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Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of two meditation-based programs, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT), in a brief and intensive format on various psychological variables in a group of healthy volunteer adults attending a retreat with a crossover design. Method: Participants received both interventions in a random order over 7 days (MBSR-CCT, n = 25; CCT-MBSR, n = 24). Assessments were conducted at three different times: Day 1 (pre-program), Day 4 (after completing the first program and before starting the second program), and Day 7 (post-second program), with a follow-up assessment 3 months later. Results: A significant time main effect was found for emotion regulation (p < 0.001; b = 0.49), self-compassion (p < 0.001; b = − 0.78), mindfulness (p < 0.001; b = − 1.06), low-arousal positive affect (p < 0.001; b = − 1.39), and high-arousal negative affect (p < 0.001; b = 1.82), with improvements in the expected directions observed in both groups. However, the combination of MBSR followed by CCT showed an advantage in some psychological outcomes following the retreat. The follow-up analysis revealed that some of the psychological benefits observed were retained after 3 months (e.g., emotional distress and regulation, self-compassion, and mindfulness), especially in the groups starting their training with MBSR followed by CCT. Conclusions: These findings highlight the benefits of meditation-based interventions in a brief and intensive format for psychological functioning in healthy adults, providing novel results on the sequential and combined effects of MBSR and CCT, with implications for practice and interventions. Pre-registration: The study was pre-registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05516355). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective in only a minority.  Conclusion: Pathological dissociation is a complex phenomenon involving brain and body systems designed for perceiving and responding to severe threats, requiring an individualized approach. A literature is emerging regarding potentially evidence-based treatments to help those impacted by recurrent dissociative symptoms. When contextualized within a neurobiological and evolutionary perspective, these treatments can be understood as facilitating an internal and/or relational sense of safety, resulting in symptom reduction. Further studies are needed to explore effective treatments for dissociative symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene (G) and conductive polymers have remarkable mechanical and electrical properties, but its hydrophobicity is a shortcoming in applications including environmentally friendly applications. Amyloid (Silk) fibrils are naturally occurring protein aggregates that have exceptionally strong supramolecular structures, and stable in solution which can be used as bio-nanocomposite energy storage application. Supercritical fluid approach was used to prepare the MoS2/Silk G composite structure utilising two dimensional (2D) MoS2 Sheets as a template. We have fabricated a symmetric supercapacitor device using two identical Silk G/MoS2/PDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) electrodes for practical application. Morphology, phase, and chemical composition are thoroughly investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the electrochemical performance of the synthesized electrode materials is cautiously investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) measurements. Cyclic stability of the MoS2, Silk G/MoS2 and Silk G/MoS2/PDOT has been investigated by performing charge-discharge measurements for 1000 cycles. It is observed that the Silk G/MoS2/PDOT exhibits maximum retention of 88.5% after 1000 cycles in comparison to the pristine MoS2 (72.5%), and Silk G/MoS2 (82.1%). Nyquist plots of the MoS2, Silk G/MoS2 and Silk G/MoS2/PDOT are measured and the Silk G/MoS2/PDOT exhibited minimum charge transfer resistance which leads to the highest electrochemical performances. The symmetric supercapacitor device utilizing two identical electrodes of Silk G/MoS2/PDOT have been fabricated and it is observed that the Silk G/MoS2/PDOT exhibited maximum retention of 94.1% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles at the current density of 10 A g−l. The device exhibited an energy density of 45.53 Wh/kg at a power density of 0.168 W/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most people accessingmental health services have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and/or histories of complex trauma. In recognition of this, there are calls to move away from medical model approaches and move toward trauma-informed approaches which privilege the impact of life experience over underlying pathology in the etiology of emotional and psychological suffering. Trauma-informed approaches lack a biological narrative linking trauma and adversity to later suffering. In its absence, this suffering is diagnosed and treated as a mental illness. This study articulates the Neuroplastic Narrative, a neuroecological theory that fills this gap, conceptualizing emotional and psychological suffering as the cost of surviving and adapting to the impinging environments of trauma and adversity. The Neuroplastic Narrative privileges lived experience and recognizes that our experiences become embedded in our biology through evolved mechanisms that ultimately act to preserve survival in the service of reproduction. Neuroplasticity refers to the capacity of neural systems to adapt and change. Our many evolved neuroplastic mechanisms including epigenetics, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and whitematter plasticity allowus to learn from, and adapt to, past experiences. This learning and adaption in turn allows us to better anticipate and physiologically prepare for future experiences that (nature assumes) are likely to occur, based on past experiences. However, neuroplastic mechanisms cannot discriminate between experiences; they function to embed experience regardless of the quality of that experience, generating vicious or virtuous cycles of psychobiological anticipation, to help us survive or thrive in futures that resemble our privileged or traumatic pasts. The etiology of suffering that arises from this process is not a pathology (a healthy brain is a brain that can adapt to experience) but is the evolutionary cost of surviving traumatizing environments. Misidentifying this suffering as a pathology and responding with diagnosis andmedication is not trauma-informed andmay cause iatrogenic harm, in part through perpetuating stigma and exacerbating the shame which attends complex trauma and ACEs. As an