Search

Satellite-based estimations of dry-air column-averaged mixing ratios of methane (XCH4) contribute to a better understanding of changes in CH4 emission sources and variations in its atmospheric growth rates. High accuracy of the satellite measurements is required, and therefore, extensive validation is performed, mainly against the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). However, validation opportunities at open-ocean areas outside the coastal regions are sparse. We propose a new approach to assess the accuracy of satellite-derived XCH4 trends and variations. We combine various ship and aircraft observations with the help of atmospheric chemistry models, mainly used for the stratospheric column, to derive observation-based XCH4 (obs. XCH4). Based on our previously developed approach for the application to XCO2 , we investigated three different advancements, from a simple approach to more elaborate approaches (approaches 1, 2, and 3), to account for the higher tropospheric and stratospheric variability in CH4 as compared to CO2. Between 2014 and 2018, at 20–40° N of the western Pacific, we discuss the uncertainties in the approaches and the derived obs. XCH4 within 10° by 20° latitude–longitude boxes. Uncertainties were 22 ppb (parts per billion) for approach 1, 20 ppb for approach 2, and 16 ppb for approach 3. We analyzed the consistency with the nearest TCCON stations and found agreement of approach 3 with Saga of 1±12 ppb and -1±11 ppb with Tsukuba for the northern and southern latitude box, respectively. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of the modeled stratospheric column on the derived obs. XCH4 by applying three different models in our approaches. Depending on the models, the difference can be more than 12 ppb (0.6 %), showing the importance for the appropriate choice. We show that our obs. XCH4 dataset accurately captures seasonal variations in CH4 over the ocean. Using different retrievals of the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) from the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), the RemoTeC full-physics retrieval operated at the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON), and the full-physics retrieval of the University of Leicester (UoL-OCFP), we demonstrate the applicability of the dataset for satellite evaluation. The comparison with results of approach 3 revealed that NIES showed a difference of - 0.04 ± 13 ppb and strong scatter at 20–30° N, while RemoTeC and OCFP have a rather systematic negative bias of - 12.1 ± 8.1 and - 10.3 ± 9.6 ppb. Our new approach to derive XCH4 reference datasets over the ocean can contribute to the validation of existing and upcoming satellite missions in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Besides the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic, the population faced changes in their everyday life. These changes suggest an increase of mental health issues and an increase of alcohol consumption. The majority of the studies found during the first lockdown an upward trend in alcohol consumption. Many studies showed also, that healthcare workers were exposed to high mental burden during the pandemic. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the changes in alcohol consumption and psychological distress in a later phase of the pandemic and to compare between healthcare workers (MP) and persons from other fields (AB). Methods: An online survey was available between December 1st, 2020 and January 27th, 2021. In total, 353 participants were included (MP: n=187; AB: n=166). We assessed data on alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C) before and since the pandemic, depression (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety (GAD-7). Results: The overall alcohol consumption among all the participants was the same like before the pandemic. An increased consumption report 15.0 % of the participants and 15.5 % report an hazardous consumption. Almost 20 % of the total sample score above the cut-off for depression and 15 % for generalized anxiety. The MP group did not differ from the AB group. The proportion of hazardous alcohol consumers was slightly lower than in the general population. Increased alcohol consumption was a predictor for higher AUDIT-C scores. Psychological distress was at high levels. Conclusion: Strategies and guidelines for prevention need to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite based estimations of dry-air column-average mixing ratios of methane (XCH4) contribute to a better understanding of changes in CH4 emission sources and variations in its atmospheric growth rates. High accuracy of the satellite measurements is required, and therefore, extensive validation is performed, mainly against the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). However, validation opportunities at open ocean areas outside the coastal regions are sparse. We propose a new approach to assess the accuracy of satellite derived XCH4 trends and variations. We combine various ship and aircraft observations with the help of atmospheric chemistry models, mainly used for the stratospheric column, to derive observation-based XCH4 (obs. XCH4). Based on our previously developed approach for the application to XCO2, we investigated 3 different advancements from a simple to more elaborate approaches (approach 1, 2, and 3) to account for the higher tropospheric and stratospheric variability of CH4 as compared to CO2. Between 2014–2018, at 20–40° N of the western Pacific, we discuss the uncertainties of the approaches and the derived obs. XCH4 within 10° by 20° latitude–longitude boxes. Uncertainties were 22 ppb for approach 1, and 17 ppb for approach 2 and 3. We analysed the consistency with the nearest TCCON stations and found agreement of approach 3 with Saga of 1 ± 12 ppb, and −1 ± 11 ppb with Tsukuba for the northern and southern latitude box, respectively. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of the modelled stratospheric column on the derived obs. XCH4 by applying 3 different models in our approaches. Depending on the models, the difference can be more than 0.5 %, showing the importance for the appropriate choice. We show that our obs. XCH4 dataset accurately captures seasonal variations of CH4 over the ocean. Using different retrievals of the Greenhouse gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) from the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), the RemoTeC full-physics retrieval operated at the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON), and the full-physics retrieval of the University of Leicester (UoL-OCFP), we demonstrate the applicability of the dataset for satellite evaluation. The comparison with results of approach 3 revealed that NIES showed a difference of −0.04 ± 13 ppb and strong scatter at 20–30° N, while RemoTeC and OCFP have rather systematic negative bias of −12.1 ± 8.1 ppb and −10.3 ± 9.6 ppb. Our new approach to derive XCH4 reference datasets over the ocean can contribute to the validation of existing and upcoming satellite missions in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD) is mentioned as an example of other specified impulse control disorders in the ICD-11 coding tool, highlighting its clinical relevance and need for treatment. The aim of the present work was to provide a systematic update on treatment studies for CBSD, with a particular focus on online CBSD. Method: The preregistered systematic review (PROSPERO, CRD42021257379) was performed in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycInfo databases. Original research published between January 2000 and December 2022 was included. Risk of reporting bias was evaluated with the CONSORT guideline for randomized controlled trials. Effect sizes for primary CBSD outcomes were calculated. Results: Thirteen studies were included (psychotherapy: 2 open, 4 waitlist control design; medication: 2 open, 3 placebo-controlled, 2 open-label phase followed by a double-blind discontinuation phase; participants treatment/control 349/149). None of the studies addressed online CBSD. Psychotherapy studies suggest that group cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in reducing CBSD symptoms. Pharmacological studies with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or topiramate did not indicate superiority over placebo. Predictors of treatment outcome were rarely examined, mechanisms of change were not studied at all. Risk of reporting bias was high in most studies. Discussion: Poor methodological and low quality of reporting of included studies reduce the reliability of conclusions. There is a lack of studies targeting online CBSD. More high-quality treatment research is needed with more emphasis on the