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Iridium nanoparticles are important catalysts for several chemical and energy conversion reactions. Studies of iridium nanoparticles have also been a key for the development of kinetic models of nanomaterial formation. However, compared to other metals such as gold or platinum, knowledge on the nature of prenucleation species and structural insights into the resultant nanoparticles are missing, especially for nanoparticles obtained from IrxCly precursors investigated here. We use in situ X-ray total scattering (TS) experiments with pair distribution function (PDF) analysis to study a simple, surfactant-free synthesis of colloidal iridium nanoparticles. The reaction is performed in methanol at 50 °C with only a base and an iridium salt as precursor. From different precursor salts─IrCl3, IrCl4, H2IrCl6, or Na2IrCl6─colloidal nanoparticles as small as Ir∼55 are obtained as the final product. The nanoparticles do not show the bulk iridium face-centered cubic (fcc) structure but show decahedral and icosahedral structures. The formation route is highly dependent on the precursor salt used. Using IrCl3 or IrCl4, metallic iridium nanoparticles form rapidly from IrxClyn- complexes, whereas using H2IrCl6 or Na2IrCl6, the iridium nanoparticle formation follows a sudden growth after an induction period and the brief appearance of a crystalline phase. With H2IrCl6, the formation of different Irn (n = 55, 55, 85, and 116) nanoparticles depends on the nature of the cation in the base (LiOH, NaOH, KOH, or CsOH, respectively) and larger particles are obtained with larger cations. As the particles grow, the nanoparticle structure changes from partly icosahedral to decahedral. The results show that the synthesis of iridium nanoparticles from IrxCly is a valuable iridium nanoparticle model system, which can provide new compositional and structural insights into iridium nanoparticle formation and growth.

Research on women with sexual interest in children is still rare, especially regarding women’s own theories about the cause of their sexual interest in children, their experiences with (non-)disclosure, and professional help. In the context of a broader online study, we provided 50 women with a sexual interest in children under the age of 14 years (mean age: 33.6, SD = 11.1) with open questions regarding their own theories about what causes their sexual interest in children, experiences with disclosure and non-disclosure, and experiences with and opinions about professional help. Analyses were conducted using an inductive qualitative content analysis method that aimed at ordering and structuring manifest and latent content by categorizing qualitative data. Results revealed that participants mainly think that past experiences caused their sexual interest in children (Σ = 16), e.g., abusive or non-abusive sexual experiences during childhood. Some participants think that their sexual interest in children is a disposition they were born with (Σ = 8). Disclose of sexual interest in children to another person was reported by 56.0% of the present sample and led to rather positive consequences (Σ = 24, e.g., acceptance or support). Those who did not disclose (44.0%) mainly did so due to fear of rejection and/or stigmatization (Σ = 24). A total of 30.0% already sought help due to their sexual interest in children and frequently reported negative experiences (Σ = 15). A frequent statement participants made on how to reach women with sexual interest in children in order to offer professional help was the destigmatization of sexual interest in children (Σ = 14). We recommend that women with sexual interest in children should be taken more seriously among research and in prevention measures.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Bei sexuellem Kindesmissbrauch wird in der Regel an einen männlichen Täter gedacht. Frauen, die Kinder sexuell missbrauchen, stellen in unserer Gesellschaft immer noch ein Tabuthema dar. Täter:innentypologien können ein wichtiges Hilfsmittel darstellen, um zu verbesserten Interventionsmaßnahmen, Rehabilitationsleistungen sowie zur Verbrechensprävention beizutragen. Bisherige Typologien zu weiblichen Tätern im Kontext sexuellen Kindesmissbrauchs konzentrieren sich entweder auf Persönlichkeitsmerkmale oder Verhaltensweisen. Die vorliegende Analyse vereint beide Aspekte und versucht somit, bisherige Forschung zu ergänzen. Methodik Zur Entwicklung einer Täterinnentypologie wurden 30 schriftliche Berichte und transkribierte Anhörungen von weiblichen sowie männlichen Betroffenen und Zeug:innen mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Ergebnisse Es wurden 4 Täterinnentypen und ihre Strategien herausgearbeitet: die sadistische Täterin, die vermittelnde Täterin, die parentifizierende Täterin und die instruierende Täterin. Schlussfolgerungen Eine Wissensvermittlung hinsichtlich der Täterinnentypen an verschiedene Institutionen der Gesellschaft könnte die Aufklärungsarbeit bezüglich weiblicher Täterinnen im Kontext sexuellen Kindesmissbrauchs intensivieren.

Little research has examined adult women's sexual interest in children, particularly in non-forensic samples. We aimed to describe characteristics of women with sexual interest in children by recruiting 52 women (mean age: 33.2 years) who have a self-identified sexual interest in children under the age of 14 years into an anonymous online self-report study. Measures of interest referred to general characteristics (e.g., age, education level), general sexuality (e.g., sexual orientation, masturbation), and sexual interest in children (e.g., exclusivity, motivation to change). Results showed that women with sexual interest in children are similar to non-forensic samples of men with sexual interest in children in previous studies and rather differ from women from the general population regarding the investigated characteristics in this study. Our results clearly indicate that women with sexual interest in children need to be taken into account in future research and clinical practice. Treatment programs preventing sexual offenses against children or the consumption of abuse material need to explicitly address females as well.