alternative, this study introduces theNeuroplastic Narrative, which is situated within an evolutionary framework. The Neuroplastic Narrative complements both Life History and Attachment Theory and provides a non-pathologizing, biological foundation for trauma-informed and Adverse Childhood Experience aware approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a new edition of the review published six years ago by the same auhors [Eur. Phys. J. A 54, (2017) 218]. It includes additionally the most recent and significant results obtained in the field of heavy-ion fusion near and below the Coulomb barrier, which have been important for the advance of our knowledge. In particular, we present a selection of recent findings concerning the fusion dynamics of light systems, which is relevant for astrophysics, and moreover recent information obtained from measurements involving heavy-ion exotic beams. With respect to the previous paper, the description of relevant set-ups and methods is done in a dedicated Section. Recent advances obtained in the field of near and sub-barrier heavy-ion fusion reactions are reported. Early data on sub-barrier fusion taught us that cross sections strongly depend on the low-energy collective modes of the colliding nuclei, and on couplings to transfer channels. The coupled-channels model has been successful in the interpretation of the experiments, and fusion barrier distributions may yield the fingerprint of the relevant coupled channels. Far below the barrier, the slope of the excitation function keeps increasing in many cases and standard calculations over-predict the cross sections. This was named a hindrance phenomenon whose physical origin is a matter of debate. Recent theoretical developments suggest that hindrance may be a consequence of the Pauli exclusion principle. Hindrance has far-reaching consequences in astrophysics where the fusion of light systems determines stellar evolution during the carbon and oxygen burning stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a fascinating phenomenon in nuclear physics that states with a pronounced few-body structure can emerge from the complex dynamics of many nucleons. Such halo or cluster states often appear near the boundaries of nuclear stability. As such, they are an important part of the experimental program beginning at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). A concerted effort of theory and experiment is necessary both to analyze experiments involving effective few-body states, as well as to constrain and refine theories of the nuclear force in light of new data from these experiments. As a contribution to exactly this effort, this paper compiles a collection of “perspectives” that emerged out of the Topical Program “Few-body cluster structures in exotic nuclei and their role in FRIB experiments” that was held at FRIB in August 2022 and brought together theorists and experimentalists working on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency, transformation products, and mechanism of phycocyanin removal from water by simulated sunlight/Cu-decorated TiO2 photocatalyst treatment were studied. After 360 min of photocatalytic degradation, the removal rate of PC was higher than 96%, about 47% of DON was oxidized into NH4+-N, NO3− and NO2−. ·OH was the main active species in the photocatalytic system, which contributes about 55.7% to PC degradation efficiency, H+ and ·O2− also contributed to the photocatalytic activity. The degradation process of phycocyanin is firstly caused by the attack of free radicals, which leads to the disintegration of the chromophore group PCB and the apoprotein, and then apoprotein peptide chain was broken to generate small molecule dipeptides, amino acids, and their derivatives. Amino acid residues sensitive to free radical action in phycocyanin peptide chain include most hydrophobic amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, proline, valine, phenylalanine, and some hydrophilic amino acids which are easily oxidized such as lysine and arginine. Small molecular peptides (dipeptides), amino acids, and their derivatives are broken off and released into water bodies for further reaction and degradation into smaller molecular weight substances. During this process, part of organic nitrogen was transferred to inorganic nitrogen. When photocatalytic oxidation lasts for 300 min, NH4+ increases from 0.41 mg/L to 2.21 mg/L, and DON removal rate reaches 47%. The Cu-TiO2 photocatalyst was found to decrease the CHCl3 formation potential; however, it exacerbated the production of dichloroacetamide (DCAcAm) and dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) beyond their initial levels. The divergent trends of these disinfection by-products are due to the fundamental differences in the precursor material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effort has been expended to assess the relative merits of undertaking further decay-data measurements of the main fission-product contributors to the decay heat of neutron-irradiated fissionable fuel and related actinides by means of Total Absorption Gamma-ray Spectroscopy (TAGS - sometimes abbreviated to TAS) and Discrete Gamma-ray Spectroscopy (DGS). This review has been carried out following similar work performed under the auspices of OECD/WPEC-Subgroup 25 (2005–2007) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (2009, 2014), and various highly relevant TAGS measurements completed as a consequence of such assessments. We present our recommendations for new decay-data evaluations, along with possible requirements for total absorption and discrete high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy studies that cover approximately 120 fission products and various isomeric states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to adversity (e.g., poverty, bereavement) is a robust predictor of disruptions in psychological functioning. However, people vary greatly in their responses to adversity; some experience severe long-term disruptions, others experience minimal disruptions or even improvements. We refer to the latter outcomes—faring better than expected given adversity—as psychological resilience. Understanding what processes explain resilience has critical theoretical and practical implications. Yet, psychology's understanding of resilience is incomplete, for two reasons: (a) We lack conceptual clarity, and (b) two major approaches to resilience—the stress and coping approach and the emotion and emotion-regulation approach—have limitations and are relatively isolated from one another. To address these two obstacles,we first discuss conceptual questions about resilience. Next, we offer an integrative affect-regulation framework that capitalizes on