CBSD subtype and mechanisms of change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Psychiatry-historical perspective on the conceptualization and classification of "oniomania". Method : Focused narrative review. Results: The term "oniomania" was probably coined in the 19th century by the French psychiatrist Magnan, and later associated primarily with Kraepelin. Kraepelin and Bleuler described "oniomania" in short paragraphs of their psychiatric textbooks. The nosological classification occurred initially within the framework of the "degenerative theory" of the 19th century; at the beginning of the 20th century, Kraepelin referred to it as "pathological drives," Bleuler, following Kraepelin, as "impulsive mania," and later as "psychogenic disorders" and as "pathological reactions of thymopsychic nature". The term "oniomania" appears very rarely in the current literature. Instead, terms such as "shopping addiction," "pathological buying," or "compulsive buying" are preferred. In the ICD-11, "compulsive buying-shopping disorder" is listed as an example in the category "other specified impulse control disorders". Neuropsychological findings, however, support its classification as a disorder due to addictive behavior. Conclusions: The label "oniomania" emerged more than 100 years ago and can be seen as a precursor to the ICD-11 term "compulsive buying-shopping disorder." Currently, the disorder is viewed as an impulse control disorder or behavioral addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Diagnostic criteria for food addiction (FA) were proposed with the development of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) by applying the seven DSM-IV-TR criteria of substance dependence. The YFAS was revised (YFAS 2.0) according to the 11 DSM-5-criteria for substance use disorders. This article addresses the prevalence of FA in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED) and/or obesity and the application of experimental paradigms from addiction research to eating and weight disorders. Methods: Focused narrative review. Results: YFAS 2.0-FA diagnoses are particularly frequent in individuals with BN, BED and/or obesity. Several experimental paradigms known from addiction research have been adapted for eating and weight disorders, and indicate parallels with addictive disorders. However, most studies did not assess FA. Conclusions: A subgroup of patients with BN, BED and/or obesity shows addiction-like eating based on YFAS 2.0 scores. Experimental studies suggest that the same mechanisms that are relevant to the development and maintenance of substance use disorders or behavioral addictions may be important. It remains unclear whether those patients suffer from FA. Future studies should systematically assess FA symptoms and further investigate the clinical utility of the FA concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Water oxidation is critical for energy storage. • High-performance robust earth-abundant nanocatalysts are essential. • Understanding of mechanisms and active-site structures is key. • Efficient catalysts for the oxidation of seawater are urgently needed. This perspective on heterogeneous water oxidation electrocatalysis underscores the critical importance of water oxidation for the climate-friendly production of carbon-neutral fuels and value-added chemicals. We discuss recent progress in the field and highlight the unsolved key challenges for the development of catalyst materials that will make clean energy and green chemistry a reality. Special emphasis is given to materials requirements and constraints. We also identify the next frontiers for research towards the discovery of electrocatalytic water oxidation materials with disruptive benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the eleventh International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) of the World Health Organization, gambling disorder and gaming disorder are included in the category 'disorders due to addictive behaviours', which can be specified further as occurring either predominantly offline or predominantly online. Other specific problematic behaviours may be considered for the category 'other specified disorders due to addictive behaviours'. The Research Unit FOR 2974, funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG), focuses on the most prominent online addictive behaviours: gaming, pornography use, buying‐shopping and social‐networks use. The main goal of the Research Unit is to contribute to a better understanding of the common and differential psychological as well as neurobiological mechanisms involved in these specific types of Internet‐use disorders. We aim to investigate theoretically argued (bio)psychological processes with a focus on concepts coming from research of substance‐use disorders, for example, cue reactivity and craving, executive functions and specific inhibitory control, coping, implicit cognitions, and decision making. One central characteristic of the Research Unit is that we will investigate all participants using a comprehensive core battery of experimental paradigms, neuropsychological tasks, questionnaires, biomarkers, ambulatory assessment, and a 6‐month follow‐up survey. Beyond the anticipated contributions to the scientific understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of respective online addictive behaviours, we also expect contributions to clinical practice by showing which affective and cognitive mechanisms may be addressed more intensively to optimize treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ashley Gearhardt, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan, is an internationally recognized expert in the field of food addiction. She has developed the Yale Food Addiction Scale and conducted numerous projects on this topic, which have been published. According to her research, cravings for certain foods, such as chocolate, are similarly intense as those for alcohol and other addictive substances. Highly processed foods can be addictive and cause similar neuroadaptive changes in the brain as substance use disorders. There is still limited research on the comorbidity of food addiction and substance use disorders, but initial studies suggest that they can occur together. Food addiction can also occur in individuals with anorexia, and there is a high overlap between binge-eating disorder and food addiction. There is a need to recognize food addiction as a distinct disorder and develop specific treatments for it. To reduce the prevalence of food addiction, both behavioral interventions and environmental interventions are necessary, such as measures to protect children from aggressive food marketing. Over the past 10 years, scientific interest in food addiction has greatly developed, and research in this field will hopefully contribute to a healthier future. [Extracted from the article]

Background and aims: Consensus in acknowledging compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD) as a distinct diagnosis has been lacking. Before research in this area can be advanced, it is necessary to establish diagnostic criteria in order to facilitate field trials. Methods: The study consisted of the following phases: (1) operationalization of a broad range of potential diagnostic criteria for CBSD, (2) two iterative rounds of data collection using the Delphi method, where consensus of potential diagnostic criteria for CBSD was reached by an international expert panel, and (3) interpretation of findings taking into account the degree of certainty amongst experts regarding their responses. Results: With respect to diagnostic criteria, there was clear expert consensus about inclusion of the persistent and recurrent experience of (a) intrusive and/or irresistible urges and/or impulses and/or cravings and/or preoccupations for buying/shopping; (b) diminished control over buying/shopping; (c) excessive purchasing of items without utilizing them for their intended purposes, (d) use of buying-shopping to regulate internal states; (e) negative consequences and impairment in important areas of functioning due to buying/shopping; (f) emotional and cognitive symptoms upon cessation of excessive buying/shopping; and (g) maintenance or escalation of dysfunctional buying/shopping behaviors despite negative consequences. Furthermore, support was found for a specifier related to the presence of excessive hoarding of purchased items. Conclusions: The proposed diagnostic criteria can be used as the basis for the development of diagnostic interviews and measures of CBSD severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: While identity problems and materialistic value endorsement have been described as predisposing factors for buying-shopping disorder (BSD) in the literature, little empirical data are available on the role of socially undesirable personality features that may contribute to financial misconduct and manipulative interpersonal behaviors in BSD. The dark triad of personality refers to such offensive yet non-pathological personality traits and has been applied to addictive behaviors in the past. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the "dark triad" dimensions Machiavellianism, subclinical narcissism, and subclinical psychopathy predict symptoms of BSD above and beyond identity confusion and materialism, or moderate the relationship between materialism and symptoms of BSD. Method: The participants comprised a convenience sample (N = 272, 72.4% women) aged between 18 and 67 years. Assessment included standard questionnaires for BSD, identity problems, materialism, and the dark triad of personality. Results: Zero-order correlations indicate a weak association between BSD and the dark triad dimensions Machiavellianism and narcissism, but not psychopathy. Results of a moderated regression analysis with BSD symptoms as a dependent variable revealed significant main effects for materialism, female gender, and a significant "narcissism by materialism" effect, after accounting for identity confusion/synthesis and the single dark triad traits. Conclusion: The findings suggest that individuals with BSD attempt to address their narcissistic deficits via materialistic possessions. This assumption warrants further investigation in a clinical sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the effects of German drug policy after the elections. The coalition agreement between the SPD, Alliance 90/The Greens, and FDP contains various points that will affect the care of addicts. Among other things, the controlled distribution of cannabis for recreational purposes to adults in licensed shops will be introduced. This could lead to a greater burden on addiction care. In addition, there will be an increased focus on education about alcohol and nicotine prevention for children, adolescents, and pregnant women. There is also an announcement of stricter regulations for marketing and sponsorship of alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis. The authors emphasize the importance of an evidence-based approach and hope for changes in addiction research and care under the new federal government. [Extracted from the article]

Pulsed-laser ablation in liquids capitalizes on combining chemical and optical control to rapidly generate size, composition, and phase-controlled nanostructures, without the need for surfactants. Very high temperatures, which we determined to be ca. (8,400 ± 1,300) K, pressures, and ion densities exist in the laser-induced liquid-confined plasma. These unique conditions, coupled with the rapid cooling during which nanoparticles are formed, permitted access to new extreme regions of materials' phase diagrams. This way, we produced metastable layered copper and zinc hydroxide-based nanocrystals with interesting physical properties that can serve as precursors for two-dimensional inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excited state dynamics in polycrystalline thin films of tetracene are studied using both picosecond fluorescence and femtosecond transient absorption. The solid-state results are compared with those obtained for monomeric tetracene in dilute solution. The room temperature solid-state fluorescence decays are consistent with earlier models that take into account exciton-exciton annihilation and exciton fission but with a reduced delayed fluorescence lifetime, ranging from 20-100 ns as opposed to 2 μs or longer in single crystals. Femtosecond transient absorption measurements on the monomer in solution reveal several excited state absorption features that overlap the ground state bleach and stimulated emission signals. On longer timescales, the initially excited singlet state completely decays due to intersystem crossing, and the triplet state absorption superimposed on the bleach is observed, consistent with earlier flash photolysis experiments. In the solid-state, the transient absorption dynamics are dominated by a negative stimulated emission signal, decaying with a 9.2 ps time constant. The enhanced bleach and stimulated emission signals in the solid are attributed to a superradiant, delocalized S1 state that rapidly fissions into triplets and can also generate a second superradiant state, most likely a crystal defect, that dominates the picosecond luminescence signal. The enhanced absorption strength of the S0→S1 transition, along with the partially oriented nature of our polycrystalline films, obscures the weaker T1→TN absorption features. To confirm that triplets are the major species produced by relaxation of the initially excited state, the delayed fluorescence and ground state bleach recovery are compared. Their identical decays are consistent with triplet diffusion and recombination at trapping or defect sites. The results show that complications like exciton delocalization, the presence of luminescent defect sites, and crystallite orientation must be taken into account to fully describe the photophysical behavior of tetracene thin films. The experimental results are consistent with the traditional picture that tetracene's photodynamics are dominated by exciton fission and triplet recombination, but suggest that fission occurs within 10 ps, much more rapidly than previously believed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectroscopy of solid anthracene is examined both experimentally and theoretically. To avoid experimental complications such as self-absorption and polariton effects, ultrathin polycrystalline films deposited on transparent substrates are studied. To separate the contributions from different emitting species, the emission is resolved in both time and wavelength. The spectroscopic data are interpreted in terms of a three-state kinetic model, where two excited states, a high energy state 1 and a low energy state 2, both contribute to the luminescence and are kinetically coupled. Using this model, we analyze the spectral lineshape, relative quantum yield, and relaxation rates as a function of temperature. For state 1, we find that the ratio of the 0-0 vibronic peak to the 0-1 peak is enhanced by roughly a factor of 3.5 at low temperature, while the quantum yield and decay rates also increase by a similar factor. These observations are explained using a theoretical model previously developed for herringbone polyacene crystals. The early-time emission lineshape is consistent with that expected for a linear aggregate corresponding to an edge-dislocation defect. The results of experiment and theory are quantitatively compared at different temperatures in order to estimate that the singlet exciton in our polycrystalline films is delocalized over about ten molecules. Within these domains, the exciton’s coherence length steadily increases as the temperature drops, until it reaches the limits of the domain, whereupon it saturates and remains constant as the temperature is lowered further. While the theoretical modeling correctly reproduces the temperature dependence of the fluorescence spectral lineshape, the decay of the singlet exciton appears to be determined by a trapping process that becomes more rapid as the temperature is lowered. This more rapid decay is consistent with accelerated trapping due to increased delocalization of the exciton at lower temperatures. These observations suggest that exciton coherence can play an important role in both radiative and nonradiative decay channels in these materials. Our results show that the spectroscopy of polyacene solids can be analyzed in a self-consistent fashion to obtain information about electronic delocalization and domain sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD) is characterized by impaired control over buying/shopping, an extreme preoccupation, and a strong urge to acquire goods. Increasingly more people are shopping online, partly due to the growth of the online market, leading to a shift from in-store CBSD to online-CBSD. Therefore, more attention should be drawn to the specifics of online-CBSD, which could also lead to a need for adaptation of existing therapeutic approaches. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of treatments for CBSD, with a focus on online-CBSD. Method: The preregistered systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The review included original research in scientific peer-reviewed journals published in English (1999-2022). The following databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo. Studies were selected in a two-step process: 1) 2 authors (NML, TAT) independently reviewed titles/abstracts, 2) two authors (AM, EG) independently reviewed full texts. Results: Thirteen studies were included: 6 psychotherapy (4 randomized controlled, 2 open) and 7 pharmacological studies (3 placebo-controlled, 4 open). All studies indicate stronger treatment effects on CBSD symptom severity in the cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy groups compared to the wait-list control groups. The effects of pharmacological treatment on CBSD symptom severity were high in open-label studies, but there was no superiority of medication over placebo in the three placebo-controlled studies. Discussion: None of the studies referred to a specific treatment of online-CBSD. However, it can be assumed that the results are transferable. However, future studies should distinguish which form of CBSD is present to determine differences and examine whether specific online-CBSD treatment is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study investigated the association between food addiction (FA) and other addictive behaviours in 216 bariatric surgery candidates (91.7% class 3 obesity; 80.1% women; age Mdn = 44.00 years, range 18–73). Method: Assessment included the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) and standardized self‐report questionnaires to measure symptoms of disorders related to substance use (alcohol and nicotine) and behavioural addictions (gambling, Internet‐use, buying, hypersexual disorders, and exercise dependence). Results: Bivariate correlations indicated a moderate relationship of YFAS 2.0 FA symptoms with buying disorder symptoms and a weak association with Internet‐use disorder symptoms. Fifty‐nine patients (27.3%) met the YFAS 2.0 threshold for FA, 1.9% for alcohol use disorder, 6.0% for nicotine use disorder, 17.3% for buying disorder, 2.3% for Internet‐use disorder, and 1.4% for hypersexual disorder. None of the patients scored above the respective questionnaire thresholds for gambling disorder or exercise dependence. Patients with versus without YFAS 2.0 FA diagnosis did not differ with regard to prevalence estimates of addictive behaviours. Conclusions: Clinical implications and potential limitations of the findings are discussed. Future studies should address the potential risk of postoperative addiction transfer using long‐term follow‐ups and controlled study designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Behavioral Addictions - A Current and Important Topic" reports on the development of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization (WHO). The ICD-11 includes a new chapter on behavioral addictions, which encompasses gambling disorder, gaming disorder, and compulsive sexual behavior disorder. It is also mentioned that compulsive buying disorder is listed for the first time in the ICD-11, although not as a separate mental disorder. The special issue also includes various original works on behavioral addictions, including a study on patients with dual diagnoses and a study on personality traits as predictors of addiction disorders. The aim of the special issue is to raise awareness about the topic of behavioral addictions and shed light on contemporary trends in research and clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "Food Addiction - The addictive phenotype of eating behavior" examines the question of whether people can become addicted to food. The concept of "Food Addiction" has been increasingly recognized in both clinical practice and research since the introduction of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS). It is discussed whether "Food Addiction" is actually a food addiction or rather an eating addiction. The authors raise the question of the clinical utility of the diagnosis "Food Addiction" and whether treatment strategies that are effective for substance use disorders could also be effective for individuals with bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and/or obesity and "Food Addiction". The article also includes an interview with Ashley Gearhardt from the University of Michigan, who was involved in the development of the YFAS. Various aspects of "Food Addiction" are illuminated from a scientific and clinical perspective. [Extracted from the article]

Considering that up to one in six persons worldwide has experienced a mental disorder within the past 12 months, and bearing in mind that about one-third of adults suffer from a clinically manifest mental disorder during their lifetime (Steel I et al i . Mental disorders in academia Some authors argue that mental health problems in academia are widespread and constitute an "invisible crisis" (Price I et al i . We should combat the stigma around psychiatric disorders in academic settings by paying more attention to possible mental health problems. [Extracted from the article]

This study investigates the impact of impulsivity and the mediating role of disinhibited eating behaviour (DEB) on weight and weight trajectories in a large data set including obese non-treatment seeking individuals (obese control, n = 138) and obese individuals who were either receiving a conventional treatment program ( n = 227) or bariatric surgery ( n = 123). Data was assessed one, 4 and 9 years after baseline including self-reports for impulsivity and DEB. Results suggest a significant association between impulsivity and body mass index, which is partially mediated by DEB. Longitudinally, the influence of impulsivity on the course of weight after 9 years was fully mediated by DEB in obese control but not in the treatment groups. The results indicate an interplay between impulsivity and DEB with respect to obesity. Further research is needed to clarify how the mediation works and when it exerts its effect, in order to identify those that might profit from a specific (impulsivity-reducing) training. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed at evaluating the psychometric properties of the German version of the Self- Harm Inventory (SHI) and examining the lifetime prevalence and correlates of self-harm in a representative German population sample (N = 2,507; age mean = 48.79, SD = 18.11; range 14 to 94 years; 55.5% women) using the SHI. All participants answered the German SHI, the short form of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-15), the ultra-brief Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4), and provided sociodemographic information. The one-factorial structure of the SHI was replicated using a confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency coefficients were sufficient and in line with previous studies. Almost half of the sample (49%) acknowledged at least one self-harming behavior over the life-span, most frequently indirect forms of self-harm. The rate of participants who engaged in at least one SHI behavior was higher among men than women (51.6% vs. 46.9%, respectively, χ2 = 5.38, p = 0.020). Higher SHI scores were related to younger age, male gender, living alone, more symptoms of anxiety and depression (PHQ-4), higher impulsivity scores (BIS-15), and suffering from obesity grade 2. Women engaged more often in discreet forms of self-harm than men, e.g., preventing wounds from healing, exercising an injury, starving, and abusing laxatives. In terms of other indirect self-harming behaviors, men admitted more often driving recklessly, being promiscuous and losing a job on purpose, while women reported more frequently engaging in emotionally abusive relationships. With respect to direct self-harm, women were more likely to endorse suicide attempts and cutting, while men admitted more often head-banging. The findings suggest that self-harm constitutes a common problem. Future longitudinal studies are required to examine the natural course, sociodemographic and psychopathological risk factors, as well as possible time-trends of self-harming behaviors in more depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the German version of the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire/Social Comfort Questionnaire (PSQ/SCQ) in burn victims.Methods: The PSQ/SCQ was answered by 139 adult burn survivors (age M=49.69, SD=15.16 years). Factor structure was examined using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Validity was investigated through correlations between the PSQ/SCQ scales and questionnaires assessing perceived social support, burn-specific health-related quality of life, symptoms of anxiety/depression, and percent of total body surface area (TBSA) burned. Additionally, the link between perceived stigmatization/social comfort and current partnership status was investigated.Results: The four-factor model showed the best fit to the data with three PSQ factors (Absence of Friendly Behavior, Confused/Staring Behavior, and Hostile Behavior) and one single SCQ factor. All PSQ/SCQ scales showed good internal consistency. Higher PSQ/lower SCQ means were related to less perceived social support, less burn-specific quality of life, and more symptoms of anxiety/depression. With the exception of a positive correlation with the PSQ subscale Confused Behavior and Staring, no other significant correlations were found between the PSQ/SCQ subscales and TBSA burned. While PSQ/SCQ scores were not linked to age or gender, less perceived social stigmatization/more social comfort was reported by participants who were currently living with a partner.Conclusions: The results indicate a four-factor structure and a good validity of the PSQ/SCQ which is in line with prior research. Further studies should investigate the application of the PSQ/SCQ in individuals with appearance distinctions that are not related to burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Exercise dependence (EXD) is considered a behavioral addiction that is often associated with eating disorders. To date, only few studies examined the potential overlap between EXD and other addictive behaviors. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating the relationship of EXD with pathological buying, pathological video gaming (offline and online), hypersexual behavior, and alcohol use disorder in a sample of clients of fitness centers. Methods: The following questionnaires were answered by 128 individuals (age M = 26.5, SD = 6.7 years; 71.7% men, 74.2% university students): Exercise Dependence Scale, Eating Disorder Examination- Questionnaire, Compulsive Buying Scale, Pathological Computer-Gaming Scale, Hypersexual Behavior Inventory, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Results: 7.8% of the sample were at-risk for EXD, 10.9% reported eating disorder pathology, 2.3% pathological buying, 3.1% hypersexual behavior, and none of the participants suffered from pathological video gaming. The criteria for severe alcohol disorder pathology (AUDIT ≥ 16) were fulfilled by 10.2%. With regard to continuous symptom scores, EXD symptoms were positively correlated with both eating disorder pathology and pathological buying but not with pathological video gaming, hypersexuality or alcohol use disorder. It is noteworthy that more symptoms of pathological buying corresponded with more symptoms of hypersexual behavior. The correlation pattern did not differ by gender. Discussion: The co-occurrence of EXD, pathological buying and hypersexual behavior on a subclinical level or in the early stage of the disorders should be taken into account when assessing and treating patients. More research is warranted in order to investigate possible interactions between these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperament and personality traits can serve as both risk factors as well as protective factors in the development of morbid obesity. In the present review, we present an overview of studies focusing on the relationship between temperament/personality and morbid obesity in pre-operative and postoperative bariatric surgery patients. We consider studies that focus on both a categorical and dimensional point of view on temperament/personality, as well as studies based on cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. Finally, we will integrate the research findings, discuss the implications for assessment and treatment and formulate suggestions for future research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was designed to develop a new screening instrument for pathological buying (PB), and to examine its psychometric properties in a large-scale sample. By using a facet theoretical approach and based on literature as well as on clinical experience, a 20-item Pathological Buying Screener (PBS) was developed and administered to a representative German sample (n = 2,539). Valid data were available from 2,403 participants who were subjects for three subsequent empirical studies. The first study explored the factor structure using exploratory factor analyses in a subsample of 498 participants. Based on factor loadings, a 13-item version with the two factors loss of control / consequences and excessive buying behavior was revealed. This two-factor model was confirmed in study 2 by confirmatory factor analysis performed on another subsample (n = 1,905). Study 3 investigated age and gender effects and convergent validity of the PBS using the Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS) in the full sample (N = 2,403). The total PBS score was adequately correlated with the CBS score. Hierarchical regression analyses with the CBS score as the dependent variable and the two PBS factors as the predictors indicated an own incremental validity of the two factors in participants ≤ 65 years. The reliability of the total score as well as of the two subscales was good to excellent. Overall, the PBS represents a useful measure for PB. Future studies are needed to replicate the two-factor structure in clinical samples and to define a valid cutoff for PB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present pilot study investigated the relationship between temperament and the risk for exercise dependence (EXD). Sampling and Methods: A total of 32 female patients with eating disorders (potentially at risk for secondary EXD) and 29 female elite athletes without eating disturbances (potentially at risk for primary EXD) answered the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), the Exercise Dependence Scale-German version (EDS-G), the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales, and the effortful control subscale of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire (ATQ-EC). Results: There were significant positive correlations of the EDS-G with the BIS in women with an eating disorder and with the BAS in elite athletes. No significant association was found between the EDS-G and effortful control. Conclusions: The results indicate that the risk for EXD is associated with avoidance tendencies in women with eating disorders and with approach tendencies in elite athletes. Implications for secondary and primary EXD are discussed. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) is recognized as a valid self-rating scale to evaluate quality of life after burn. Aim To validate the translated German version of the BSHS-B. Method One hundred and forty one burn survivors (65.2% men) with a mean age of 49.62 years (SD = 15.16) and a mean duration after burn of 45.01 months (SD = 26.18) answered the BSHS-B. Factor structure was tested by using confirmatory factor analysis, reliability (internal consistency) of the scales was determined by means of Cronbach's α . Construct validity was explored through correlations between the BSHS-B and the Short-Form 8 Health Survey (SF-8). In addition, the know-groups technique was used to determine to which degree the BSHS-B discriminates between patients with low and high burn severity based on the abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to examine criterion validity. Results The nine BSHS-B subscales showed good internal consistency. A second-order confirmatory factor analysis revealed the following main components: (1) Affect and Relationship, (2) Function and (3) Skin Involvement. The second-order factors were positively correlated with the SF-8 and negatively correlated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Patients with low ABSI scored higher on all three BSHS-B domains than those with high ABSI. Conclusions The results indicate good psychometric properties of the German BSHS-B. Further studies are needed to investigate the utility of the questionnaire in clinical routine practice, evaluation of burn management programs, and burn-specific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deficits in inhibitory control seem to promote habit behavior and therefore play an important role in the development and maintenance of addictive diseases. Although several training approaches have been suggested, there is a considerable lack of knowledge about the best way to improve inhibitory control. Based on a literature review regarding shortcomings of existing trainings, an individualized, adaptive inhibitory control training was developed. We aimed to assess feasibility and acceptance of this training and to provide preliminary results on its efficacy regarding inhibitory control and binge drinking. Methods: Sixty-one individuals (30 female) with binge drinking behavior were randomly allocated to either an experimental group receiving three sessions of the inhibitory control training or a waitlist control group receiving no training. Before and after the training, the participants