanosensitive transmembrane channels with Gd3+. Mechanotransduction mediated by MMDs cause no cytotoxic effect to neuronal cultures. This technology fulfills the requirements of cell‐type specificity and weak magnetic fields, two limiting factors in the development of noninvasive neuromodulation therapies and clinical equipment design. Moreover, high efficiency and long‐lasting stimulations are successfully achieved. This research represents a fundamental step forward for magneto‐mechanical control of neural activity using disc‐shaped micromaterials with tailored magnetic properties.
Self‐Assembled Nanowrinkle‐Network‐Structured Transparent Conductive Zinc Oxide for High‐Efficiency Inorganic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Gun‐Woo , Na Young‐Chae , Lee Sung‐Nam
Published: December 2021

A ZnO nanowrinkle network (NWN) film is applied as a transparent conductive electrode (TCE) to improve the light extraction efficiency of inorganic light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). The NWN structures in sol–gel‐derived ZnO films are spontaneously formed by the evaporation of the solvent during prebaking to achieve the gelation of the sol–gel ZnO film. Despite the NWN structure, the optical transmittance of the NWN‐ZnO film prebaked at 130 °C is maintained at ≈92% with respect to that of unmodified glass. However, the optical transmittance of the NWN‐ZnO film prebaked at 150 °C is significantly decreased because of the increase in nanowrinkle density. As a result, the electroluminescence intensity of LEDs having the NWN‐ZnO TCEs increases significantly for the samples prebaked at temperatures up to 130 °C but decreases slightly in those treated at 150 °C. In addition, LEDs having the NWN‐ZnO film show enhanced spectral distribution over wide angles, which is important for lighting applications. On the basis of these results, the spontaneously assembled NWN‐ZnO films formed by the sol–gel method show potential for the low‐cost production of inorganic LEDs having high light extraction efficiencies.
Fast Scalable Synthetic Methodology to Prepare Nanoflower‐Shaped Bi/BiOClxBr1−x Heterojunction for Efficient Immobilized Photocatalytic Reactors under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Alansi Amani M. , Qahtan Talal F. , Al Abass Nawal , AlGhamdi Jwaher M. , Al‐Qunaibit Maha , Saleh Tawfik A.
Published: December 2021

The metal/photocatalyst heterojunction has demonstrated an excellent capability for pollutant degradation under visible light irradiation. In this study, for the first time, highly stable colloidal dispersions of Bi/BiOClxBr1−x heterojunction with an exposed (001) facet are successfully prepared from inorganic simple salts using low‐frequency ultrasound irradiation (LFUI) at ambient conditions without further post‐treatment. The colloidal dispersion series of Bi/BiOClxBr1−x heterojunction (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8 and 1) is simply obtained by adding stoichiometric aqueous solutions of NaCl and NaBr, into an acidic aqueous solution of Bi(NO)3.5H2O in a typical ultrasonication bath at room temperature within ≈5 min. Bi/BiOClxBr1−x heterojunction films are also fabricated using a simple drop‐casting technique and tested as immobilized photocatalytic reactors. Compared to its counterparts, the Bi/BiOCl0.8Br0.2 film possesses a 3D flower‐like morphology with a highly exposed (001) facet showing the highest electron‐hole generation and separation efficiencies. In addition, the Bi/BiOCl0.8Br0.2 film demonstrates the highest photocatalytic degradation rate of the rhodamine RhB aqueous solutions (≈5 ppm), achieving ≈99% in 60 min under the visible light component of the solar spectrum. This study demonstrates the potential of LFUI as a rapid scalable synthetic strategy for cost‐effective and energy‐efficient practical production of highly active immobilized photocatalytic reactors.
Massive Magnetostriction of the Paramagnetic Insulator KEr(MoO4)2via a Single‐Ion Effect
Authors: Bernáth Bence , Kutko Khrystyna , Wiedmann Steffen , Young Olga , Engelkamp Hans , Christianen Peter C. M. , Poperezhai Sergii , Pourovskii Leonid V. , Khmelevskyi Sergii , Kamenskyi Dmytro
Published: December 2021

