Does inhibitory (dys)function account for involuntary autobiographical memory and déjà vu experience?

External cues and internal configuration states are the likely instigators of involuntary autobiographical memories (IAMs) and déjà vu experience. Indeed, Barzykowski and Moulin discuss relevant neuroscientific evidence in this direction. A complementary line of enquiry and evidence is the study of inhibition and its role in memory retrieval, and particularly how its (dys)function may contribute to IAMs and déjà vu.

Classic Hebbian learning endows feed-forward networks with sufficient adaptability in challenging reinforcement learning tasks.

A common pitfall of current reinforcement learning agents implemented in computational models is in their inadaptability postoptimization. Najarro and Risi [Najarro E, Risi S. Proc 33rd Conf Neural Inf Process Systems (NeurIPS 2020). 2020: 20719-20731, 2020] demonstrate how such adaptability may be salvaged in artificial feed-forward networks by optimizing coefficients of classic Hebbian rules to dynamically control the networks' weights instead of optimizing the weights directly. Although such models fail to capture many important neurophysiological details, allying the fields of neuroscience and artificial intelligence in this way bears many fruits for both fields, especially when computational models engage with topics with a rich history in neuroscience such as Hebbian plasticity.

Exploring the Predictability of Temperatures in a Scaled Model of a Smarthome.

In modern smarthomes, temperature regulation is achieved through a mix of traditional and emergent technologies including air conditioning, heating, intelligent utilization of the effects of sun, wind, and shade as well as using stored heat and cold. To achieve the desired comfort for the inhabitants while minimizing environmental impact and cost, the home controller must predict how its actions will impact the temperature and other environmental factors in various parts of the home. The question we are investigating in this paper is whether the temperature values in different rooms in a home are predictable based on readings from sensors in the home. We are also interested in whether increased accuracy can be achieved by adding sensors to capture the state of doors and windows of the given room and/or the whole home, and what type of machine learning algorithms can take advantage of the additional information. As experimentation on real-world homes is highly expensive, we use ScaledHome, a 1:12 scale, IoT-enabled model of a smart home for data acquisition. Our experiments show that while additional data can improve the accuracy of the prediction, the type of machine learning models needs to be carefully adapted to the number of data features available.

COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study with focus on the over-80s and hospital-onset disease.

BACKGROUND: Data from the UK COVID-19 outbreak are emerging, and there are ongoing concerns about a disproportionate effect on ethnic minorities. There is very limited information on COVID-19 in the over-80s, and the rates of hospital-onset infections are unknown. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study from electronic case records of the first 450 patients admitted to our hospital with PCR-confirmed COVID-19, 77% of the total inpatient caseload to date. Demographic, clinical and biochemical data were extracted. The primary endpoint was death during the index hospital admission. The characteristics of all patients, those over 80 years of age and those with hospital-onset COVID-19 were examined. RESULTS: The median (IQR) age was 72 (56, 83), with 150 (33%) over 80 years old and 60% male. Presenting clinical and biochemical features were consistent with those reported elsewhere. The ethnic breakdown of patients admitted was similar to that of our underlying local population. Inpatient mortality was high at 38%. Patients over 80 presented earlier in their disease course and were significantly less likely to present with the typical features of cough, breathlessness and fever. Cardiac co-morbidity and markers of cardiac dysfunction were more common, but not those of bacterial infection. Mortality was significantly higher in this group (60% vs 28%, p < 0.001). Thirty-one (7%) patients acquired COVID-19 having continuously been in hospital for a median of 20 (14, 36) days. The peak of hospital-onset infections occurred at the same time as the overall peak of admitted infections. Despite being older and more frail than those with community-onset infection, their outcomes were no worse. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient mortality was high, especially among the over-80s, who are more likely to present atypically. The ethnic composition of our caseload was similar to the underlying population. While a significant number of patients acquired COVID-19 while already in hospital, their outcomes were no worse.

Prediction of MOF Performance in Vacuum Swing Adsorption Systems for Postcombustion CO2 Capture Based on Integrated Molecular Simulations, Process Optimizations, and Machine Learning Models.

