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Deficits in language skills are a risk factor for later aggressive behaviour. However, previous research has mainly addressed clinical or high-risk samples and relations between language and aggressive behaviour in preschoolers and children in primary school. Based on a German longitudinal project with N = 547 typically developing children, the present study investigated whether the effects of young children's language skills on their aggressive behaviour and their hostile intent attribution (HIA) can still be observed in adolescence. Path models showed that language at age 3 predicted aggressive behaviour (measured with self-ratings of various facets of aggression) and HIA (assessed with the Intent Attributions and Feelings of Distress Measure adopted from) over a 10-year period, while controlling for important child and family characteristics and initial levels of aggressive behaviour at age 3. Moreover, the predictive impact of early language on aggressive behaviour was mediated by HIA but not by parental ratings of their children's positive peer relations with classmates at age 7. Implications and directions for future research are proposed.

The present study examines the longitudinal and differential impact of different dimensions of the early years home learning environment (HLE) on children's reading and mathematical competencies in secondary school, while taking early developmental outcomes and HLE during secondary school into account. During the preschool years, 554 three-year-old children were tested and have been followed up to the age of 13. The results show that book exposure and the quality of verbal interactions regarding mathematics both predicted mathematical outcomes in secondary school and that those effects were mediated through early language and arithmetic skills. Reading outcomes in secondary school were not directly predicted by early HLE but indirectly via early language and literacy skills. Path models reveal that the different dimensions of the early HLE were differentially associated with preschoolers' early competencies. All effects remained significant when including the concurrent HLE during secondary school which predicted reading outcomes directly.

Research Findings: This study investigated the long-term interrelations among children's language competencies, their home literacy environment (HLE), and 3 aspects of socioemotional development from ages 3 to 8, controlling for characteristics of the child and family. For this sample of 547 typically developing German children, parents and teachers reported on cooperative behavior, physical aggression, and emotional self-regulation. Language was assessed using established test instruments. HLE was operationalized by the number of books in the household, the frequency of shared book reading, and an observation during shared book reading. Path analyses supported effects of language and HLE at age 3 on all 3 indicators of socioemotional development over the 5-year period. An additional mediational analysis revealed different patterns of results depending on the aspect of socioemotional competency under study. Although the effect of early language and HLE at age 3 on cooperative and (low) aggressive behavior at age 8 was partially mediated by language at age 5, children's early language at age 3 was the best predictor of the development of emotional self-regulation. Practice or Policy: Findings identify a rich HLE and proper language skills as protective factors for socioemotional development in not-at-risk children; these factors should be further established in social skills training.

This study investigated the longitudinal relation between children's theory of mind and their metacognitive knowledge with a special focus on the impact of language on this relation. Measures of theory-of-mind understanding and metamemory knowledge were assessed in 133 3-year-old children at 4 measurement points separated by half-year intervals. Results revealed a somewhat more pronounced effect of children's early theory of mind on the change in metamemory knowledge than vice versa. This effect was almost independent of the time period under investigation as well as of earlier language and nonverbal competencies and socioeconomic status. Early language competencies had a direct impact on theory-of-mind and metamemory development and moreover indirectly affected metamemory development through children's theory of mind. The results of the study suggest that children's abilities to metarepresent together with their early language competencies are important in the acquisition of metamemory knowledge.

Objective: Tobacco smoking and ADHD frequently co-occur. So far, the bulk of research on the ADHD-smoking comorbidity has been done in children with ADHD and nonclinical adult samples. To assess smoking habits in adults with ADHD, the authors used the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Method: In 60 adult outpatients, with an ADHD diagnosis according to "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (4th ed.; "DSM-IV") criteria and 60 age- and gender-matched controls, smoking habits were assessed with the FTND. Results: The authors replicated earlier findings in children confirming a higher rate of smokers in the ADHD group. The adult smokers with ADHD suffered from more severe nicotine dependence and smoked significantly more often when being sick. Females with ADHD smoked significantly more often and started smoking at an earlier age. Conclusion: Applying the FTND, the authors confirmed a high rate of highly dependent smokers among adult ADHD patients. The authors' findings point to a higher vulnerability for the development of nicotine dependence in women with ADHD. (Contains 4 tables and 1 figure.)