The magnetostriction phenomenon, which exists in almost all magnetically ordered materials, is proved to have wide application potential in precision machinery, microdisplacement control, robotics, and other high‐tech fields. Understanding the microscopic mechanism behind the magnetostrictive properties of magnetically ordered compounds plays an essential role in realizing technological applications and helps the fundamental understanding of magnetism and superconductivity. In paramagnets, however, the magnetostriction is usually significantly smaller because of the magnetic disorder. Here, the observation of a remarkably strong magnetostrictive response of the insulator paramagnet KEr(MoO4)2is reported on. Using low‐temperature magnetization and dilatometry measurements, in combination with ab initio calculations, employing a quasi‐atomic treatment of many‐body effects, it is demonstrated that the magnetostriction anomaly in KEr(MoO4)2is driven by a single‐ion effect. This analysis reveals a strong coupling between the Er3+ions and the crystal lattice due to the peculiar behavior of the magnetic quadrupolar moments of Er3+ions in the applied field, shedding light on the microscopic mechanism behind the massive magnetostrictive response.
Resistivity Scaling Transition in Ultrathin Metal Film at Critical Thickness and Its Implication for the Transparent Conductor Applications
Authors: Park Yong‐Bum , Jeong Changyeong , Guo L. Jay
Published: December 2021

Understanding of ultrathin metal film's electrical and optical properties at sub‐10 nm thickness may provide important engineering insight on its application as a transparent conductor. Here, a rapid change is observed in the ultrathin metal film's electrical and optical scaling properties as the thickness shrinks to below a certain critical thickness dc. Below this thickness, the metal film's electrical properties are shown to be strongly influenced by the inhomogeneity of the film which can be modeled via general effective media theory by incorporating size‐effect contribution. As a result, below dc, carrier's scattering time rapidly decreases with a reduced mean free path leading to a rapid rise in resistivity. Also, the film's optical loss increases while the optical transmission plateaus below dc. As one promising application of thin metal film is transparent conductor where the film's electrical and optical properties are equally important, its maximum theoretical figure‐of‐merit is shown, which is determined at this dc serving as an important engineering metric.
Evaluating the demand response potential of ammonia plants
Authors: Kelley Morgan T. , Do Tam T. , Baldea Michael
Published: December 2021

Demand‐side management/demand response (DSM/DR) are key strategies for mitigating the inherent variability in electricity generation rates by renewable sources. This article represents—to our knowledge—the first foray into assessing the DR potential of ammonia plants. Ammonia plants are interesting candidates for DR initiatives because of their significant electricity use (for operating compressors driving the synthesis loop) and the ability to store the ammonia product relatively easily and safely. Our approach is based on formulating and solving an optimal DR scheduling problem for an ammonia plant while accounting for the process dynamics. To this end, we introduce a new Hammerstein–Wiener‐inspired modeling framework based on injecting linear dynamics in a first‐principles static nonlinear model of the process. The results are encouraging; for the cases considered, peak‐time power consumption decreases between 3.57% and 7.40%, coupled with 1.39% to 3.70% reductions in operating cost.
Do vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms of menopause vary between sedente and migrant groups? A study on the Oraon tribal populations of Eastern India
Authors: Thakur Joyeeta , Goswami Monali , Roy Subho
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Human reproductive characteristics are embedded within local ecological contexts. A shift in the local ecology is likely to offer challenges in reproductive outcome. We aimed to investigate sedente–migrant variation in experiencing vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms at perimenopausal and postmenopausal stages and its concomitants.

Methods

Four hundred Oraon tribal populations living in Eastern India (sedente [100 each from perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups] and migrants [100 each from perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups]) were studied. Data on vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms, socio‐demographic and reproductive history, body compositions, lifestyle variables, and energy intake were compared between sedente and migrant independently for perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the principal components (PCs) of menopausal symptoms. A two level multilevel linear regression was applied independently for perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups to identify the concomitants of menopausal symptoms and estimate sedente–migrant variance.

Results

Bivariate analysis showed significant (p ≤ .05) sedente–migrant differences in socio‐demographic, reproductive, body composition, energy intake, and lifestyle variables and in some of the vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms. In multilevel analyses, random effect did not show significant heterogeneity between sedente and migrant groups in experiencing menopausal symptoms; however, fixed effect showed that region from which participants were recruited (Gram Panchayat [GP]) and individual level characteristics were concomitants (p ≤ .05) for menopausal symptoms, irrespective of menopausal status.