complementary strengths of both approaches. This framework advances our understanding of resilience by integrating existing findings, highlighting gaps in knowledge, and guiding future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiences of shame are not always discrete, but can be recurrent, persistent or enduring. To use the feminist phenomenologist Sandra Lee Bartky's formulation, shame is not always an acute event, but can become a "pervasive affective attunement" (Bartky, 1990: 85). Instead of experiencing shame as a discrete event with a finite duration, it can be experienced as a persistent, and perhaps, permanent possibility in daily life. This sort of pervasive or persistent shame is commonly referred to as "chronic shame" (Pattison, 2000; Nathanson, 1992; Dolezal, 2015). Chronic shame is frequently associated with political oppression and marginalization. In chronic shame, it is the potentiality of shame, rather than the actuality, that is significant. In other words, the anticipation of shame (whether explicit or implicit) comes to be a defining feature of one's lived experience. Living with chronic shame has important socio-political consequences. Thus far, chronic shame has eluded simple phenomenological analysis, largely because chronic shame often does not have a clear experiential profile: it is frequently characterised by the absence rather than the presence of shame. The aim of this article is to provide a phenomenology of chronic shame, drawing from Edmund Husserl's formulation of the 'horizon' as a means a to discuss structural aspects of chronic shame experiences, in particular how chronic shame is characterised by structures of absence and anticipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stigma has been associated with delays in seeking treatment, avoiding clinical encounters, prolonged risk of transmission, poor adherence to treatment, mental distress, mental ill health and an increased risk of the recurrence of health problems, among many other factors that negatively impact on health outcomes. While the burdens and consequences of stigma have long been recognized in the health literature, there remains some ambiguity about how stigma is experienced by individuals who live with it. The aim of this paper is to elucidate the phenomenology of stigma, or to describe how it is that stigma shows up in the first‐person experience of individuals who live with stigma and its burdens. Exploring the relationship between shame and stigma, I argue that shame anxiety, or the chronic anticipation of shame, best characterises the experience of living with a health‐related, or health‐relevant, stigma. Understanding the experiential features, or phenomenology, of shame anxiety will give healthcare professionals a greater sensitivity to stigma and its impacts in clinical settings and encounters. I will conclude by suggesting that 'shame‐sensitive' practice would be beneficial in healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: The emotional underpinnings that facilitate and complicate the practice of ethical principles like respect warrant sustained interdisciplinary attention. In this article, I suggest that shame is a requisite component of the emotional repertoire than makes respect for persons possible. Materials & Methods: I use person‐centered interview data from a sample of 54 physicians (including 35 surgeons), 60% of whom are women, to examine the emergence and endurance of shame as a mood with moral significance. Drawing on anthropologist Throop's concept of a moral mood, I explore physicians' first‐person narratives of the endurance of shame experiences. Results: Narratives demonstrate that shame inheres in biomedical contexts that reinforce the physician's responsibilization and culpability for events beyond their control. As a persistent cognitive and affective state, mooded shame is a recursive and compulsory motive force for a physician's dynamic evolution as a moral actor. Discussion: Variably distressing, looming and commonplace, mooded shame becomes an atmospheric and imaginative mode through which physicians contemplate their responsibilities and connections to patients. Sometimes in a hypercognized manner that conceals its emotional roots, physicians link the mood of shame to their incessant efforts to fulfill responsibilities to each unique patient. Conclusion: I suggest that through reflection made possible within mooded shame, physicians develop a sense of being both accountable to and alongside patients, and I explore the ties between this position and philosophical concepts of respect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although women are believed to be more forgiving than men, the results of many studies comparing women with men vary. Moreover, little is known about unique correlates or differential patterns of experiencing forgiveness by gender. In the present study, we compared men and women in terms of their level of dispositional forgiveness and its emotional correlates, namely positive and negative affect, anxiety, and emotional control. The sample consisted of 625 individuals aged 19–69, of whom 478 (76.5%) were women and 147 (23.5%) were men. Polish versions of the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used. Men showed a higher level of general forgiveness and greater willingness to overcome unforgiveness than women, but there was no significant difference in positive facets of the disposition to forgive. In both genders negative affect, anxiety, and control of anger and of depression were negatively related to dimensions of dispositional forgiveness, and positive affect was positively associated with forgiveness. In females control of anxiety was negatively and in males it was positively related to facets of forgiveness. Gender moderated a number of links between affective traits and forgiveness of self and of situations beyond control, but not forgiveness of others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we outline and define for the first time the concept of shame-sensitivity and principles for shame-sensitive practice. We argue that shame-sensitive practice is essential for the trauma-informed approach. Experiences of trauma are widespread, and there exists a wealth of evidence directly correlating trauma to a range of poor social and health outcomes which incur substantial costs to individuals and to society. As such, trauma has been positioned as a significant public health issue which many argue necessitates a trauma-informed approach to health, care and social services along with public health. Shame is key emotional after effect of experiences of trauma, and an emerging literature argues that we may 'have failed to see the obvious' by neglecting