Iridium nanoparticles are important catalysts for several chemical and energy conversion reactions. Studies of iridium nanoparticles have also been key for the development of kinetic models of nanomaterial formation. However, compared to other metals such as gold or platinum, there is very limited knowledge on the actual formation pathway of iridium nanoparticles on the atomic and molecular level. Here, we use in situ X-ray total scattering experiments with pair distribution function analysis to study a simple, surfactant-free synthesis of colloidal iridium nanoparticles. The reaction is performed in methanol at 50 °C with only a base and an iridium salt as precursor. From different precursor salts - IrCl3, IrCl4, H2IrCl6, or Na2IrCl6 – colloidal nanoparticles as small as Ir55 are obtained as the final product. The nanoparticles do not show the bulk iridium face-centered cubic (fcc) structure, but decahedral and icosahedral structures. The formation route is highly dependent on the precursor salt used. Using IrCl3 or IrCl4, metallic iridium nanoparticles form rapidly from IrxCly complexes, whereas using H2IrCl6 or Na2IrCl6, the iridium nanoparticle formation follows a sudden growth after an induction period and the brief ap-pearance of a crystalline phase. With H2IrCl6, the formation of different Irn (n= 55, 55, 85, 116) nanoparticles depends on the nature of the cation in the base - LiOH, NaOH, KOH, or CsOH, respectively - and larger particles are obtained with larger cations. As the particles grow, the nanoparticle structure changes from partly icosahedral to decahedral. The presented results introduce a new iridium nanoparticle synthesis model system and provide new chemical insights into nanoparticle formation and growth.

The influence of different combinations of accelerated stress test (AST) protocols simulating load-cycle and start/stop conditions of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) vehicle is investigated on a bimodal Pt/C catalyst. The bimodal Pt/C catalyst, prepared by mixing two commercial catalysts, serves as a model system and consists of two distinguishable size populations. The change in mean particle size was investigated by in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The comparison to the reference catalysts, i.e., the two single-size population catalysts, uncovers the presence of electrochemical Ostwald ripening as a degradation mechanism in the bimodal catalyst. Increasing the harshness of the applied AST protocol combinations by faster changing between load-cycle or start/stop conditions, the particle size of the larger population of the bimodal catalyst increases faster than expected. Surprisingly, the change in mean particle size of the smaller size population indicates a smaller increase for harsher AST protocols, which might be explained by a substantial electrochemical Ostwald ripening.

Research on women with sexual interest in children (SIC) is still rare. Especially little is known about women’s own theories about the cause of their SIC, their experiences with disclosure, non-disclosure, and professional help. We therefore aimed at investigating women with SIC using a qualitative research approach. We provided women with SIC with open questions regarding their own theories about what causes their SIC, experiences with disclosure as well as non-disclosure, and experiences with and opinions about professional help. Analyses were conducted using a qualitative content analysis method. Results revealed that participants mainly think that past experiences caused their SIC, e.g., abusive or non-abusive sexual experiences during childhood. Disclose of SIC was reported by 56% of the present sample and lead to rather positive consequences. Those who did not disclose mainly did so due to fear of rejection and/or stigmatization. A total of 30% already sought help due to their SIC and frequently reported negative experiences. One of the major reasons participants stated on how to reach women with SIC in order to offer professional help was the destigmatization of SIC. We recommend that women with SIC should be taken more seriously among research and in prevention measure.

Herein, we report a straightforward approach for the

BackgroundInternet cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) is a viable delivery format of CBT for depression. However, iCBT programmes include training in a wide array of cognitive and behavioural skills via different delivery methods, and it remains unclear which of these components are more efficacious and for whom.MethodsWe did a systematic review and individual participant data component network meta-analysis (cNMA) of iCBT trials for depression. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published from database inception to Jan 1, 2019, that compared any form of iCBT against another or a control condition in the acute treatment of adults (aged ≥18 years) with depression. Studies with inpatients or patients with bipolar depression were excluded. We sought individual participant data from the original authors. When these data were unavailable, we used aggregate data. Two independent researchers identified the included components. The primary outcome was depression severity, expressed as incremental mean difference (iMD) in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores when a component is added to a treatment. We developed a web app that estimates relative efficacies between any two combinations of components, given baseline patient characteristics. This study is registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018104683.FindingsWe identified 76 RCTs, including 48 trials contributing individual participant data (11 704 participants) and 28 trials with aggregate data (6474 participants). The participants' weighted mean age was 42·0 years and 12 406 (71%) of 17 521 reported were women. There was suggestive evidence that behavioural activation might be beneficial (iMD −1·83 [95% credible interval (CrI) −2·90 to −0·80]) and that relaxation might be harmful (1·20 [95% CrI 0·17 to 2·27]). Baseline severity emerged as the strongest prognostic factor for endpoint depression. Combining human and automated encouragement reduced dropouts from treatment (incremental odds ratio, 0·32 [95% CrI 0·13 to 0·93]). The risk of bias was low for the randomisation process, missing outcome data, or selection of reported results in most of the included studies, uncertain for deviation from intended interventions, and high for measurement of outcomes. There was moderate to high heterogeneity among the studies and their components.InterpretationThe individual patient data cNMA revealed potentially helpful, less helpful, or harmful components and delivery formats for iCBT packages. iCBT packages aiming to be effective and efficient might choose to include beneficial components and exclude ones that are potentially detrimental. Our web app can facilitate shared decision making by therapist and patient in choosing their preferred iCBT package.FundingJapan Society for the Promotion of Science.