Postcombustion CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is a key technological approach to reducing greenhouse gas emission while we transition to carbon-free energy production. However, current solvent-based CO2 capture processes are considered too energetically expensive for widespread deployment. Vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) is a low-energy CCS that has the potential for industrial implementation if the right sorbents can be found. Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials are often promoted as sorbents for low-energy CCS by highlighting select adsorption properties without a clear understanding of how they perform in real-world VSA processes. In this work, atomistic simulations have been fully integrated with a detailed VSA simulator, validated at the pilot scale, to screen 1632 experimentally characterized MOFs. A total of 482 materials were found to meet the 95% CO2 purity and 90% CO2 recovery targets (95/90-PRTs)-365 of which have parasitic energies below that of solvent-based capture (∼290 kWhe/MT CO2) with a low value of 217 kWhe/MT CO2. Machine learning models were developed using common adsorption metrics to predict a material's ability to meet the 95/90-PRT with an overall prediction accuracy of 91%. It was found that accurate parasitic energy and productivity estimates of a VSA process require full process simulations.

Differential antiseizure medication sensitivity of the Affective Reactivity Index: A randomized controlled trial in new-onset pediatric focal epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Irritability is a adverse effect of many antiseizure medications (ASMs), but there are no validated measures currently available to characterize this behavioral risk. We examined both child and parent/guardian versions of the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI), a validated measure developed for application in adolescent psychiatry, to determine its sensitivity to ASM-related irritability. We hypothesized irritability increases associated with levetiracetam (LEV) but not lamotrigine (LTG) or oxcarbazepine (OXC). METHOD: The ARI was administered to 71 child and parent/guardian pairs randomized to one of three common ASMs (LEV, LTG, OXC) used to treat new-onset focal (localization-related) epilepsy. Subjects were recruited as part of a prospective multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel group design. The ARI was administered at baseline prior to treatment initiation and again at 3 months after ASM initiation. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in ARI ratings for both child and parent/guardian ratings for LEV but not LTG or OXC when assessed 3 months after treatment initiation. When examined on the individual subject level using a criterion of at least a 3-point ARI increase, there was an increase associated with LEV for child ratings but not parent/guardian scores. CONCLUSION: Both child and parent/guardian versions of the ARI appear sensitive to medication-induced irritability associated with LEV on both the group and individual levels. The findings extend the applicability of ARI from characterizing the presence of clinical irritability as a psychiatric diagnostic feature to a more modifiable aspect of behavior change related to medication management and support its use in clinical trial applications.

Perception of Western governments' hostility to Islam among European Muslims before and after ISIS: the important roles of residential segregation and education.

Perception of Western governments' hostility to Islam is one of the indicating features of Islamic fundamentalism and, in some cases, is serving as a pull to join extremist groups. In this paper, using data from two waves of a cross-national survey, we investigate what affects European Muslims' opinions about Western governments. We find that residential segregation is associated with perceived hostility of Western governments to Islam. Further, we find that Muslims living in segregated neighbourhoods and enclaves have a higher probability of believing that Western governments are hostile to Islam. National origins of Muslim immigrants have a significant impact, with people from African countries measuring less perceived hostility than others. We also find that education is associated with perceived hostility of Western governments to Islam in a non-linear way. People with the highest and lowest levels of education tend to be less likely to believe that Western governments are hostile to Islam, relative to people with mid-level education. This non-linear effect is best explained by education's differential effects on perceptions of key world events. During the time between 2011 - before ISIS's announcement of its Caliphate in Iraq and Syria - and 2013, subsequent to that announcement, we see a sharp decrease in perception of Western governments' hostility to Islam, particularly among more educated European Muslims. We make the case that this decrease can be attributed, in some ways, to the emergence of ISIS. We discuss our findings in terms of theoretical and policy implications.

Posterior Cerebellar Volume and Executive Function in Young Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

OBJECTIVES: As the number of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) surviving congenital heart disease (CHD) grows, studies of long-term outcomes are needed. CHD research documents poor executive function (EF) and cerebellum (CB) abnormalities in children. We examined whether AYAs with CHD exhibit reduced EF and CB volumes. We hypothesized a double dissociation such that the posterior CB is related to EF while the anterior CB is related to motor function. We also investigated whether the CB contributes to EF above and beyond processing speed. METHODS: Twenty-two AYAs with CHD and 22 matched healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging and assessment of EF, processing speed, and motor function. Volumetric data were calculated using a cerebellar atlas (SUIT) developed for SPM. Group differences were compared with t tests, relationships were tested with Pearson's correlations and Fisher's r to z transformation, and hierarchical regression was used to test the CB's unique contributions to EF. RESULTS: CHD patients had reduced CB total, lobular, and white matter volume (d=.52-.99) and poorer EF (d=.79-1.01) compared to controls. Significant correlations between the posterior CB and EF (r=.29-.48) were identified but there were no relationships between the anterior CB and motor function nor EF. The posterior CB predicted EF above and beyond processing speed (ps<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a relationship between the posterior CB and EF, which appears to be particularly important for inhibitory processes and abstract reasoning. The unique CB contribution to EF above and beyond processing speed alone warrants further study. (JINS, 2018, 24, 939-948).