to acknowledge the influence of shame on post-trauma states. We argue that the trauma-informed approach fails to adequately theorise and address shame, and that many of the aims of the trauma-informed are more effectively addressed through the concept and practice of shame-sensitivity. We begin by giving an overview of the trauma-informed paradigm, then consider shame as part of trauma, looking particularly at how shame manifests in post-trauma states in a chronic form. We explore how shame becomes a barrier to successful engagement with services, and finally conclude with a definition of the shame-sensitive concept and the principles for its practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have constructed empirical formulae for the fusion and interaction barriers using a large number of experimental values chosen randomly from the literature available till date. The obtained fusion barriers have been compared with different model predictions based on the proximity, Woods–Saxon and double folding potentials along with several empirical formulas, time-dependent Hartree–Fock theories and experimental results. The comparison allows us to find the best model, which is nothing but the present empirical formula only. Most remarkably, the fusion barrier and radius show excellent consonance with the experimental findings for the reactions meant for the synthesis of superheavy elements also. Furthermore, it is seen that substitution of the predicted fusion barrier and radius in classic Wong formula (Wong, Phys. Rev. Lett.31:766 (1973) for the total fusion cross-sections agrees very well with the experiments. Similarly, current interaction barrier predictions have also been compared well with a few experimental results available and Bass potential model meant for the interaction barrier predictions. Importantly, the present formulae for the fusion as well as interaction barrier will have practical implications in carrying out physics research near the Coulomb barrier energies. Furthermore, the present fusion barrier and radius provide us with a good nucleus–nucleus potential which is useful for numerous theoretical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive bias permeates almost every learner assessment in medical education. Assessment bias has the potential to affect a learner's education, future career and sense of self‐worth. Decades of data show that there is little educators can do to overcome bias in learner assessments. Using in‐group favouritism as an example, we offer an evidence‐based, three‐step solution to understand and move forward with cognitive bias in assessment: (1) Name: a simple admission about the presence of inherent bias in assessment, (2) Reframe: a rephrasing of assessment language to shed light on the assessor's subjectivity and (3) Check‐in: a chance to ensure learner understanding and open lines of bidirectional communication. This process is theory‐informed and based on decades of educational, sociological and psychological literature; we offer it as a logical first step towards a much‐needed paradigm shift towards addressing bias in learner assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies suggest that more 30% of college students are currently depressed. A small but growing body of literature suggests that young adults' social media use correlates with their depressive and anxious symptomology. As many as 90% of young adults use social media currently, compared to just 12.5% in 2005. Further, more than a quarter of college students report spending at least six hours per week on social media, compared to only 18.9% in 2007. Smartphone use within young adult populations also is extremely high: estimates of undergraduate smartphone ownership appear to be as high as 97%. Collectively, these trends suggest that social media and smartphones play an integral role in the routines and culture of young adults. The authors present the existing research linking social media use with depression and anxiety and utilize a case study to illuminate the relationship between young adult depression, anxiety, and social media use. The article provides clear recommendations for the assessment and treatment of social media use in depressed and anxious young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The refractive index measurement is a widely used investigation method of glass microtraces in forensic laboratories. The advantage of the method, in addition to its cost efficiency and repeatability, is that it is suitable for examining small fragments. In the present study, a real case was simulated, and fragments smaller than 250 micrometers obtained from five pieces of clothing, after breaking a pane of float glass, were investigated. In addition to the known (control) sample, altogether 25 bulk and 83 recovered surface fragments were also examined. In the first step, only one measurement was performed for each fragment to simulate the investigation of small fragments and test their measurability without crushing. All the bulk fragments met with the matching criterion Kmin ≤ Q ≤ Kmax, in which Kmin and Kmax are the minimum/maximum value of the measured refractive indices of the known sample, while Q is the measured (mean) value of the questioned fragment. However, the matching ratio was only approximately 60% for the surface fragments according to the one‐edge measurements. After crushing, the false exclusion rate was significantly reduced, and 79 of the 83 recovered surface fragments met with the matching criterion. As a result of crushing, not only the probability of matching, but also the edge count values improved significantly. Although the refractive index is only one property examined in the totality of glass analysis, the results of the present work can significantly contribute to the determination of the origin of small glass particles in real forensic cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the fusion parameters such as barrier height (VB), position (RB) and curvature of the inverted parabola for fusion barrier of the low-Z element (1 ≤ Z ≤ 20). The considered atomic number and mass number range for projectile are 1 ≤ ZP ≤ 20 and 1 ≤ AP ≤ 50, respectively. We have studied 2140 fusion reactions of compound nuclei with atomic number range 1 ≤ Z ≤ 20. Based on this study, we have formulated the semiempirical formulae for barrier heights (VB), positions (RB) and inverted parabola. Our parameterized formulae can reproduce the exact fusion barrier heights and positions within an accuracy of ± 2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quasi-elastic scattering angular distribution for the 94.5 MeV 17 F radioactive ion beam on the 208 Pb target has been measured. To describe the experimental