Understanding the formation of nanomaterials down to the atomic level is key to rational design of advanced materials. Despite their widespread use and intensive study over the years, the detailed formation mechanism of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles remains challenging to explore and rationalize. Here, various in situ characterization techniques, and in particular X-ray total scattering with pair distribution function (PDF) analysis, are used to follow the structural and chemical changes taking place during a surfactant-free synthesis of Pt nanoparticles in alkaline methanol. Polynuclear structures form at the beginning of the synthesis, and Pt-Pt pair distances are identified before any nanoparticles are generated. The structural motifs best describing the species formed change with time, e.g., from [PtCl5-PtCl5] and [PtCl6-Pt2Cl6-PtCl6] to [Pt2Cl10-Pt3Cl8-Pt2Cl10]. The formation of these polynuclear structures with Pt-Pt coordination before the formation of the nanoparticles is suggested to account for the fast nucleation observed in the synthesis.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die Kontaktbeschränkungen zur Eindämmung der durch die „coronavirus disease 2019“ (COVID-19) ausgelösten Pandemie beeinflussen das soziale Leben der Menschen auf vielen Ebenen, so auch die psychische und sexuelle Gesundheit. Fragestellung Ziel der Studie war es, Veränderungen sexueller Interessen und Erfahrungen in Deutschland lebender Personen während der ersten Kontaktbeschränkungen im Frühjahr 2020 zu erfassen. Material und Methoden In einer anonymen Online-Befragung wurde eine offene Frage nach Veränderungen der Sexualität durch die Kontaktbeschränkungen gestellt und mithilfe der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet. Ergebnisse Veränderungen wurden von 248 der teilnehmenden Personen in den Bereichen „sexuelles Verlangen und Erregbarkeit“, „Partnerschaft“, „sexuelle Aktivitäten“, „sexuelle Interessen und Einstellungen“, „virtuelle sexuelle Aktivitäten“, „Dating“ und „sexuelle Probleme und Funktionsstörungen“ beschrieben. Schlussfolgerung Die Kontaktbeschränkungen im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie führten zu sexuellen und partnerschaftlichen Veränderungen, die in Sexual- und Paartherapiesettings beachtet werden sollten.

Background Many individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) do not receive professional treatment due to various idiosyncratic barriers. Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) is increasingly used to narrow treatment gaps, but the efficacy of such interventions without guidance of therapists has not been well studied. This study evaluated the efficacy of an unguided iCBT that includes third-wave approaches for the treatment of OCD symptoms. Methods A total of 128 individuals with self-reported OCD symptoms were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (unguided iCBT) or to a care-as-usual (CAU) control group following an anonymous baseline assessment via an online survey. Eight weeks after inclusion, a reassessment was carried out online. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale served as the primary outcome parameter for detecting symptom changes in the per-protocol sample with at least 60 minutes utilization. Results The iCBT group showed a significantly stronger reduction of OCD symptoms with a medium effect size (η²p = 0.06) compared with the control condition. This effect was moderated by the general frequency of Internet usage (η²p = 0.08); the more time per day users spent online, the less they benefited from the intervention. Secondary outcomes revealed (1) a medium effect size on self-esteem (η²p = 0.06); (2) no statistically significant effects on quality of life, depression symptoms, impulsivity, or social insecurity; and (3) good acceptability of the intervention. Conclusions The current study provides evidence that unguided iCBT for OCD may be a viable option for individuals who experience treatment barriers. As non-compliance remains a challenge, this topic needs further research.

The alkaline polyol synthesis of “surfactant-free” Pt nanoparticles (NPs) is a straightforward approach to synthesize NPs as colloids. Even challenges such as size control have been successfully ad...