Objective: The mechanisms of change in digital interventions for the prevention of depression are largely unknown. Here, we explored whether five theoretically derived intervening variables (i.e., pain intensity, pain-related disability, pain self-efficacy, quality of life [QoL], and work capacity) were mediating the effectiveness of a digital intervention specifically designed to prevent depression in patients with chronic back pain (CBP). Method: This study is a secondary analysis of a pragmatic, observer-masked randomized clinical trial conducted at 82 orthopedic clinics in Germany. A total of 295 adults with a diagnosis of CBP and subclinical depressive symptoms were randomized to either the intervention group (n = 149) or treatment-as-usual (n = 146). Longitudinal mediation analyses were conducted with structural equation modeling and depression symptom severity as primary outcome (Patient Health Questionnaire–9 [PHQ-9]; 6 months after randomization) on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: Beside the effectiveness of the digital intervention in preventing depression, we found a significant causal mediation effect for QoL as measured with the complete scale of Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL-6D; axb: −0.234), as well as for the QoL subscales mental health (axb: −0.282) and coping (axb: −0.249). All other potential intervening variables were not significant. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a relevant role of QoL, including active coping, as change mechanism in the prevention of depression. Yet, more research is needed to extend and specify our knowledge on empirically supported processes in digital depression prevention. What is the public health significance of this article?: Digital interventions are effective in preventing depression and can make an important contribution to public health. Although information on the mechanisms of change is crucial to improve interventions, knowledge how these interventions work is largely pending. This study indicated that quality of life and active coping were significantly conveying the effects of a digital intervention for the prevention of depression in patients with chronic back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated how preschool and primary school interact to influence children's cognitive development. The present investigation explores German children's numeracy skills between age 3 (1st year of preschool) and age 7 (1st year of primary school). We first identified the influence of preschool experience on development while controlling for child factors, family background, and the quality of the home learning environment (HLE). We then considered how the instructional quality of primary schools influences numeracy. We finally analysed how preschool and primary school interact. We sampled 547 children who attended 97 German preschools. Latent growth curve analyses identified child and family factors related to age 3 numeracy and development to age 7: gender, migration background, socioeconomic status (SES), mother education, HLE. The effects of preschool on numeracy development persist until age 7 with notable effects from process quality. Strengthened efforts are needed to ensure high quality preschool education in Germany. (Contains 4 tables, 2 figures and 4 notes.)

Competency in society's lingua franca plays a major role in the emergence of social disparities within education. Therefore, the present longitudinal study investigates vocabulary development and its predictors in preschool years. We focus on whether internal (phonological working memory) and external variables (preschool and home learning environment) have different impacts depending on parental native language. The study considers 547 children from 97 German preschools. Children's vocabulary was assessed at the ages of 3, 4, and 5 years. Latent growth curve models show that non-native German language children are characterized by reduced vocabulary at first assessment and lower progress compared to monolingual peers. Phonological working memory has a strong impact on all children's initial vocabulary but also on vocabulary growth in those whose parents speak German as an additional language. The effects of preschool and home learning environment are comparatively smaller. (Contains 3 tables, 1 figure and 5 notes.)

This study examined the influence of the quality of home and preschool learning environments on the development of early numeracy skills in Germany, drawing on a sample of 532 children in 97 preschools. Latent growth curve models were used to investigate early numeracy skills and their development from the first (average age: 3 years) to the third year (average age: 5 years) of preschool. Several child and family background factors (e.g., gender, maternal education, socioeconomic status), measures of the home learning environment (e.g., literacy- and numeracy-related activities), and measures of preschool structural and process quality (e.g., ECERS-E, ECERS-R) were tested as predictors of numeracy skills and their development. The analyses identified child and family background factors that predicted numeracy skills in the first year of preschool and their development over the three points of measurement--particularly gender, parental native language status (German/other), socioeconomic status, and mother's educational level. The quality of the home learning environment was strongly associated with numeracy skills in the first year of preschool, and this advantage was maintained at later ages. In contrast, the process quality of the preschool was not related to numeracy skills at the first measurement, but was significantly related to development over the period observed. The results underline the differential impact of the two learning environments on the development of numeracy skills. Interaction effects are explored and discussed. (Contains 3 figures and 4 tables.)