quasi-elastic scattering angular distribution and explore the reaction dynamic, firstly, the optical potentials with the double-folding São Paulo and Akyüz Winther potentials for both real and imaginary parts were used to analyze the experimental data. It is observed that both theoretical angular distributions are very similar. The optical model results describe reasonably the experimental data until 100 ∘ but underpredict the data for larger angles. Secondly, the continuum discretized coupled channel method (CDCC) was used to study the effect of the breakup channel on the elastic scattering. The double-folding São Paulo and Akyüz Winther potentials were used as nuclear interactions giving again similar results. The agreement with the data is slightly improved at intermediate angles. The sensibility of the CDCC effects upon the nuclear interaction potential was checked. Finally, the influence of inelastic states of both projectile and target, the one-proton, one-neutron, two-neutron and α transfer channels on the quasi-elastic scattering angular distribution is analyzed in the frame of the coupled channel and coupled reaction channel methods, respectively. It is observed that the coupling to the first excited state of 17 F is the one that affects more the elastic scattering, although the inelastic channels of the target also influence it when compared with the optical model results. The effect of the transfer channels on the quasi-elastic angular distribution is negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We synthesize current understanding of the magnitudes and methods for assessing human and wildlife exposures to poly‐ and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Most human exposure assessments have focused on 2 to 5 legacy PFAS, and wildlife assessments are typically limited to targeted PFAS (up to ~30 substances). However, shifts in chemical production are occurring rapidly, and targeted methods for detecting PFAS have not kept pace with these changes. Total fluorine measurements complemented by suspect screening using high‐resolution mass spectrometry are thus emerging as essential tools for PFAS exposure assessment. Such methods enable researchers to better understand contributions from precursor compounds that degrade into terminal perfluoroalkyl acids. Available data suggest that diet is the major human exposure pathway for some PFAS, but there is large variability across populations and PFAS compounds. Additional data on total fluorine in exposure media and the fraction of unidentified organofluorine are needed. Drinking water has been established as the major exposure source in contaminated communities. As water supplies are remediated, for the general population, exposures from dust, personal care products, indoor environments, and other sources may be more important. A major challenge for exposure assessments is the lack of statistically representative population surveys. For wildlife, bioaccumulation processes differ substantially between PFAS and neutral lipophilic organic compounds, prompting a reevaluation of traditional bioaccumulation metrics. There is evidence that both phospholipids and proteins are important for the tissue partitioning and accumulation of PFAS. New mechanistic models for PFAS bioaccumulation are being developed that will assist in wildlife risk evaluations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:631–657. © 2020 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass a large, heterogenous group of chemicals of potential concern to human health and the environment. Based on information for a few relatively well‐understood PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate, there is ample basis to suspect that at least a subset can be considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or toxic. However, data suitable for determining risks in either prospective or retrospective assessments are lacking for the majority of PFAS. In August 2019, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry sponsored a workshop that focused on the state‐of‐the‐science supporting risk assessment of PFAS. The present review summarizes discussions concerning the ecotoxicology and ecological risks of PFAS. First, we summarize currently available information relevant to problem formulation/prioritization, exposure, and hazard/effects of PFAS in the context of regulatory and ecological risk assessment activities from around the world. We then describe critical gaps and uncertainties relative to ecological risk assessments for PFAS and propose approaches to address these needs. Recommendations include the development of more comprehensive monitoring programs to support exposure assessment, an emphasis on research to support the formulation of predictive models for bioaccumulation, and the development of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods to efficiently assess biological effects for potentially sensitive species/endpoints. Addressing needs associated with assessing the ecological risk of PFAS will require cross‐disciplinary approaches that employ both conventional and new methods in an integrated, resource‐effective manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:564–605. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gratitude-based interventions are effective in facilitating positive relationships and increasing life satisfaction. However, for some individuals (e.g., with high levels of depression and low trait-gratitude) gratitude expression is threatening and rarely undertaken spontaneously. In this study, we expected to replicate this gratitude expression threat effect. Moreover, we aimed to understand psychophysiological mechanisms of this effect by accounting for cognitive, motivational, and physiological responses to gratitude expression in line with the biopsychosocial model of challenge and threat. One hundred ninety-six students (51% women) between the ages of 18 and 31 years old (M = 21.20, SD = 2.08) reported personality measures and completed a laboratory session where they expressed gratitude via text messages after reporting evaluation and motivation towards the task. Their cardiovascular reactivity was monitored continuously. After the session, participants were invited to continue a gratitude intervention for the next three weeks. We found that individuals with higher depression and lower trait-gratitude were less likely to initiate gratitude intervention. This effect was mediated by a cardiovascular marker of threat (total peripheral resistance) that inhibited motivation and behavior. In summary, we replicated and provided further evidence for the role of personality traits in predicting aversive responses to gratitude expression via interventions. These