Organisierte und rituelle Gewaltstrukturen (ORG) werden durch schwere sexualisierte physische und psychische Gewaltformen definiert, welche von mehreren TaterInnen geplant und wiederholt ausgeubt werden. Dies soll haufig in einem kommerziellen Rahmen geschehen und durch (Schein)Ideologien gerechtfertigt werden. Diese Art von extremer Gewaltanwendung wirkt sich negativ auf die psychische Gesundheit von Betroffenen und ihre UnterstutzerInnen aus. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, individuell als wirksam, hilfreich und entlastend wahrgenommene Ressourcen bei Betroffenen von ORG und psychosozialen Fachkraften herauszuarbeiten. Es wurden zwei anonyme Online-Befragungen an Personen durchgefuhrt, die angaben, ORG erlebt zu haben ( n = 129), und an psychosozialen Fachpersonen, die PatientInnen mit ORG-Erfahrungen professionell begleitet haben ( n = 149). Mit einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring wurden die Antworten auf offene Fragen nach personlichen Ressourcen im Umgang mit diesen extremen Gewalterfahrungen paraphrasiert, generalisiert und im Anschluss zu Uberkategorien zusammengefasst. 158 Ressourcen von Betroffenen wurden 14 Uberkategorien zugeteilt. Die drei am haufigsten genannten Ressourcen-Uberkategorien lauten: Professionelle Unterstutzung , Soziale Beziehungen und spezifische Ressourcen im Umgang mit ORG . Von den psychosozialen Fachkraften wurden 128 Ressourcen auf elf Uberkategorien verteilt. Die haufigsten genannten Uberkategorien sind Soziale Beziehungen , Professionelle Unterstutzung und Sport . Die herausgearbeiteten Ressourcen konnen in der Beratung und Therapie bei Betroffenen eingesetzt werden. Genauso konnen sie Fachkraften als Moglichkeiten zur eigenen Psychohygiene genannt werden.

Zusammenfassung Einleitung Sexueller Kindesmissbrauch in organisierten und rituellen Strukturen (ORG) beinhaltet vernetzte TäterInnen-Gruppen mit einem ideologischen Überbau. Die definitorische Unschärfe des Begriffes „rituell“ erschwert den fachlichen Diskurs und die Aufklärung der Gesellschaft. Forschungsziele Die vorliegende Studie verfolgt das Ziel herauszuarbeiten, wie Betroffene und ZeitzeugInnen organisierte und rituelle Merkmale der sexualisierten Gewalt beschreiben, um die Definition von ORG weiter ausdifferenzieren zu können. Methoden Im Rahmen eines von der Unabhängigen Kommission zur Aufarbeitung sexuellen Kindesmissbrauchs (UKASK) geförderten Projekts wurden 23 Transkripte vertraulicher Anhörungen (offene bis teilstrukturierte Interviews) sowie elf schriftliche Berichte von 33 Betroffenen und ZeitzeugInnen mittels eines mehrstufigen, inhaltsanalytischen Vorgehens ausgewertet (deduktiv-induktiv-deduktive Kategorienentwicklung). Ergebnisse Die Struktur (z. B. vernetzte TäterInnen mit Einfluss auf Machtstrukturen) und Strategien (z. B. gezielte Aufspaltung und Konditionierung, oder Bedrohung) der TäterInnen-Gruppen wurden als organisierte Merkmale identifiziert. Weiterhin wurde die Verwendung von Ideologien (z. B. religiös, rechtsextrem, satanisch), Symbolik (z. B. Sprache, Objekte, Kleidung) und Praktiken (z. B. Zeremonien, Opferungen, Kannibalismus) als rituelle Merkmale gedeutet. Dabei entstand der Eindruck, dass die einzelnen Elemente eng miteinander verknüpft sind. Schlussfolgerung Die Elemente ritueller Gewalt scheinen auf den Elementen organisierter Gewalt aufzubauen, eine Rechtfertigung der Gewalttaten zu bezwecken und diese gleichsam zu intensivieren. Rituelle Gewalt als einen ideologischen Subtyp organisierter Gewalt zu verstehen, kann die gesellschaftliche Aufklärung erleichtern und so die psychosoziale Versorgung betroffener Personen verbessern.

ZusammenfassungSexueller Kindesmissbrauch in organisierten Strukturen wird durch kommerzielle Ausbeutung von Kindern und Jugendlichen durch vernetzte Täter_innengruppen charakterisiert. Rituelle Strukturen zeichnen sich darüber hinaus durch ideologische Sinngebungen aus (z. B. Sekten). Methodik Mittels einer quantifizierenden Inhaltsanalyse wurden 41 vertrauliche Anhörungen und schriftliche Berichte von Betroffenen und Zeitzeug_innen ausgewertet, die aus dem Kontext organisierter und ritueller Gewalt (ORG) bei der Unabhängigen Kommission zur Aufarbeitung sexuellen Kindesmissbrauchs (UKASK) eingegangen sind. Ergebnisse Am häufigsten wurden rechtsextreme, satanistische und religiöse Ideologien beschrieben. Als Täter_innen wurden, neben Fremdtäter_innen, meistens der eigene Vater sowie, in der Hälfte der Berichte, zusätzlich die eigene Mutter genannt. Als Folge der Gewalt wurden vorrangig dissoziative Identitätsstörungen berichtet, die eine Herausforderung für psychosoziale und psychiatrische Fachpersonen darstellen. Diskussion Es ist notwendig, Personen, die in den Versorgungsstrukturen des Gesundheitssystems mit schwer traumatisierten Personen in Kontakt kommen, über ORG und die psychischen Folgen extremer Gewalt zu informieren.