Conclusion

Variability at GP levels and individual level characteristics of sedente and migrant groups predominantly determined menopausal symptoms of the study populations, but not the migration status.
A study on the flame retardant modification of bisphenol A benzoxazine
Authors: Zhang Yingbing , Liu Hua , Li Xiang , Liu Zuozhen
Published: December 2021

In this article, a P‐N synergistic flame retardant AG601‐DOPO (abbreviated as A‐D) was prepared by the reaction of tetrafunctional glycidyl amine epoxy resin (AG601) with 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO). The chemical structure of the product was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). Then, A‐D and bisphenol A benzoxazine (BA‐a) were mixed in different proportions to form a binary mixed system BA‐a‐A‐D (abbreviated as BAD) to improve the flame retardant properties of BA‐a. The results showed that the addition of A‐D can greatly improve the flame retardancy of BA‐a. When the content of A‐D was greater than or equal to 10%, the UL‐94 of BAD cured resin can reach the V‐0 rating. With the increasing of A‐D content, the LOI of BAD cured resin was increased from 23.8% to 37.1%. The results of cone calorimetry (CONE) test indicated that the total heat release (THR) was decreased from 120.7 to 78.2 MJ/m2, and the decrease was 35.2%. In addition, the effect of the introduction of A‐D on the thermal stability and heat resistance of BA‐a resin was analyzed. It was found that the temperature of the BAD‐cured resin at 5% thermal weight loss (Td5%) was above 300°C and the glass transition temperature (Tg) was above 186°C, still maintaining good thermal properties. Finally, the mechanical properties of BAD cured resin decreased slightly without affecting the use of materials.
Easy Fabrication of Amorphous Covalent Organic Nanospheres Using Schiff‐Base Chemistry for Iodine Capture
Authors: Sun Junyong , Zhang Rongchao , Yao Genxiu , Zhang Qiang , Gao Feng
Published: December 2021

Designing a strategy for easy fabrication of amorphous porous organic polymers (POPs) with regularly nanospherical structure using common chemical raw materials is highly imperative to promote the practical application for iodine capture. Uniform covalent organic nanospheres (CONs), defined as CON‐TT, were easily prepared at room temperature via a Schiff base condensation reaction of tri(4‐aminophenyl) methane (TAPM) and terephthalaldehyde (TPA) catalyzed by acetic acid. The obtained CON‐TT exhibits a uniform nanospherical shape, high specific surface area, effective imine sorption sites and abundant benzene rings. An excellent reversible iodine adsorption capacity of 4.80 g g−1 is achieved, which can be attributed to the hybrid of physisorption and chemisorption process. We anticipate that this work can provide general guidance for the industrial large‐scale preparation of other CONs for iodine capture.
Matrix expression of Owen values
Authors: Zhu Sanmei , Feng Jun‐e , Sun Liying
Published: December 2021

The Owen value is investigated in this paper. It is a generation of Shapley value as a solution of cooperative games with coalition structures. First, a characteristic function of a cooperative game is expressed as a pseudo‐logical function by using semi‐tensor product of matrices. Then, a matrix formula is given for calculating Owen values. The matrix formula not only makes computing more convenient but also facilitates theoretical analysis. Therefore, an application of Owen value in distributed welfare games is presented. Utility functions of a distributed welfare game with coalition structure are designed based on Owen value. Examples are showed to illustrate the theoretical results.
Joint control of consensus and evidence in Bayesian design of clinical trials
Authors: De Santis Fulvio , Gubbiotti Stefania
Published: December 2021

In Bayesian inference, prior distributions formalize preexperimental information and uncertainty on model parameters. Sometimes different sources of knowledge are available, possibly leading to divergent posterior distributions and inferences. Research has been recently devoted to the development of sample size criteria that guarantee agreement of posterior information in terms of credible intervals when multiple priors are available. In these articles, the goals of reaching consensus and evidence are typically kept separated. Adopting a Bayesian performance‐based approach, the present article proposes new sample size criteria for superiority trials that jointly control the achievement of both minimal evidence and consensus, measured by appropriate functions of the posterior distributions. We develop both an average criterion and a more stringent criterion that accounts for the entire predictive distributions of the selected measures of minimal evidence and consensus. Methods are developed and illustrated via simulation for trials involving binary outcomes. A real clinical trial example on Covid‐19 vaccine data is presented.
Fluorescence detection of carbofuran in aqueous extracts based on dual‐emission SiO2@Y2O3:(Eu3+,Tb3+)@MIP core‐shell structural nanoparticles
Authors: Shen Shilin , Long Zerong , Lu Yi , Chen Jia
Published: December 2021