In 1970, before the introduction of prenatal diagnosis of chromosome anomalies, an unpublished questionnaire study concerning the social and emotional situation of mothers of children with Down syndrome was conducted in southern Germany. To assess the psychosocial impact of the availability of prenatal diagnosis on parents of genetically handicapped children, we re-evaluated and repeated the 1970 study over 30 years later. Although mothers' feelings of guilt for having a child with disabilities remained on a low level, today's mothers have a stronger feeling of being involuntarily segregated in society. On the other hand, they more often experience support and respect from outside, particularly through self-support groups; moreover, tendencies of active withdrawal from social life have decreased.

This paper explores Demirkan's narrative strategies in "Schwarzer Tee mit drei Stuck Zucker" to negotiate issues of a life between two cultures and traditions. Based on Bhabha's insights that mainstream culture needs intellectual and artistic infusion from the margins of a society in order to remain vital; and that cultural production itself is a continuous performative development, I analyse Demirkan's proposals for cultural integration that avoids assimilation. Demirkan lets the main character of "Schwarzer Tee" assert her own bicultural place both within and against her family and German society. This largely autobiographical narrative gives the reader a tentative understanding as to how the Turkish-German culture-on-the-margins is an essential and productive part of German culture. Demirkan develops a new, strong and confident type of heroine in her novel and through this new figure accomplishes two goals. She provides her reader with a successful image of those of Turkish-German heritage, especially women, and at the same time Demirkan relieves the German reader of any residual guilt feelings for being part of a hegemonic culture oppressing its Turkish minority. (Contains 13 notes.)

Importance: Depression is a frequent comorbid condition in patients with persistent back pain and is associated with substantial adverse consequences, including the risk of developing opioid use disorders. Shifting the focus from depression treatment to preventing depression might be a viable way to reduce the disease burden.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based self-help intervention to reduce the incidence of major depressive episode (MDE) in patients with persistent back pain.Design, Setting, and Participants: Prevention of Depression in Back Pain Patients (PROD-BP) was a pragmatic, observer-blinded randomized clinical trial with a parallel design conducted in Germany. Eligible adults with a diagnosis of persistent back pain and subclinical depressive symptoms, but who were depression free, were recruited either on-site or after discharge from 82 orthopedic clinics between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2017. All analyses were conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle from October 31, 2018, to April 30, 2019.Interventions: The intervention group received an e-coach-guided, web-based self-help intervention that was based on cognitive behavioral therapy and tailored to the needs of patients with persistent back pain. The intervention included 6 obligatory modules and 3 optional modules to be completed by participants as well as feedback from e-coaches. Both the intervention and control groups had unrestricted access to treatment as usual.Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome was time to onset of an MDE over a 12-month period as assessed by blinded diagnostic raters using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5. Secondary outcomes included depression severity, quality of life, pain intensity, pain-related disability, pain self-efficacy, work capacity, and user satisfaction assessed with a variety of instruments.Results: A total of 295 participants (mean [SD] age, 52.8 [7.7] years; 184 women [62.4%]) were recruited and randomized to either the intervention group (n = 149) or control group (n = 146). The intervention reduced the risk of MDE onset by 52% (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.28-0.81; P < .001). Twenty-one participants (14.1%) in the intervention group and 41 participants (28.1%) in the control group experienced an MDE over the 12-month period. The number needed to treat to prevent 1 new case of MDE was 2.84 (95% CI, 1.79-9.44).Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this trial showed that among patients with persistent back pain, depression can be prevented by a guided web-based self-help intervention in addition to treatment as usual. This finding suggests that using a scalable digital approach to integrate psychological treatment into routine pain management is feasible.Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register Identifier: DRKS00007960. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of residual substances derived from irrigant solutions and intracanal medications on the rheological properties of a silicone, gutta-percha, and bioactive glass–based sealer in comparison with an epoxy resin–based sealer. Thin films of contaminants (0.5 μL) (3% sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl], chlorhexidine digluconate [CHX], 17% EDTA, calcium hydroxide, 40% citric acid, or distilled water [DW]) were applied along with freshly mixed GuttaFlow Bioseal (GFB; Coltene/Whaledent, Langenau, Germany) or AH Plus Jet (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) on the lower plate of a dynamic rheometer. Rheological measurements were performed in oscillating mode at the strain amplitude, angular frequency, and constant temperature of 0.01%, 10 rad/s, and 37°C, respectively. Samples without contaminants served as controls. All measurements were performed 5 times. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and 1-way analysis of variance followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test were performed to analyze the results (P <.05). The contaminants did not alter the setting time of GFB compared with the controls; however, CHX and calcium hydroxide decreased its complex viscosity (ƞ*) (P <.05). The setting time of AH Plus Jet was increased by DW, CHX, citric acid, and EDTA (P <.05). All contaminants decreased its ƞ* at the setting point (P <.05). NaOCl led to the greatest alteration of its rheological parameters. Irrigant solutions and intracanal medications adversely affected at least 1 of the tested rheological properties of both sealers, except for DW and 3% NaOCl, which did not alter any rheological property of GFB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the role of rural and proletarian circles in the First World War in Germany. Topics discussed include patriotism and enthusiasm in the war ready German people who hurried to the weapons; the protagonists of a German-national mood among rural and proletarian circles representing the object of propaganda; and how the spontaneous Berlin demonstration on the occasion of the promulgation of the state of war was the origin of a legend.