findings contribute to the person-activity fit recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life is a collection of moments, some light and pleasant, some dark and unpleasant, some neutral. Character strengths contribute to the full range of human experiences, influencing and creating positive opportunities while also helping us to endure the mundane and embrace and navigate the struggles. Some researchers have argued that thriving, which casts a wider net on the human experience than constructs such as flourishing or resilience, constitutes strong well-being and performance at times of both adversity and opportunity (Brown et al. 2017). With this and the many findings in the science of character in mind, six character strengths functions are theorized and then applied across time orientations, making the case for the integral role of character strengths in these matters of thriving. Three opportunity functions are offered, including priming in which character strengths prompt and prepare for strengths awareness and use; mindfulness in which character strengths serve in synergy with mindful awareness of the present reality; and appreciation in which character strengths use expresses value for what has occurred. The three adversity functions include: buffering – character strengths use prevents problems; reappraisal – character strengths explain or reinterpret problems; and resilience – character strengths support the bounce-back from life setbacks. Several applications of these six functions for vocational and educational settings are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale Au-ZnO heterostructures were fabricated on 4-in. SiO2/Si wafers by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. Developed Au-ZnO heterostructures after post-deposition annealing at 250 °C were tested for amperometric hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection. The surface morphology and nanostructure of Au-ZnO heterostructures were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), etc. Additionally, the electrochemical behavior of Au-ZnO heterostructures towards H2O2 sensing under various conditions is assessed by chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that ALD-fabricated Au-ZnO heterostructures exhibited one of the highest sensitivities of 0.53 μA μM−1 cm−2, the widest linear H2O2 detection range of 1.0 μM–120 mM, a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.78 μM, excellent selectivity under the normal operation conditions, and great long-term stability. Utilization of the ALD deposition method opens up a unique opportunity for the improvement of the various capabilities of the devices based on Au-ZnO heterostructures for amperometric detection of different chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new hydrazine electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on in situ synthesis of Cu3(BTC)2/GO nanocomposite. Cu3(BTC)2/GO composite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). Meanwhile, the electrochemical behaviors of hydrazine on the Cu3(BTC)2/GO/GCE were studied by cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry. Under the optimized conditions, Cu3(BTC)2/GO/GCE had enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward hydrazine due to synergic catalytic effect between Cu3(BTC)2 and GO. The electrochemical sensor exhibited a wider linear range (1.0 µM to 5000 µM) and a lower detection limit (0.5 μM) as well as good reproducibility and stability. The proposed sensor has also been used for the determination of hydrazine in tap water with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the preparation of highly hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol/SBA-15 composites by impregnation method. In order to study the effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on the structural, textural properties of composites, several percentages of PVA were impregnated into the surface of the mesoporous silica SBA-15. The obtained composites were characterized by different physicochemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen adsorption-desorption at 77 K adsorption-desorption at 77 K, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The obtained results showed that the structure of SBA-15 was swollen after PVA impregnation, confirming the dispersion of PVA inside the pores. The higher percentages of PVA lead to the decrease in the lattice parameter which results in the formation of PVA aggregates outside the surface. TGA analysis has shown improvement in the hydrophilic character of resulting composite, and this affinity via the water molecules is the result of the increase in number of -OH groups. The obtained composites were used for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye. Effects of contact time, PVA content, adsorbent mass and initial dye concentration were investigated and discussed in terms of adsorption capacity. The experimental data were fitted by pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models and verified by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The results showed that the adsorption of MB dye on composites followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm models and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The best adsorption capacity of MB dye recorded is ~ 77 mg/g for composite PVA/SBA-15(30%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Multiple Northeast U.S. communities have discovered per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking water aquifers in excess of health-based regulatory levels or advisories. Regional stakeholders (consultants, regulators, and others) need technical background and tools to mitigate risks associated with exposure to PFAS-affected groundwater. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to identify challenges faced by stakeholders to extend best practices to other regions experiencing PFAS releases and to establish a framework for research strategies and best management practices. METHODS AND APPROACH: Management challenges were identified during stakeholder engagement events connecting attendees with PFAS experts in focus areas, including fate/transport, toxicology, and regulation. Review of the literature provided perspective on challenges in all focus areas. Publicly available data were used to characterize sources of PFAS impacts in groundwater and conduct a geospatial case study of potential source locations relative to drinking water aquifers in Rhode Island. DISCUSSION: Challenges in managing PFAS impacts in drinking water arise from the large number of relevant PFASs, unconsolidated information regarding sources, and limited studies on some PFASs. In particular, there is still considerable uncertainty regarding human health impacts of PFASs. Frameworks sequentially evaluating exposure, persistence, and treatability can prioritize PFASs for evaluation of potential human health impacts. A regional case study illustrates how risk-based, geospatial methods can help address knowledge gaps regarding potential sources of PFASs in drinking water aquifers and evaluate risk of exposure. CONCLUSION: Lessons learned from stakeholder engagement can assist in developing strategies for management of PFASs in other regions. However, current management practices primarily target a subset of PFASs for which in-depth studies are available. Exposure to less-studied, co-occurring PFASs remains largely unaddressed. Frameworks leveraging the current state of science can be applied toward accelerating this process and reducing exposure to total PFASs in drinking water, even as research regarding health effects continues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women have greater vulnerability to alcohol problems than men. They become intoxicated after drinking half as much as men, develop cirrhosis of the liver more rapidly, and have a greater risk of dying from alcohol-related accidents. Despite more serious consequences related to their drinking, treatment for women with alcohol use disorders has been understudied relative to treatment for men. Intensive motivational interviewing (IMI) is a recent psychotherapeutic intervention for substance abuse problems that draws on the principles of brief motivational interviewing (1-2 session). However, the intervention includes 9 sessions designed to enable therapists to have maximum flexibility to facilitate factors known to be important for women with substance use disorders, such as active facilitation of client-therapist collaboration, empowerment, and affirmation of strengths. This paper reviews the development of IMI, initial favorable findings for women with co-occurring methamphetamine and alcohol problems, and the design of an ongoing longitudinal study assessing the effects of MI for women with alcohol problems over a 12-month time period. Relational Theory is used as a conceptual framework for understanding IMI for women. The theory emphasizes understanding, building, and modifying interpersonal relationships as a central goal. From this perspective, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and reduction in drinking are enhanced through interpersonal connections with others. Plans for additional study of IMI are described along with suggestions for therapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research focuses on the synthesis and the modification of mesoporous silica SBA-15 using in situ polymerization of pyrrole. The structural/ textural and morphological features of adsorbents were investigated through X-ray diffraction, nitrogen sorption at 77 K, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential measurements and scanning electronic microscopy. Several nanocomposites containing different percentages of polypyrrole were tested for the adsorption of both anionic and cationic dyes. The effect of adsorbent nature, pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial dye concentration were investigated and discussed in terms of adsorption efficiency. The adsorption efficiency of MO dye increased in the following sequence: SBA-15\PPy/SBA-15(1%)\PPy/SBA-15(10%)\PPy/SBA-15(30%)\PPy/SBA-15(50%). The adsorption of MB dye is preferably carried out by parent material SBA-15 and nanocomposite PPy/SBA-15(1%). The experimental data were verified by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and the kinetic data were fitted by pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. The obtained results showed that the adsorption of the both dye by nanocomposite PPy/SBA-15 followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm models and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorbed amounts recorded for MO and MB dyes are 41.66 and 58.82 mg/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new hydrazine probe was designed, which demonstrates ultrafast 'turn-on' response towards hydrazine both in solution and as gas, due to the excellent AIE (aggregation-induced emission) characteristic of the yielded products. Excitedly, the corresponding fabricated test strips can report the presence of trace hydrazine as low as 10 nmol/L in aqueous medium in seconds conveniently, with very high selectivity in the pH value ranging from 3.0 to 14.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe an electrochemical approach for the preparation of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with graphene oxide and silver nanodentrites (AgNDs). The coating was obtained by using an aqueous solution containing silver nitrate, phosphate and ammonia. The phosphate anions act as a scaffold for the improved deposition of AgNDs. The effects of deposition potential and time and concentration of electrolyte on the formation of the AgNDs were optimized. The modified GCE displays good electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of dissolved hydrazine. The electron transfer coefficient and diffusion coefficient are 0.60 and 4.64 × 10 cm s respectively. The electrode exhibits a linear response over the 100 nM to 670 μM hydrazine concentration range and a detection limit (LOD) of 33 nM. The sensitivity of the modified electrode is 2077 μA mM cm at a typical working voltage of 0.1 V (vs Ag/AgCl). This LOD is much lower than that of the allowable concentration of hydrazine in drinking water as defined by the US EPA and the WHO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elemental concentrations of contaminated sediment samples were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis, particle induced X-ray emission and particle induced gamma-ray emission. Sediment samples were collected from the Godavari estuary, Kakinada Bay, East Coast of India. A total 35 elements were determined through the aforementioned analytical techniques. International Atomic Energy Agency reference materials including SL-1, SL-3 were used for method validation. Hazardous elements such as As, Ba, Cr, Mn, Fe and Zn were compared with United States Environmental Protection Agency data and previous studies data to determine their preliminary contamination levels in Kakinada Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developments in the area of electrochemical manipulation of polymers are reviewed, with an emphasis on soft condensed matter (with some weight on aqueous systems). Electrochemical control of polymer solubility is a current issue, with applications in smart colloids, gels, and self-assembled systems. Electrode modification is addressed