A novel double‐windows fluorescence sensor for carbofuran (CF) detection was successfully developed based on rare‐earth Eu,Tb‐doped Y2O3@SiO2‐based molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (MINs) with a multilayer core‐shell structure. The recognition process of the MINs for CF was fairly fast and needed only ~8 min to reach a dynamic equilibrium. Interestingly, one fluorescence attenuation window was found with an increase in CF concentration (Q) from 0.1 to 10 μg ml−1 and with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.04 μg ml−1 at 544 nm belonging to the Tb3+ emission, as well as another fluorescence enhanced window within the CF concentration range 10–100 μg ml−1 (LOD = 4 μg ml−1) at 617 nm of Eu3+ emission in the dispersed rare‐earth‐doped MIN colloidal aqueous solution. Luminescence resonance energy transfer from CF to Eu3+ and an inner filter effect of CF towards Tb3+, as well from the two independent detection windows were clearly observed simultaneously. The competition experiment displayed hardly any marked interference during detection of CF following addition of its analogues (carbaryl, isoprocarb, aldicarb, methomyl, and etofenprox). Moreover, the MINs could also be applied to accurately detect CF in rhubarb and wolfberry samples with recoveries of 85.7–92.2%. This sensing system has high specific recognition and a wide detection range for CF and provides new opportunities for pesticide detection.
Reviving the stalled revolution of the working mother: Multi‐level intervention paths towards more gender balance
Authors: Boroş Smaranda
Published: December 2021

This commentary advances evidence‐based propositions for interventions targeting the stalled side of the gender revolution: gender balanced roles in the home domain. Such interventions should be approached in a multi‐level frame, from (1) socialization; to (2) family‐level interventions; (3) organisational policies; and (4) societal policy/governance levels. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Black Phosphorus Nanosheets Enhance Photophosphorylation by Positive Feedback
Authors: Dong Zhenzhen , Fei Jinbo , Wang Tonghui , Xu Xia , Dong Weiguang , Li Junbai
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive Summary

We construct a natural‐artificial hybrid architecture containing black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNS) to enhance photosynthesis of chloroplast in a positive‐feedback manner. In this architecture, oxygen yielded by photosynthesis during water splitting by photosystem II promotes the photoreaction of BPNS to produce proton and inorganic phosphate (Pi). Further, transmembrane proton gradient is increased to drive ATP synthase to synthesize ATP. Meanwhile, additional photogenerated electrons produced by BPNS are transferred to the photosynthesis process. As a consequence, photosynthesis performed by chloroplast is improved. Quantitatively, photophosphorylation efficacy of the hybrid system is increased by 1.89 times in the case of Pi deficiency. This work offers a new path to enhance solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion, holding promise in boosting natural photosynthesis.
Minimax A‐, c‐, and I‐optimal regression designs for models with heteroscedastic errors
Authors: Abousaleh Hanan , Zhou Julie
Published: December 2021

It is well known that it is difficult to construct minimax optimal designs. Furthermore, since in practice we never know the true error variance, it is important to allow small deviations and construct robust optimal designs. We investigate a class of minimax optimal regression designs for models with heteroscedastic errors that are robust against possible misspecification of the error variance. Commonly used A‐, c‐, and I‐optimality criteria are included in this class of minimax optimal designs. Several theoretical results are obtained, including a necessary condition and a reflection symmetry for these minimax optimal designs. In this article, we focus mainly on linear models and assume that an approximate error variance function is available. However, we also briefly discuss how the methodology works for nonlinear models. We then propose an effective algorithm to solve challenging nonconvex optimization problems to find minimax designs on discrete design spaces. Examples are given to illustrate minimax optimal designs and their properties.
Synthesis and Characterization of Sn, Ge, and Zr Isomorphous Substituted MFI Nanosheets for Glucose Isomerization to Fructose
Authors: Dugkhuntod Pannida , Maineawklang Narasiri , Rodaum Chadatip , Pornsetmetakul Peerapol , Saenluang Kachaporn , Salakhum Saros , Wattanakit Chularat
Published: December 2021