performed a Go/NoGo task to assess inhibitory control (commission errors and false reaction time), completed a questionnaire on drinking-related self-control, and reported drinking behavior. Results: Although the training was feasible and accepted by participants, it did not affect self-control over drinking, inhibitory control or drinking behavior. The relationship between session number and false reaction time was linear for alcohol stimuli, but squared for neutral stimuli. Conclusion: Although our findings have to be interpreted in the light of some shortcomings, they demonstrate that further research is needed to enhance our understanding of how to improve inhibitory control and which factors might moderate this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of osmium complexes withmonoanionic, meridionally coordinating1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindolates (BPI) as spectator ligands hasbeen synthesized. Reaction of the dichlorido metal precursor [OsCl2(PPh3)3] with the lithiated BPI ligandtransfer reagent gave the chlorido complex [(tBu-BPIMe)Os(PPh3)2Cl] (2) which,in turn, was reacted with lithium triethylborohydride to yield thehydrido complex [(tBu-BPIMe)Os(PPh3)2H] (3). Treatment of complex 2with thallium hexafluorophosphate under a nitrogen pressureafforded the cationic dinitrogen complex [(tBu-BPIMe)Os(PPh3)2(N2)]PF6(4), which contains an end-on coordinated dinitrogenmolecule trans to the isoindolato nitrogen atom. To synthesize thealkynyl complex [(tBu-BPIMe)Os(PPh3)2(CCPh)] (5), the chloridocomplex 2was treated with lithium phenylacetylide. Complex 5was subsequently converted quantitatively by addition ofone or two equivalents of HBF4to the vinylidene complex[(tBu-BPIMe)Os(PPh3)2(CCHPh)]BF4(6), and thecationic species [(H-tBu-BPIMe)Os(PPh3)2(CCHPh)](BF4)2(7), respectively; the latter being formed viaprotonation of one imine nitrogen atom of the BPI ligand. Upon stirring,a toluene solution of the chlorido complex 2with benzylpotassium, the four-membered metallacycle [(tBu-BPIMe)Os(PPh3)(o-C6H4PPh2)] (8) was obtained, which reactedwith molecular hydrogen and phenyl acetylene to give the hydrido complex 3and the acetylide complex 5, respectively.Stirring of 8with methyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD)yielded [(tBu-BPIMe)Os(DMAD)(o-C6H4PPh2)] (9), whiletreatment with carbon monoxide gave the acyl complex [(tBu-BPIMe)Os(o–C(O)-C6H4PPh2)(CO)] (10) by an insertionof CO into the osmium carbon bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Although compulsive buying (CB) seems to be not only prevalent but even increasing in prevalence, it often remains neglected or minimized in clinical settings. There is a need for a greater understanding and recognition of this problem. The aim of this article is to summarize the current knowledge regarding CB and to offer thoughts regarding classification. Method Review of published literature over the period 1994-2013 through Pubmed/Medline, PsychINFO, and Google Scholar using the key words 'compulsive buying', 'impulsive buying' and 'addictive buying'. Results CB is defined by a preoccupation with buying and shopping, by frequent buying episodes, or overpowering urges to buy that are experienced as irresistible and senseless. The maladaptive spending behavior is associated with serious psychological, social, occupational, and financial problems. Treatment-seeking patients with CB suffer from substantial psychiatric comorbidity (eg, anxiety and depressive mood disorders, compulsive hoarding, binge eating disorder). Representative surveys revealed prevalence estimates of CB between 6% and 7% and indicate that younger people are more prone to develop CB. Moreover, European data suggest an increase of CB in the adult population over the last 20 years. While there is no evidence for the efficacy of psychopharmacological treatment, group cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective. Conclusion The relevance of recognition of CB as mental disorder is undeniable in the face of its estimated prevalence and associated burden. As our understanding of contributing neurobiological and etiological factors is limited, further research should focus on these topics, taking into account the heterogeneity of individuals with CB. There is also a need for specific treatment options and for the development of prevention strategies. (Am J Addict 2015;24:132-137) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An increasing number of studies suggest that physical activity can alleviate symptoms of ADHD in children. In adults there are currently insufficient data available on this subject. Interestingly, ADHD and forms of excessive exercising have both been shown to occur more frequently in adult athletes. The aim of the present study was to empirically investigate the association of ADHD and excessive exercising in the adult general population. Methods For diagnosis of adult and childhood ADHD a large representative sample of the German general population (n = 1,615) completed a retrospective assessment of childhood ADHD and a self-report assessment of adult ADHD. Excessive exercising as well as putative mediating variables such as eating related psychopathology, depression, and anxiety were assessed using standardized self-rating instruments. Results Individuals with childhood only ADHD had a significantly higher frequency of excessive exercising (9.0%) than individuals without ADHD (2.7%). Excessive exercising was significantly associated with childhood only ADHD compared to no ADHD with an odds ratio of 3.239 even after controlling for socio-demographic variables, BMI, eating related and general psychopathology. Conclusions Our data show that excessive exercising is significantly overrepresented in individuals in which ADHD symptoms in childhood have not persisted into adulthood. We thus hypothesize that a subgroup of individuals might suppress ADHD symptoms by excessive sporting activities. Although in healthy adults physical activity has been associated with immediate and long term improvements in cognitive functioning, studies empirically investigating associations between the effects of physical activity and adult ADHD are rare. Further studies are warranted to explore the potential role of physical activity in the treatment of ADHD in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to investigate temperament subtypes in obese patients. Methods Ninety-three bariatric surgery candidates and 63 obese inpatients from a psychotherapy unit answered the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System Scale (BIS/BAS), the Effortful Control subscale of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire-Short Form (ATQ-EC), and questionnaires for eating disorder, depressive and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and completed neurocognitive testing for executive functions. Binge eating disorder and impulse control disorders were diagnosed using interviews. Results A latent profile analysis using BIS/BAS and ATQ-EC scores revealed a 'resilient/high functioning' cluster ( n = 88) showing high ATQ-EC and low BIS/BAS scores and an 'emotionally dysregulated/undercontrolled' cluster ( n = 68) with low ATQ-EC and high BIS/BAS scores. Patients from the 'emotionally dysregulated/undercontrolled' cluster showed more eating disorder, depressive and ADHD symptoms, and poorer performance in the labyrinth task. Conclusion The findings support the assumptions regarding the heterogeneity of obesity and the association between temperament subtypes and psychopathology. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysobacter enzymogenes lysyl endoproteinase (LysC) is a trypsin-type serine protease with a high pH optimum that hydrolyses all Lys-Xaa peptide bonds. The high specificity of LysC renders it useful for biotechnological purposes. The K30R variant of a related lysyl endoproteinase from Achromobacter lyticus has favourable enzymatic properties that might be transferrable to LysC. To visualize structural differences in the substrate-binding sites, the crystal structures of wild-type and the K30R variant of LysC were determined. The mutation is located at a distance of 12 Å from the catalytic triad and subtly changes the surface properties of the substrate-binding site. The high pH optimum of LysC can be attributed to electrostatic effects of an aromatic Tyr/His stack on the catalytic aspartate and is a general feature of this enzyme subfamily. LysC crystals in complex with the covalent inhibitor Nα- p-tosyl-lysyl chloromethylketone yielded data to 1.1 and 0.9 Å resolution, resulting in unprecedented precision of the active and substrate-binding sites for this enzyme subfamily. Error estimates on bond lengths and difference electron density indicate that instead of the expected oxyanion a hydroxyl group binds to the partially solvent-exposed oxyanion hole. Protonation of the alkoxide catalytic intermediate might be a recurring feature during serine protease catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A high-speed loading technique for BNC as drug delivery system was developed. [•] Protein uptake could be accomplished in already 10min without drug instability. [•] High-speed loaded samples displayed a retarded protein release. [•] Release behavior could be correlated to network densification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adipositas ist gemäß den WHO-Kriterien über einen BMI von ≥ 30 kg/m2 definiert. Die Adipositasprävalenz hat in den letzten Jahren in Deutschland weiter zugenommen und liegt bei etwa 24% der Bevölkerung. Als ursächlich für die Zunahme der Adipositas werden bei zugrundeliegender genetischer Vulnerabilität vor allem die leichte Verfügbarkeit hochkalorischer Nahrungsmittel und die Bewegungsarmut in der Überflussgesellschaft angesehen. Die Grundlage jedes konservativen Gewichtsmanagements sollte ein Basisprogramm sein, das die Komponenten Ernährungs-, Bewegungs- und Verhaltenstherapie umfasst. Insgesamt sollten die Therapieziele realistisch sein und an individuelle Bedingungen angepasst werden. Dabei sollten individuelle Komorbiditäten, Risiken, Erwartungen und Ressourcen des Betroffenen stärker berücksichtigt werden und nicht nur die alleinige Gewichtsreduktion im Fokus stehen. Langfristiger Gewichtserhalt ist jedoch weiterhin schwer zu erreichen. Bei extremer Adipositas sind chirurgische Interventionen erfolgreich. Die psychische Komorbidität ist bei Menschen mit Adipositas erhöht, sowohl in der Bevölkerung als auch in klinischen Gruppen. Dies betrifft vor allem affektive Störungen, Angststörungen und Essstörungen (vor allem Binge-Eating-Störung). Auch ADHS ist mit Adipositas assoziiert, im Kindes- und Jugendlichen- wie im Erwachsenenalter. Adipositas wird in unserer Gesellschaft mehr stigmatisiert als andere körperliche und seelische Erkrankungen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To examine the concordance of a questionnaire-based categorization as ‘at-risk for exercise dependence’ and an interview-based diagnosis of exercise dependence. Design: One hundred thirty four subjects answered the German version of the Exercise Dependence Scale-21 (EDS-G). They were also assessed with a structured clinical interview for exercise dependence. Method: The congruence between the questionnaire-based categorizations of ‘at-risk for exercise dependence’ and the diagnosis of exercise dependence based on the interview was examined using κ-coefficients. Result: The agreement between questionnaire-based and interview-based diagnoses was fair to moderate with more false positive categorization based on the EDS-G. Conclusion: Assuming that a structured clinical interview allows a more accurate diagnostic categorization, the EDS-G might overestimate the prevalence of exercise dependence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the present work was to examine the influence of reactive and regulatory temperament on compulsive buying (CB) in a sample of 102 patients (79 women, 23 men) with clinical CB. All participants answered the Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS), the Behavioral Inhibition System and Behavioral Activation System Scales (BIS/BAS), and the Effortful Control subscale (ATQ-EC) of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire-Short Form. Based on previous studies demonstrating that depression and materialism are linked with CB, in addition, the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9) and the Materialistic Values Scale (MVS) were administered. CBS scores were significantly correlated with the MVS, PHQ-9, and BAS scores. The findings of the hierarchical regression analysis, however, indicated that in the present sample of treatment-seeking patients the only significant association was found between CB and depression. The results highlight the prominent role of depression in CB. There is a need for longitudinal studies in order to answer the question whether depression is the cause or the consequence of CB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) has reached enormous interest for biomedical applications because of its outstanding material properties, investigations about its potential as drug delivery system are very rare. In the present study, for the first time, the applicability of BNC as drug delivery system for proteins using serum albumin as model drug was systematically investigated. Additionally, never-dried BNC was compared with freeze-dried BNC. For both types of BNC, a dependency of concentration, temperature, time, and preswelling for albumin loading and release could be demonstrated. These findings indicated an overlay of diffusion- and swelling-controlled processes, which could be confirmed by Ritger-Peppas equation. Freeze-dried samples showed a lower uptake capacity for albumin than native BNC, which was found to be related to changes of the fiber network during the freeze drying process as demonstrated by electron microscopy and protein staining experiments. The integrity and biological activity of proteins could be retained during the loading and release processes, which was demonstrated by gel electrophoresis and the use of luciferase as biologically active molecule. In conclusion, hydrophilicity, high biocompatibility, and controllable drug loading and release render BNC an innovative and attractive biopolymer for controlled drug delivery. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 102:579-592, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The Material Values Scale is an instrument to assess beliefs about the importance to own material things. This instrument originally consists of the three subscales: 'centrality', 'success', and 'happiness'. The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the German version of the MVS (G-MVS). Method: A population-based sample of 2,295 adult Germans completed the questionnaire in order to investigate the factorial structure. To test construct validity, additional samples were gathered among patients with compulsive buying (N=52) and medical students (N=347) who also answered the Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-8). Results: In the German population-based sample we could not confirm the 3-factor model but rather suggest a 2-factor solution with a first collapsed factor 'centrality/success', and the second factor 'happiness'. Patients with compulsive buying showed the highest scores on the G-MVS. While G-MVS scores among compulsive buyers and medical students were significantly related to compulsive buying scores, the correlation between the G-MVS and the depression measure appeared substantially lower. We did not find any gender differences regarding materialism, neither in the population-based sample nor in the students' or compulsive buyers' samples. However, age was negatively related to G-MVS scores. Conclusion: Confirmatory factor analyses suggest a 2-factor model of the G-MVS. Overall, the results indicate the use of the G-MVS as a brief, psychometrically sound, and potentially valid measure for the assessment of material values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examined the extent to which patterns of mood and daily stress experienced by individuals with compulsive buying (CB) are associated with CB episodes by using Ecological Momentary Assessment. The comparison of mood and the impact of daily stress on days on which CB occurred to those days on which CB episodes did not occur did not reveal any significant differences. Within-day analysis indicated that negative affect increased significantly and positive affect decreased significantly prior to a CB episode. There was also evidence of a significant decrease in negative affect following a CB episode. Positive affect did not change significantly after a CB episode. The findings suggest that CB episodes hold negative reinforcing properties for individuals with CB. Treatment of patients with CB should focus on functional assessment of the affective antecedents and consequences of CB episodes and the identification of alternative, more functional behaviors to deal with these affective states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between binge eating and temperament variables, controlling for depression and adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in 90 extremely obese individuals. The participants completed questionnaires assessing eating pathology, reactive temperament, effortful control, depression and ADHD and were grouped based on the presence of regular binge eating. Patients reporting regular binge eating did not differ from patients not reporting regular binge eating with respect to BMI, age, gender, the occurrence of adult ADHD and reactive temperament. However, individuals with binge eating exhibited more pathological scores with regard to eating pathology, depression and effortful control. A logistic regression analysis revealed that only eating concerns and reduced effortful control remained significantly associated with regular binge eating. Binge eating in morbidly obese individuals appears to be associated with a lack of effortful control. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of impulse control disorders (ICDs) in a European psychiatric inpatient sample. Two hundred thirty four consecutive psychiatric inpatients (62% female) were examined using a module of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV) that has been developed for ICDs (SCID-ICD). In addition to intermittent explosive disorder, pyromania, kleptomania, pathological gambling, and trichotillomania, the proposed ICDs not otherwise specified were assessed, including compulsive buying, nonparaphilic compulsive sexual behavior, pathological internet use, and pathological skin picking. Based on the SCID-ICD, a lifetime ICD rate of 23.5% and a current ICD rate of 18.8% were found. The most frequent ICDs were pathological skin picking (lifetime 7.3%, current 6.8%), compulsive buying (lifetime 6.8%, current 6.0%), and intermittent explosive disorder (lifetime 5.6%, current 3.4%). In contrast, referring to admission diagnoses taken from patients'' charts only 3.8% of the inpatients were diagnosed with any current ICD. Individuals with comorbid ICD were significantly younger and had more admission diagnoses other than ICD. The results suggest high rates of ICDs among psychiatric inpatients that remain to be under-diagnosed in clinical routine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bichromophoric molecules can support two spatially separated excited states simultaneously and thus provide novel pathways for electronic state relaxation. Exciton fission, where absorption of a single photon leads to two triplet states, is a potentially useful example of such a pathway. In this paper, a detailed study of exciton fission in three novel phenylene-linked bis(tetracene) molecules is presented. Their spectroscopy is analyzed in terms of a three-state kinetic model in which the singlet excited state can fission into a triplet pair state, which in turn undergoes recombination on a time scale longer than the molecule's radiative lifetime. This model allows us to fit both the prompt and delayed fluorescence decay data quantitatively. The para-phenylene linked bis(tetracene) molecules 1 ,4-bis(tetracen-5-yl)benzene (1) and 4,4'-bis(tetracen-5-yl)biphenylene (2) show intramolecular exciton fission with yields of ~3%, whereas no delayed fluorescence is observed for tetracene or the meta-linked molecule 1 ,3-bis(tetracen-5-yl)benzene 3. Analysis of the temperature-dependent fluorescence dynamics yields activation energies for fission of (10.0 + 0.6) kJ/mol for 1 and (4.1 + 0.5) kJ/mol for 2, with Arrhenius prefactors of (1.48 ± 0.04) x 108 -1 for 1 and (1.72 ± 0.02) x 107 s-1 for 2. The observed trends in activation energies are reproduced by ab initio calculations of the independently optimized singlet and triplet energies. The calculations indicate that electronic coupling between the two tetracene units is primarily through-bond, allowing differences in fission rates to be qualitatively explained in terms of the linker structure as well. Our results show that it is important to consider the effects of the linker structure on both energy relaxation and electronic coupling in bichromophoric molecules. This study provides insight into the structural and energetic factors that should be taken into account in the design of exciton fission molecules for possible solar cell applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Al 2p and Br 3d inner-shell photoelectron spectra of aluminum tribromide monomer and dimer vapor were measured at 90 and 95eV photon energy, respectively, to determine the core electron binding energies of the atoms in the two molecular species. While AlBr3 has three identical Br atoms, Al2Br6 exhibits four terminal and two bridging Br atoms. The species are identified by their distinct valence photoelectron spectra. Comparison of the observed Al 2p1/2 and Al 2p3/2 electron binding energies of AlBr3 with those of Al2Br6 shows that there is a chemical shift of (0.15±0.03)eV to lower energy in the dimer. In Al2Br6, an assignment is proposed in which the Br 3d3/2 and Br 3d5/2 binding energies of terminal Br atoms are (1.18±0.03)eV lower than those of bridging Br atoms. This assignment assumes that both types of Br atoms have similar cross-sections for ionization. With this result, the Br 3d3/2 and Br 3d5/2 binding energies of Br atoms in AlBr3 are (0.81±0.03)eV lower than those of bridging Br atoms of the dimer but (0.37±0.03)eV higher than those of terminal Br atoms of the dimer. The obtained chemical shifts are considered in terms of the binding relations and electron density distributions in both molecules. Chemical shifts that are larger than a few hundred millielectron volts, as observed in the Al2Br6/AlBr3 system, offer potential to study the dissociation dynamics of the dimer in a femtosecond visible or ultraviolet-pump/XUV-probe experiment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A photophysical study of the covalently linked tetracene dimer 1,4-bis(tetracen-5-yl)benzene is presented. While the dimer’s steady state spectroscopy is similar to that of monomeric tetracene, it also exhibits a long-lived fluorescence signal in solution and solid polyethylene films, which is absent in the monomer. The behavior of this long-lived component as a function of temperature and oxygenation provides evidence that a small (<1%) fraction of the singlet excited states undergoes fission into two triplet states, which recombine on the order of 100ns. A kinetic model based on this mechanism fits the fluorescence decay data quantitatively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently, night eating syndrome (NES) was included into the DSM-5 as an example of “Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders.” The study provides insight into the population prevalence of NES using a large representative German population sample (n = 2,460) with a wide age range (14–85 years). The prevalence of NES was 1.1% using a cut-off on the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) of 25. A positive screening for NES was positively associated with depression and anxiety, eating disorder psychopathology, and body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Buying-shopping disorder (BSD) is a severe mental disorder in which individuals lose control over their buying/shopping behavior. It is debated whether BSD shares characteristics with other behavioral addictions. The current study aimed at investigating addiction-related concepts, i.e. cue-reactivity/craving, implicit cognitions, and inhibitory control mechanisms, in the context of BSD.Methods: An analog sample of 277 participants completed a cue-reactivity paradigm with shopping-related pictures. To assess implicit cognitions (attentional bias and implicit associations) and inhibitory control, a visual dot probe paradigm, an implicit association test, and an affective shifting task, all with shopping-related and control pictures, were administered. The sequence of the three tasks was randomized across participants. Craving was measured prior and after the cue-reactivity paradigm and after completion of the experimental procedure. BSD severity was assessed using the Pathological Buying Screener (PBS).Results: Increases in craving during the cue-reactivity paradigm, but decreases after the experimental procedure were observed. Craving, attentional bias and implicit cognitions were related to BSD severity-but not to inhibitory control. However, we found moderating effects of attentional bias and inhibitory control as well as implicit associations and inhibitory control on the relationship between craving and BSD severity.Discussion/conclusion: Results emphasize the role of cue-reactivity/craving, implicit cognitions and inhibitory control in the context of BSD. In line with models for behavioral addictions (I-PACE; Brand et al., 2019), the interaction of affective and cognitive biases towards shopping cues and dysfunctional inhibitory control mechanisms seems to explain the pathological engagement in buying/shopping despite negative consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]