Zusammenfassung Ziel der Studie Untersuchung sexuellen Kindesmissbrauchs in organisierten und rituellen Gewaltstrukturen (d. h. vernetzte Täter_innengruppen mit ideologischen Hintergründen). Methodik Es wurden 33 Berichte von Betroffenen und Zeitzeug_innen mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Dabei wurden in Bezug auf die Fragestellung, welche Faktoren die Aufdeckung solcher Strukturen erschweren, induktiv Kategorien gebildet. Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass verschiedene (Beziehungs-)Aspekte dreier wechselseitig interagierender Personengruppen die Aufdeckung solcher Strukturen erschweren können: Täter_innen, die Betroffenen und andere Personen (z. B. im direkten Umfeld der Betroffenen und in der Gesellschaft). Schlussfolgerung Um die beschriebenen Systemfaktoren im Sinne einer verbesserten Aufdeckung dieser Gewaltstrukturen positiv beeinflussen zu können, ist eine sachliche Wissensvermittlung an verschiedene Institutionen der Gesellschaft notwendig.

Background One of the most prominent etiological theories of gender incongruence in trans women proposes a paraphilic erotic target location error (ie, autogynephilia) as a causal factor in gynephilic (ie, exclusively gynephilic and bisexual) trans women. We hypothesized that a paraphilic erotic target location should manifest itself in various aspects of sexual behavior, solitary and dyadic sexual desire, and psychosexual experience. Aim To compare sexual behavior, sexual desire, and psychosexual experience of exclusively gynephilic and bisexual trans women with that of androphilic trans women to explore whether their sexuality differs substantially. Methods Trans women diagnosed with gender dysphoria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–5) were recruited at 4 transgender healthcare centers in Germany. The present study analyzed items on sexual behavior, desire, and experience of a self-report questionnaire, collected as part of a cross-sectional multicenter study. Main Outcomes Multiple aspects of sexuality were examined using self-constructed items. Sexual desire was measured using the Sexual Desire Inventory and psychosexual experience using the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire. Results Significantly more exclusively gynephilic than androphilic trans women reported a history of sexual arousal in relation to cross-dressing. However, little evidence was found that gynephilic and androphilic sexual desire, behavior, and psychosexual experience differ profoundly. Interestingly, a statistically non-significant trend indicated that gynephilic trans women who had not yet undergone gender affirming surgery showed the highest levels of sexual desire (solitary and dyadic), whereas the opposite was the case for androphilic trans women. Clinical Translation Data of this study indicate that sexual orientation does not appear to be a good predicator for sexual behavior, desire, and psychosexual experience in trans women. Strengths and Limitations We investigated sexual desire and experience using standardized and evaluated measures such as the Sexual Desire Inventory and Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire. Future studies with a larger sample size should investigate how different gender affirming medical intervention might have diverging influences on sexual behavior, desire, and experience. Conclusion Ultimately, this study found little evidence for the hypothesis that sexual behavior, sexual desire, and psychosexual experience differ substantially in gynephilic (exclusively gynephilic and bisexual) and androphilic trans women.

Empirical evidence on organized and ritual child sexual abuse (ORA), that is, organized child sexual abuse with an ideological framework, is rare and definitions of the term "ritual" are often vague or inhomogeneous. The aim of the current study is to analyze contents, purposes and acts of violence in ORA.In a project of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Germany, 165 adults who identified themselves as ORA victims as well as 174 health care professionals who supported ORA victims were recruited via various sources and completed anonymous online surveys.Both samples report experiences with ideological frameworks in organized child sexual abuse contexts at the same ratio (88%). Ideologies are mostly perceived as a means to facilitate violent acts (e.g. commercial sexual exploitation). Positive correlations between the manifestation of ideologies and all violent acts suggest that organized and ritual perpetrator groups use the same violent strategies, but ritual or ideological groups, in which perpetrators are more often family members, use them to a greater extent.A modified narrative of "ritual abuse" as a (pseudo-)ideological, domestic and more violent subtype of organized child sexual abuse could enhance the credibility and visibility of ORA in science as well as in society.

This study aimed at assessing the extent to which factors associated with male child sexual offending may also be applicable to women with a self-identified sexual interest in children. Participants ( n = 42) took part in an anonymous online survey covering questions about general characteristics, general sexuality, sexual interest in children, and previously-perpetrated contact child sexual abuse. Group comparisons between women who reported committing contact child sexual abuse compared to those who had not were conducted in terms of sample characteristics. Furthermore, the two groups were compared regarding the factors of high sexual activity, use of child abuse material, indication of ICD-11 pedophilic disorder diagnosis, exclusivity of sexual interest in children, emotional congruence with children, and childhood maltreatment. Our results revealed that high sexual activity, indication of ICD-11 pedophilic disorder diagnosis, exclusivity of sexual interest in children, and emotional congruence with children were associated with previous contact child sexual abuse perpetration. We recommend further research on potential risk factors relating to child sexual abuse on the part of women.