Invited for a cover feature this month is the research group of Asst. Prof. Dr. Chularat Wattanakit from School of Energy Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Thailand. The cover picture shows the facile synthesis of Sn, Ge, and Zr isomorphously substituted MFI with hierarchical structures by a one‐pot hydrothermal process. These designed materials illustrate the promising catalytic performance in glucose isomerization to fructose. More information can be found in the Full Paper by Chularat Wattanakit, and co‐workers.
Pulse-Exposure Toxicity of Ammonia and Propoxur to the Tropical Copepod Acartia sinjiensis
Authors: Stone Sarah , Koppel Darren , Binet Monique T. , Simpson Stuart L. , Jolley Dianne F.
Published: December 2021

Toxicity risk assessments of short-term discharges of contaminated waters to the aquatic environment have shown that receptor organisms can tolerate higher pulse-exposure than continuous-exposure concentrations of some contaminants. However, these observations are influenced by the mode of toxicity of the contaminants present and the concentration–time profile of the exposure. For common metal contaminants, the time-weighted average concentration (TAC) of the exposure has been useful for predicting risk of toxicity to multiple species, including the tropical, euryhaline copepod Acartia sinjiensis. To increase our understanding of the application and limitations of the TAC approach, the present study examined how varied pulse-exposure durations affect the toxicity of fast-acting contaminants, ammonia, and the common pesticide propoxur to this copepod species. Copepod larvae were exposed under continuous-exposure conditions (all life stages from eggs to nauplii to copepodites exposed) and as 6- and 18-h pulse exposures applied during the most sensitive life stage only (24-h-old nauplii) within 78-h tests. Larval development ratio and population size were assessed as test endpoints. Generally, increased exposure duration resulted in increased toxicity. Trends observed for ammonia and propoxur were slightly different for larval development and population size. Larvae tolerated greater concentrations of contaminants in a 6-h pulse (higher 10% effect concentration) than in an 18-h pulse, or a continuous 78-h exposure, whereas toxicity responses converged for the 18- and 78-h exposures. Continuous toxicity thresholds were always protective of pulse exposures, providing a conservative toxicity threshold for all durations of pulse exposures. Although generalizations for predictions of risk based on TACs are frequently effective for common metal contaminants, the TAC approach was not effective for ammonia and propoxur. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:208–218. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

A marine copepod bioassay was utilised to assess the toxicity of ammonia and propoxur under various exposure scenarios: 78-h continuous exposure, 6-h pulse, or an 18-h pulse exposure. The larval development ratio and population size endpoints were assessed for all exposure scenarios at 78-h.
Spatial Variation in Contaminant Occurrence in Marine Fishes and Prawns from Coastal Tanzania
Authors: Haarr Ane , Mwakalapa Eliezer B. , Lyche Jan L. , Mmochi Aviti J. , Polder Anuschka , Ruus Anders , Borgå Katrine
Published: December 2021

There are limited data on organic contaminants in marine biota from coastal Tanzania, especially on the occurrence of industrial-use contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The present study, performed in 2018–2019 in coastal Tanzania and Zanzibar Island, aimed at assessing spatial variation in the occurrence of PCBs; brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including PBDEs; and organochlorine pesticides, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), among three locations that differ in degree of anthropogenic activity. Analyzed samples included edible tissues of marine fishes and prawns representing different trophic levels and habitats. The results indicate a mainland–island difference, with fishes and prawns collected on Zanzibar having significantly lower PCB and DDT concentrations but higher concentrations of hexachlorobenzene compared to the two mainland locations. The highest contaminant concentrations were found in fishes and prawns collected around central Dar es Salaam harbor, with median ΣPCBs ranging from 22.3 to 577 ng/g lipid weight and ΣDDTs from 22.7 to 501 ng/g lipid weight, suggesting local sources. Concentrations of PBDEs were similar among locations, suggesting more diffuse sources. None of the “newer-type” BFRs, including compounds introduced as replacements for PBDEs, were detected in the present study. Stable isotope values of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) varied among locations, and the relationship between contaminants and δ15N varied among locations and habitat (pelagic/demersal). Concentrations measured in the present study are below European guidelines for human consumption of fishes and prawns. However, industrial-use contaminants should be monitored in developing countries because they are contaminants of emerging concern as a result of increasing industrialization and global trade of used products and wastes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:321–333. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Mean contaminant concentrations of sum polychlorinated biphenyls, sum polybrominated diphenyl ethers, sum hexachlorobenzene, and sum dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes in edible tissues of marine fishes and prawns collected from Dar es Salaam, Kunduchi, and Zanzibar. Study species vary in trophic level and habitat and have been pooled to assess spatial variation in contaminant concentrations among locations. DDTs = dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes; HCB = hexachlorobenzene; PCB = polychlorinated biphenyl; PBDE = polybrominated diphenyl ether; lw = lipid weight.
Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to produce lower alcohols and ether over Co‐Cu‐Zn‐Al catalyst
Authors: Li Jia‐Chen , Cao Yan , Xu Shuang , He Peng , Wang Liguo , Hui Xiang , Li Hui‐Quan
Published: December 2021