Highlights: [•] Operational monitoring ensures safe injection operation at Ketzin pilot site. [•] Downhole P–T measurements are recommended for CO2 storage sites. [•] DTS safety monitoring improves operational processes. [•] CO2 storage in on-shore deep saline formations can be realized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Due to separated pubic bone and patent processus vaginalis, males with exstrophy-epispadias complex often present with inguinal hernia during infancy. Since most of these testicles are operatively repositioned, testicular development is assumed to be normal. However, there is a paucity of knowledge about long-term testicular development in males with exstrophy-epispadias complex. We identified males with sonographic intratesticular abnormalities or testicular tumor in exstrophy-epispadias complex. Materials and Methods: Since 2003, a Germany wide cross-sectional followup study has been permanently offered to men with exstrophy-epispadias complex, focusing on andrological issues. A total of 22 men with exstrophy-epispadias complex presented to our clinical service for andrological evaluation, including testicular ultrasound. Results: Sonography showed testicular and epididymal pathology in more than 50% of patients, with intratesticular abnormality in 23%, most commonly testicular microlithiasis (9%). Three patients underwent testicular biopsy. Histopathological evaluation revealed 1 case of testicular intraepithelial neoplasia and 2 benign testicular stromal tumors (1 Sertoli cell tumor and 1 Leydig cell tumor). Followup visits at 10, 28 and 68 months were uneventful. Conclusions: The observation of comorbid testicular tumor in males with exstrophy-epispadias complex should prompt a preventive health examination after puberty, which gives these patients the opportunity for further appropriate diagnostics and treatment if necessary. Biopsy is recommended for sonographically detected intratesticular lesions. Organ sparing procedures are worth considering, especially when stromal tumors with favorable outcome are discovered. However, current oncologic principles must be strictly followed. Although the etiology and true incidence of testicular tumors in exstrophy-epispadias complex are still unclear, our findings highlight the importance of long-term followup in patients with exstrophy-epispadias complex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Research software has become a central asset in academic research. It optimizes existing and enables new research methods, implements and embeds research knowledge, and constitutes an essential research product in itself. Research software must be sustainable in order to understand, replicate, reproduce, and build upon existing research or conduct new research effectively. In other words, software must be available, discoverable, usable, and adaptable to new needs, both now and in the future. Research software therefore requires an environment that supports sustainability. Hence, a change is needed in the way research software development and maintenance are currently motivated, incentivized, funded, structurally and infrastructurally supported, and legally treated. Failing to do so will threaten the quality and validity of research. In this paper, we identify challenges for research software sustainability in Germany and beyond, in terms of motivation, selection, research software engineering personnel, funding, infrastructure, and legal aspects. Besides researchers, we specifically address political and academic decision-makers to increase awareness of the importance and needs of sustainable research software practices. In particular, we recommend strategies and measures to create an environment for sustainable research software, with the ultimate goal to ensure that software-driven research is valid, reproducible and sustainable, and that software is recognized as a first class citizen in research. This paper is the outcome of two workshops run in Germany in 2019, at deRSE19 - the first International Conference of Research Software Engineers in Germany - and a dedicated DFG-supported follow-up workshop in Berlin., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2021 Anzt H et al.)