The combination of operando small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS) is here presented to provide insights into the changes in mean particle sizes and phase fractions in fuel cell catalyst layers during accelerated stress tests (ASTs). As fuel cell catalyst, a bimodal Pt/C catalyst was chosen that consists of two distinguishable particle size populations. The presence of the two different sizes should favor and uncover electrochemical Ostwald ripening as degradation mechanism, i.e., the growth of larger particles in the Pt/C catalyst at the expense of the smaller particles via the formation of ionic metal species. However, instead of electrochemical Ostwald ripening, the results point toward classical Ostwald ripening via the local diffusion of metal atoms on the support. Furthermore, the grazing incidence mode provides insights into the catalyst layer depth-dependent degradation. While the larger particles show the same particle size changes close to the electrolyte-catalyst interface and within the catalyst layer, the smaller Pt nanoparticles exhibit a slightly decreased size at the electrolyte-catalyst interface. During the AST, both size populations increase in size, independent of the depth. Their phase fraction, i.e., the ratio of smaller to larger size population, however, exhibits a depth-dependent behavior. While at the electrolyte-catalyst interface the phase fraction of the smaller size population decreases, it increases in the inner catalyst layer. The results of a depth-dependent degradation suggest that employing a depth-dependent catalyst design can be used for future improvement of catalyst stability.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, different restrictive measures in terms of physical distancing and lockdowns have been introduced in most European countries, affecting all facets of social life. Currently, little is known about how partnered individuals perceive changes in their sexual life during this complex emergency. This study explored retrospectively assessed changes in sexual interest for one’s partner and levels of distress related to perceived sexual interest discrepancy during the first phase of the pandemic in a large-scale online sample of partnered individuals (n = 4813; Mage = 38.5 years, SD = 10.74) recruited between May and July 2020 in seven European Union countries and Turkey. We also examined the possible role of approach/avoidance motives for sex in reported changes in sexual interest and associated distress. Most participants (53%) reported no change in their sexual interest during the pandemic, followed by those who reported an increase (28.5%). The pattern was similar across the eight countries. Distress about discrepant sexual interest, which was only weakly related to changes in sexual interest, was significantly associated with relationship quality and emotional closeness with a partner, coping with and worrying about the pandemic, and specific motivation for sex. In contrast to avoidant and relationship-focused approach motivation, ego-focused approach motivation was related to stable sexual interest during the pandemic. The current study contributes to the understanding of the link between sexual interest and complex emergencies. Considering that the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the reported experiences and perceptions are prone to change. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The accumulated evidence maps the COVID-19 pandemic’s diverse impacts on sexual and reproductive health (SRH); however, the precise changes in sexual behaviours and the underlying causes producing these changes are rarely considered. This study is aimed at assessing the changes in sexual behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, using quantitative methods, and it is also aimed at identifying the underlying reasons, using qualitative methods. It is a part of the broader I-SHARE project, which administered a cross-sectional online survey in 33 countries to describe the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on different aspects of SRH. In the current study, a total of 611 adults from Germany are included. The findings demonstrate a decline in sexual satisfaction, as well as increases in sexual problems and partnership conflicts. Furthermore, the findings indicate an increase in pornography consumption and masturbation. Psychological stress, due to the pandemic, seemed to be the main reason for the changes in the participants’ sexual behaviours, followed by a decrease in social contacts, and an increase in time resources. Thus, it is important to provide accessible clinical and psychosocial (online) interventions and services in order to maintain good sexual health in times of pandemic.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic had numerous consequences for general, mental and sexual health. As gender differences in sexual compulsivity (SC) have been reported in the past and SC has been connected to adverse events and psychological distress, the current study aims at investigating associations between these factors in the context of contact restrictions in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Methods We collected data for five time points in four retrospective measurement points in an online convenience sample (n T0 = 399, n T4 = 77). We investigated the influence of gender, several pandemic-related psychosocial circumstances, sensation seeking (Brief Sensation Seeking Scale), and psychological distress (Patient-Health-Questionnaire-4) on the change of SC (measured with an adapted version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) between T0 and T1 (n = 292) in a linear regression analysis. Additionally, the course of SC over the time of the pandemic was explored with a linear mixed model. Results Male gender was associated with higher SC compared to female gender over all measurement points. An older age, being in a relationship, having a place to retreat was associated with a change to lower SC during the first time of the pandemic. Psychological distress was associated with SC in men, but not in women. Men, who reported an increase of psychological distress were also more likely to report an increase of SC. Discussion The results demonstrate that psychological distress seems to correlate with SC differently for men and women. This could be due to different excitatory and inhibitory influences on men and women during the pandemic. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the impact of pandemic related psychosocial circumstances in the times of contact restrictions.