In this work, Cu‐Co‐Zn‐Al catalysts were prepared by synchronous aging coprecipitation method for direct hydrogenation of CO2 to lower alcohols and ether. The catalysts were characterized by N2 phyhsical adsorption, ICP‐OES, TEM, SEM, XRD, EDX, and XPS. Results showed that the particle size of catalysts ranged from 8.6 to 10.6 nm, indicating that higher reduction temperature resulted in the aggregation of the metal oxide particles. The sheet‐like morphology of catalyst Cu‐Co‐Zn‐Al‐500 is beneficial to expose more active sites. During the reduction process, Co3O4 was reduced to CoO and Co, and CuO was reduced to metallic Cu. Moreover, catalytic performance evaluation results showed that under the reaction temperature of 200°C and reaction time of 10 h, the total carbon formation rate of the liquid product reached 116 C μmol·gcat–1·h–1, with the corresponding yields of methanol, ethanol, propanol, and diisopropyl ether were 31, 41, 12, and 32 C μmol·gcat–1·h–1, respectively. Mechanism study suggested that, Cu played the role of activating the C=O bond of CO2 to form intermediates, Co2+ and Co0 played an important role for C‐C coupling in the reaction, ZnO improved the dispersion and stability of Cu, and Al2O3 as a support played a role in promoting methanol synthesis and alcohol dehydration to produce diisopropyl ether due to its strong Lewis acidity. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of wage beliefs in the decision to become a nurse
Authors: Kugler Philipp
Published: December 2021

In light of skilled‐labor shortage, the effect of a change in the wage of nurses on their labor supply is intensely discussed in recent literature. Using extensive data of German 14‐ to 15‐year‐olds, I analyze the role of the beliefs about a nurse's wage in the decision to become one. To estimate a partial effect, I select controls and their functional form using post‐double‐selection, which is a data‐driven selection method based on regression shrinkage. Highlighting the importance of wages at the extensive margin of labor supply, the wage beliefs play a positive and statistically significant role. Although information is publicly available, educational choices knowingly suffer from misinformation. I find that especially those who do not become a nurse understate the wage. The results lead to two important policy implications. First, increasing the wage may help to overcome the shortage observed in many countries. Second, providing more information on the (relative) wage may be a successful strategy to attract more individuals into this profession. To assess the sensitivity of the results regarding omitted variable bias, I apply a novel approach. It turns out that potential unobserved confounders would have to be strong to overrule the conclusions.
Multilevel modeling, prevalence, and predictors of hypertension in Ghana: Evidence from Wave 2 of the World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health
Authors: Aheto Justice Moses K. , Dagne Getachew A.
Published: December 2021

Background and aims

Hypertension is a major public health issue, an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and stroke, especially in developing countries where the rates remain unacceptably high. In Africa, hypertension is the leading driver of cardiovascular disease and stroke deaths. Identification of critical risk factors of hypertension can help formulate targeted public health programs and policies aimed at reducing the prevalence and its associated morbidity, disability, and mortality. This study attempts to develop multilevel regression, an in‐depth statistical model to identify critical risk factors of hypertension.

Methods

This study used data on 4667 individuals aged ≥18 years from the nationally representative World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana Wave 2 conducted in 2014/2015. Multilevel regression modeling was employed to identify critical risk factors for hypertension based on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (ie, SBP > 140 mmHg). Of the 4667, 27.3% were hypertensive. Final data on 4381 individuals residing in 3790 households were analyzed using multilevel models, and results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Risk factors for hypertension identified were age (aOR) = 5.4, 95% CI: 4.11‐7.09), obesity (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.19‐1.91), marital status (aOR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.64‐0.89), perceived health state (moderate; aOR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.15‐1.65 and bad/very bad; aOR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.0‐1.83), and difficulty with self‐care (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.1‐2.44). We found unobserved significant differences in the likelihood of hypertension prevalence between different households.