briefly. Different stimuli-responsive systems are categorized by highlighting the peculiarity of electrochemical switching. The review then categorizes different basic mechanisms for electrochemical switching of polymers: electrochemically induced solvation (switching of redox-active sites, which are strongly bound to the polymer), electrochemically induced complexation (free redox-active entities interact with complexation sites along the polymer), and mixed concepts. Further, features of different metallocene-based polymers are compared and ion-specific effects for the interaction of metallates with polyelectrolytes are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular geometry, intramolecular hydrogen bond strength, vibrational frequencies, H NMR chemical shift, and nuclear quadrupole resonance parameters of N, S and H atoms and several well-established indices of aromaticity in ( Z)-(thionitrosomethylene)hydrazine molecule and its derivatives were studied by density functional theory method. The results of calculations were obtained at B3LYP/6-311++ G** level of approximation on model species, with the resonance-assisted hydrogen bonds. A set of simple and mostly common substituents having different properties in resonance effect according to values of substituents constants were chosen to simulate the influence of substitution in R position of title molecule on the quasi-delocalization and H-bonding. The following substituents have been taken into consideration: F, Cl, NO, OCH, OCF, SCH, SH, and OH. The excited-state properties of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in substituted systems have been investigated theoretically using the time-dependent density functional theory method. Also, the possible charge transfer and the topological properties of investigated molecule and its derivatives were studied by means of natural bond orbital and atoms in molecules (AIM) theory. The energy of the N-H···S interactions studied here was found medium in strength ( $$ E_{\text{HB}}^{*} $$ = −36.5 to −45.3 kJ mol). The electron density ( ρ), Laplacian (∇ ρ) properties and the total electron energy density (HC), estimated by AIM calculations, indicate that H···S bond possesses low ρ, positive ∇ ρ and HC < 0 which are in agreement with partially covalent character of HB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We built upon previous laboratory studies by examining the independent and interactive effects of restitution and apology on behavioral and self-reported measures relevant to forgiveness. Undergraduates (N = 155) received two of 10 tickets in a distribution. Some thought another participant was the distributor; others thought it was random. Later, some participants received restitution as nine tickets from the artificial participant, whereas others received nine tickets by chance. Some also received an apology. Participants then distributed 10 tickets to the artificial participant, the behavioral measure of forgiveness. Participants also self-reported forgiveness by rating the motivations underlying their distribution, including the motive, ‘to express forgiveness’. Results indicated restitution increased behavioral expressions of forgiveness, but apology increased self-reported forgiveness. The restitution effect was partially mediated by empathy and the desire to help the transgressor. This study underscores the importance of both restitution and apology and of using multiple measures of forgiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This within subjects experiment (28 females, 26 males) examined three responses to a past interpersonal offender. We contrasted offense-focused rumination with two subsequent, counterbalanced coping strategies: compassionate reappraisal and emotion suppression. Compassionate reappraisal emphasized the offender's human qualities and need for positive change. Emotion suppression inhibited the experience and expression of negative offense-related emotions. Offense rumination was associated with negative emotion, faster heartbeats (i.e., shortened electrocardiogram R-R intervals), and lower heart rate variability (HRV; i.e., the high-frequency component of the R-R power spectrum). By contrast, both compassionate reappraisal and emotion suppression decreased negative emotion in ratings and linguistic analyses, calmed eye muscle tension (orbicularis oculi EMG, electromyography), and maintained HRV at baseline levels. Suppression inhibited negative emotion expression at the brow (corrugator EMG) and slowed cardiac R-R intervals, but without forgiveness effects. Only compassionate reappraisal significantly increased positive emotions, smiling (zygomatic EMG), and social language along with forgiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastable states created by electron or hole capture in crystal defects are widely used in dosimetry and photonic applications. Feldspar, the most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust (> 50%), generates metastable states with lifetimes of millions of years upon exposure to ionizing radiation. Although feldspar is widely used in dosimetry and geochronometry, the creation of metastable states and charge transfer across them is poorly understood. Understanding such phenomena requires next-generation methods based on high-resolution, site-selective probing of the metastable states. Recent studies using site-selective techniques such as photoluminescence (PL), and radioluminescence (RL) at 7 K have revealed that feldspar exhibits two near-infrared (NIR) emission bands peaking at 880 nm and 955 nm, which are believed to arise from the principal electron-trapping states. Here, we map for the first time the electron-trapping states in potassium-rich feldspar using spectrally-resolved cathodoluminescence microscopy at a spatial resolution of ~ 6 to 22 µm. Each pixel probed by a scanning electron microscope provides us a cathodoluminescence spectrum (SEM-CL) in the range 600–1000 nm, and elemental data from energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. We conclude that the two NIR emissions are spatially variable and, therefore, originate from different sites. This conclusion contradicts the existing model that the two emissions arise from two different excited states of a principal trap. Moreover, we are able to link the individual NIR emission peaks with the geochemical variations (K, Na and Fe concentration), and propose a model that explains the quenching of the NIR emission by Fe4+. Our study contributes to an improved understanding of charge storage in feldspathic minerals, with implications for developing sub-single grain (micrometer scale) measurement techniques in radiation dosimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]