Background The context in which individuals are exposed to child sexual abuse (CSA) and reactions to the disclosure of such abuse experiences play a major role in post-traumatic mental health. Female-perpetrated CSA is an under-recognized issue in society and mental health care, and is therefore supposed to be a breeding ground for stigmatization. Objective The aim of the current study was to examine the mediating role of internalized and anticipated stigma on the effects of so-called victim-blaming experiences and the perception of abuse in the childhood of survivors of female-perpetrated CSA on their post-traumatic symptom severity. Method A total of 212 individuals who reported experiences of female-perpetrated CSA were assessed in an anonymous online survey. The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) served as the primary outcome parameter for detecting differences in post-traumatic symptom severity within mediation analyses, where victim-blaming and abuse awareness served as predictors and anticipated as well as internalized stigma served as mediator variables. Results Internalized stigma fully mediated the deteriorating effect of victim-blaming on post-traumatic symptom severity, while abuse awareness and anticipated stigma showed no statistically significant effects as predictor and mediator variables. Yet, victim-blaming had a significant increasing effect on anticipated stigma. Conclusions Efforts to enhance awareness of female-perpetrated CSA in society are needed and mental health care professionals should pay attention to the adverse effects of victim-blaming and internalized stigma on post-traumatic symptoms in individuals affected by female-perpetrated CSA., HIGHLIGHTS Child sexual abuse by women is a taboo topic.Victim-blaming by the female perpetrator is associated with post-traumatic symptoms in affected individuals.This study suggests that internalized stigma is fully accountable for this effect.

OBJECTIVE: Data from the EVIDENT trial were reanalyzed to examine whether specific anxiety-related comorbidities moderate the effect of an Internet intervention on depression outcome. METHOD: The EVIDENT study is a randomized controlled trial that included N = 1,013 participants with mild to moderate depressive symptoms (i.e., scores between 5 and 14 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) who were randomized to a control group with access to care-as-usual (n = 504) or to an intervention group, which accessed the Internet intervention Deprexis adjunctively to care-as-usual (n = 509). Anxiety-related comorbidities (generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder with agoraphobia, specific phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder) were assessed with the Web Screening Questionnaire at baseline. Multilevel models were performed. RESULTS: Twelve potential moderators (8 specific anxiety-related comorbidities, depression severity, and 3 previously identified moderators in the EVIDENT trial) were examined within 1 multilevel model, and only social phobia moderated the intervention effect on depression outcome (in favor of Deprexis). This moderating effect of social phobia did not depend on the other moderators' being included in the model. These results emerged for continuous PHQ-9 scores as well as for clinically important PHQ-9 changes as outcome (p < .05). However, moderating effects did not reach small effect sizes, accounted for less than 1% of the variance in change in depressive symptoms, and showed limited reproducibility in randomly selected split halves. CONCLUSIONS: Deprexis appears to be most effective for participants with mild to moderate depressive symptoms and comorbid social phobia, but further replications of this finding are necessary. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

It has recently been proposed that compulsive sexual behavior disorder should be included in the 11th version of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Concerns have been repeatedly expressed regarding the overpathologizing of sexual behaviors and the potential for false-positive results in clinical practice. Empirical evidence indicates that stereotypes related to gender and sexual orientation might influence therapists' assessments of clients. Those stereotypes are likely to be associated with different levels of pathologization and stigmatization of high levels of sexual interest and behavior. The aim of this study was to explore the possible connections between clients' gender and sexual orientation and mental health professionals' (MHP) pathologization of compulsive sexual behavior. A sample of MHPs (N = 546) were presented with a case vignette describing a client with compulsive sexual behavior. The information on the client varied by gender (male or female), sexual orientation (homosexual or heterosexual), and clinical condition (ambiguous diagnostic criteria and fulfilled compulsive sexual behavior disorder diagnostic criteria). After reading the vignette, the MHPs rated the client's mental health status and gave an opinion about causation (psychological vs. biological etiology) and stigmatization indicators (blaming the affected individual for their problems, desire for social distance, perception of dangerousness). The MHPs showed significantly fewer tendencies to pathologize when the client was a homosexual woman or man independent of their clinical condition. Mediation analyses revealed that the biological etiological model partly mediated the effects of reduced pathologization in homosexual clients. These results indicate that clinical decisions relating to compulsive sexual behavior are influenced by nosologically irrelevant beliefs about the biological causation of sexual behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

OBJECTIVE This study analyses the psychometric properties of the Working Alliance Inventory adapted for guided Internet interventions (WAI-I). METHODS We drew on the data set from a multicenter trial that examined a guided Internet intervention (deprexis) for patients with mild to moderate depression. Two hundred twenty-three patients completed the WAI-I and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (ZUF-8) at posttreatment, and the Attitudes toward Psychological Online-Interventions Questionnaire (APOI) at baseline. We ran confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) testing two- and three-factor solutions and calculated Cronbach's α, item-total correlations, and correlations of the WAI-I with APOI and ZUF-8. RESULTS The results suggested a two-factor solution, with a very good model fit and evidence of factor independency, adequate internal consistency, and external validity for the complete scale and the sub-scales. CONCLUSIONS The WAI-I showed as a reliable and valid instrument to capture alliance in guided Internet interventions, which might facilitate process-outcome research and treatment development efforts.

The Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is the most common measure of Obsessive-Compulsive symptom severity. The Y-BOCS interview is considered gold standard, but its self-rating format is increasingly used in clinical trials. Few studies investigated congruency and potential changes over treatment. This question is highly relevant, as a systematic bias might obscure results of clinical trials. We examined the relationship of self- and clinician-rated Y-BOCS scores in participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder in pre (N = 128), post, (4 weeks, n = 104) and follow-up (6 months, n = 98) assessments of a randomized-controlled clinical trial. We administered Y-BOCS interview via telephone paralleling online administration of the self-report form. Analyses showed medium-to-strong correlations of Y-BOCS interview and self-rating scores at pre-assessment. Patients rated symptoms lower than clinicians. Larger discrepancies were associated with hoarding and age. Congruency was inferior for obsessions relative to compulsions, largely owing to the “resistance against obsessions” item. Agreement strongly increased at post and follow-up. Though overall congruency between the two Y-BOCS forms was satisfactory, results suggest a “correction over time” effect. Such bias may distort the precise interpretation of treatment effects. Therefore, we made several suggestions to improve the reliability of change scores assessed with the Y-BOCS self-rating.

The polyol synthesis is a well-established method to form so-called “surfactant-free” NPs that can be tailored, e.g., in size. The standard procedure of reducing H2PtCl6 or H2PtBr6 in presence of NaOH has been intensively investigated as well as the influence of the counter cation of the base. However, the base anion influence has not been explored yet. The results of this work show that the size control rather depends on the precursor (metal salt) and surprisingly not the anion type of the base. The latter is surprising as the concentration of the base anion is often an important factor for the size control. The thermal reduction of the precursors H2PtCl6, H2Pt(OH)6, or Pt(acac)2 in presence of the bases NaOH or Na(acac) lead to comparable size control depending on the precursors, i.e., precursor anions. The reduction of H2PtCl6 or H2Pt(OH)6 in presence of NaOH supports the idea of the size being determined by the OH-/Pt molar ratio. Reducing the two precursors in presence of Na(acac) leads to similar results in particle size control for the same acac-/Pt or OH-/Pt ratios. In contrast, the reduction of Pt(acac)2 in presence of the bases NaOH (previous reports) or Na(acac) (shown in the present work) leads to larger NPs of ca. 3 nm, independent of the concentration of the base anions. Hence the anion effect seems originate predominantly in the character of the precursor (precursor anion dependence) and then for certain precursors as H2PtCl6 or H2Pt(OH)6 in the base anion/Pt ratio determining the NP size in the reduction.

Trans people suffer from increased rates of depression and suicidality even after gender-affirming medical interventions. The present study aims to examine the prevalence of childhood adversities in patients with gender dysphoria and to analyze its impact on adult depression and suicidality. Participants meeting diagnostic criteria of Gender Dysphoria were recruited in a cross-sectional multicenter study at four German health-care centers. Childhood adversities were assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and additional single items for other childhood adversities. Associations between childhood adversities and adult depression and suicidality were calculated using regression analyses. A large majority of participants reported childhood adversities, and only 7% endorsed no adversities in the CTQ. Over 30% reported severe to extreme childhood adversities. One-fourth reported parents exhibiting violent behavior while bullying by peers was experienced by 70%. These adversities were associated with an increased risk for adult depression and suicidality. Time since beginning of hormonal therapy did not show a significant influence neither on depression nor on suicidality. Childhood adversities are common and associated with adult depression and suicidality in trans people. Adequately addressing these childhood adversities and providing trauma-informed mental health care might ameliorate the mental health burden in trans people.

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a powerful technique to investigate the degradation of catalyst materials. Ideally such investigations are performed operando, i.e. during a catalytic reaction. An example of operando measurements is to observe the degradation of fuel cell catalysts during an accelerated stress test (AST). Fuel cell catalysts consist of Pt or Pt alloy nanoparticles (NPs) supported on a high surface area carbon. A key challenge of operando SAXS measurements is a proper background subtraction of the carbon support to extract the information of the size distribution of the Pt NPs as a function of the AST treatment. Typically, such operando studies require the use of synchrotron facilities. The background measurement can then be performed by anomalous SAXS or in a grazing incidence configuration. In this work we present a proof-of-concept study demonstrating the use of a laboratory X-ray diffractometer for operando SAXS. Data acquisition of operando SAXS with a laboratory X-ray diffractometer is desirable due to the general challenging and limited accessibility of synchrotron facilities. They become even more crucial under the ongoing and foreseen restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although, it is not the aim to completely replace synchrotron-based studies, it is shown that the background subtraction can be achieved by a simple experimental consideration in the setup that can ultimately facilitate operando SAXS measurements at a synchrotron facility.

Understanding the formation of nanomaterials down to the atomic level is key to rational design of advanced materials. Despite their widespread use and intensive study over the years, the detailed formation mechanism of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles remains challenging to explore and rationalize. Here, various