Conclusion

Addressing the problem of obesity, targeting specific interventions to those aged over 50 years, and improvement in the general health of Ghanaians are paramount to reducing the prevalence and its associated morbidity, disability, and mortality. Lifestyle modification in the form of dietary intake, knowledge provision supported with strong public health message, and political will could be beneficial to the management and prevention of hypertension.
Study on the effect of sevoflurane on the cognitive function of aged rats based on the activation of cortical microglia
Authors: Zhou Jun‐Jie , Zhang Chao , Yang Xin‐Xin , Zhang Xiao‐Xi , Zhang Nai‐Xin , Fang Xu , Zhu Yu‐Hang , Liu De‐Xing , Xu Shan , Xu Mei‐Qi , Zhu Zhao‐Qiong
Published: December 2021

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common clinical manifestation that is a severe complication characterized by decreased learning ability and deterioration of memory following anesthesia and surgery. However, the precise mechanisms of POCD are not completely understood. Rats were divided into blank control group (Con, n = 12) and sevoflurane group (Sev, n = 12). Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the ability of learning and memory in two groups of rats; immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of ion calcium‐binding adaptor molecule‐1 (Iba‐1) in rat prefrontal cortex (PFC); Western blot analysis was applied respectively to investigate Iba‐1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase‐1 (ARG1), inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) expression; The expression of iNOS, ARG1, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in sera of rats was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We found that sevoflurane induced learning and memory impairment assessed by morris water maze test, anesthesia up‐regulated the expression of iNOS, IL‐1β and TNF‐α inflammasome in microglia, as indicated by increased activation of Iba‐1 and reduced the level of ARG1 in the PFC. We conclude that the cognitive function of rats after inhaling anesthesia was likely associated with M1/M2 polarization of microglia, which was triggered by sevoflurane.
Diverging incidence trends of oral tongue cancer compared to other head and neck cancers in young adults in France
Authors: Deneuve Sophie , Pérol Olivia , Dantony Emmanuelle , Guizard Anne‐Valérie , Bossard Nadine , Virard François , Fervers Béatrice ,   FRANCIM Network (French National Network of Cancer Registries)
Published: December 2021

While head and neck cancer incidence decreased worldwide due to reduced tobacco and alcohol consumption, oral tongue cancer (OTC) incidence has been reported to be increasing in several countries. Our study examines the incidence trends of OTC in France from 1990 to 2018, globally and by age; and compares the incidence trends with the evolution of the incidence of other human papilloma virus‐unrelated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, that is, cancers of the remaining subsites of the oral cavity (RSOCC) and laryngeal cancers for the period 1990 to 2018. World age‐standardized incidence rates of oral tongue cancers (C02), cancers of the remaining subsites of the oral cavity (RSOCC, C03‐06) and laryngeal cancers (C32) were estimated using the French National Network of Cancer Registries for the period 1990 to 2018. Trends in national incidence rates were estimated from a mixed‐effect Poisson model including age and year effects using penalized splines and a district‐random effect. In women aged 30 and 40, a significant increase in OTC incidence was observed, while ROSCC showed a nonsignificant incidence decrease. In young men aged 25, a marginally significant increase of OTC incidence years was observed, while incidence rates of RSOCC significantly declined. The results suggest a tendency towards diverging incidence trends for OTC compared to RSOCC and laryngeal cancer in young adults. The observed trends may reflect changes in underlying exposures or emerging exposures not yet identified, and stress the need to further investigate the etiology of oral tongue cancers.
Literacy Workshops for English Learners: A Review of But Does This Work With English Learners?
Authors: Kelly Laura Beth
Published: December 2021

This article provides a book review of But Does This Work With English Learners? A Guide for English Language Arts Teachers, Grades 6‐12 by Mandy Stewart and Holly Genova. This professional development book supports English Language Arts teachers, especially English as a Second Language teachers, to adapt readers’ and writers’ workshops to meet the needs of English Learners. The book provides robust and humanizing descriptions of classroom practice and suggestions for curriculum development for teachers who wish to use literacy workshop approaches with students developing English.
Microbial inoculation to improve plant performance in mine‐waste substrates: A test using pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan)
Authors: Wong Wei San , Morald Tim K. , Whiteley Andrew S. , Nevill Paul G. , Trengove Robert D. , Yong Jean W. H. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Valliere Justin M. , Stevens Jason C. , Veneklaas Erik J.
Published: December 2021

Mining activities alter soil physicochemical and biological properties that are critical for plant establishment. Revitalisation of soil biological properties via microbial inoculations can potentially be adopted to improve vegetation restoration. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of using beneficial microorganisms in the form of commercially available inoculants to enhance plant performance in a non‐toxic and infertile mine‐waste substrate, using pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.] as a test plant. Six treatments were established to investigate the effects of inoculants (Bradyrhizobium spp., microbial mix and uninoculated controls) and water availability (low and moderate) in a factorial design over 6 months. Plant performance was determined by physiological parameters (leaf gas exchange, leaf carbon, nitrogen and stable isotopes) and growth (height and biomass). Plant xylem sap phytohormones were measured to determine the plants' physiological status and effects of inoculation treatments. Results revealed that water had a greater effect on plant growth than inoculation treatments. Inoculation treatments, however, improved some physiological parameters. This study suggests that physical conditions such as soil moisture and nutrient availability may occlude more subtle (direct or interactive) effects of beneficial soil microbes on plant growth and plant condition. Prior knowledge on the biological and physicochemical properties of the soil to be amended, and on plant species‐specific responses, would be needed to customise microbial inoculants for maximum benefits to ecological restoration, to support future adoption of this practice.
AI in marketing, consumer research and psychology: A systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Mariani Marcello M. , Perez‐Vega Rodrigo , Wirtz Jochen
Published: December 2021

This study is the first to provide an integrated view on the body of knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) published in the marketing, consumer research, and psychology literature. By leveraging a systematic literature review using a data‐driven approach and quantitative methodology (including bibliographic coupling), this study provides an overview of the emerging intellectual structure of AI research in the three bodies of literature examined. We identified eight topical clusters: (1) memory and computational logic; (2) decision making and cognitive processes; (3) neural networks; (4) machine learning and linguistic analysis; (5) social media and text mining; (6) social media content analytics; (7) technology acceptance and adoption; and (8) big data and robots. Furthermore, we identified a total of 412 theoretical lenses used in these studies with the most frequently used being: (1) the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology; (2) game theory; (3) theory of mind; (4) theory of planned behavior; (5) computational theories; (6) behavioral reasoning theory; (7) decision theories; and (8) evolutionary theory. Finally, we propose a research agenda to advance the scholarly debate on AI in the three literatures studied with an emphasis on cross‐fertilization of theories used across fields, and neglected research topics.
Unprecedented heavy rainfall event over Yamunanagar, India during 14 July 2016: An observational and modelling study
Authors: Narasimha Rao N. , Paul Surender , Skekhar M. S. , Singh G. P. , Mitra A. K. , Bhan S. C.
Published: December 2021

Extreme rainfall events have posed several serious threats to many populated and urbanized areas in the world including the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, accurate predictions of their intensity and areas of influence are important for flood‐prone risk assessments. On 14 July 2016, heavy to exceptionally heavy rainfall occurred in Yamunanagar (30.16° N, 77.29° E), located in the state of Haryana in North India, which led to widespread disruption of communication, electricity, inundation of houses, and so forth. The present paper aims at examining observational, synoptic, thermo‐dynamical, and numerical features associated with this devastating rainfall episode. The analysis found that during extreme rainfall episodes, a trough in mid‐tropospheric westerlies and a strong low‐level atmospheric monsoonal flow seem to have strongly interacted with each other, creating a strong convergence zone near study areas that led to a severe rainstorm. The quasi‐stationary supercells were also noticed due to continuous moisture incursions from the Bay of Bengal and orographic uplift over the Himalayas near Yamunanagar. A deep layer of wind shear interacts dynamically with the convergence zone and leads to a potential rainstorm. Thermodynamic indices indicate high instability over the heavy rainfall area. The dynamics of this event were studied in detail by using three‐dimensional variational data assimilation within the weather research and forecasting model, configured with triple two‐way nesting domains (27, 9, and 3 km). The model results show that the weather research and forecasting model satisfactorily captures the quantitative precipitation (300 mm) in 24 h over the Yamunanagar region as compared with observation (365 mm).
California, New York state commit to building peer workforce
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2021

Recognizing that peers have long been considered a part of the intervention, treatment and recovery process for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders, states such as California and New York have committed to statewide expansions of the mental health and behavioral health peer‐run workforce.
HHS study finds increases in BH care through telehealth
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2021

A new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that massive increases in the use of telehealth helped maintain some health care access during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with specialists like behavioral health providers seeing the highest telehealth utilization relative to other providers.