Longitudinal Changes in Resting State Connectivity and White Matter Integrity in Adolescents With Sports-Related Concussion.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in functional connectivity, white matter integrity, and cognitive abilities due to sports-related concussion (SRC) in adolescents using a prospective longitudinal design. METHODS: We assessed male high school football players (ages 14-18) with (n=16) and without (n=12) SRC using complementary resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) along with cognitive performance using the Immediate Post-Concussive Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). We assessed both changes at the acute phase (<7 days post-SRC) and at 21 days later, as well as, differences between athletes with SRC and age- and team-matched control athletes. RESULTS: The results revealed rs-fMRI hyperconnectivity within posterior brain regions (e.g., precuneus and cerebellum), and hypoconnectivity in more anterior areas (e.g., inferior and middle frontal gyri) when comparing SRC group to control group acutely. Performance on the ImPACT (visual/verbal memory composites) was correlated with resting state network connectivity at both time points. DTI results revealed altered diffusion in the SRC group along a segment of the corticospinal tract and the superior longitudinal fasciculus in the acute phase of SRC. No differences between the SRC group and control group were seen at follow-up imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Acute effects of SRC are associated with both hyperconnectivity and hypoconnectivity, with disruption of white matter integrity. In addition, acute memory performance was most sensitive to these changes. After 21 days, adolescents with SRC returned to baseline performance, although chronic hyperconnectivity of these regions could place these adolescents at greater risk for secondary neuropathological changes, necessitating future follow-up. (JINS, 2018, 24, 781-792).

Assessment of Sleep Quantity and Sleep Disturbances During Recovery From Sports-Related Concussion in Youth Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation between sleep quantity and sleep disturbances on symptoms and neurocognitive ability during the acute phase (<7d) and after sports-related concussion (SRC; >21d). DESIGN: Prospective inception cohort study. SETTING: General community setting of regional middle and high schools. PARTICIPANTS: A sample (N=971) including youth athletes with SRC (n=528) and controls (n=443) (age, 10-18y). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Athletes completed the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing battery. Partial correlation analyses and independent t tests were conducted to assess sleep quantity the night before testing. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to assess sleep disturbances and their interaction with age. RESULTS: Less sleep quantity was correlated with greater report of cognitive (P=.001) and neuropsychological (P=.024) symptoms specific to prolonged recovery from SRC. Sleep disturbances significantly affect each migraine, cognitive, and neuropsychological symptoms (P<.001). A significant interaction was found between sleep disturbances and age (P=.04) at >21 days post-SRC. CONCLUSIONS: Findings emphasize that the continued presence of low sleep quantity and sleep disturbances in youth athletes with SRC should be a specific indicator to health professionals that these athletes are at an increased risk of protracted recovery. Further research should identify additional factors that may interact with sleep to increase the risk of protracted recovery.

Quality Improvement in Concussion Care: Influence of Guideline-Based Education.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential impact of a concussion management education program on community-practicing pediatricians. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively surveyed 210 pediatricians before and 18 months after participation in an evidence-based, concussion education program. Pediatricians were part of a network of 38 clinically integrated practices in metro-Atlanta. Participation was mandatory for at least 1 pediatrician in each practice. We assessed pediatricians' self-reported concussion knowledge, use of guidelines, and comfort level, as well as self-reported referral patterns for computed tomography (CT) and/or emergency department (ED) evaluation of children who sustained concussion. RESULTS: Based on responses from 120 pediatricians participating in the 2 surveys and intervention (response rate, 57.1%), the program had significant positive effects from pre- to postintervention on knowledge of concussions (-0.26 to 0.56 on -3 to +1 scale; P < .001), guideline use (0.73-.06 on 0-6 scale; P < .01), and comfort level in managing concussions (3.76-4.16 on 1-5 scale; P < .01). Posteducation, pediatricians were significantly less likely to self-report referral for CT (1.64-1.07; P < .001) and CT/ED (4.73-3.97; P < .01), but not ED referral alone (3.07-3.09; P = ns). CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of a multifaceted, evidence-based, education program translated into a positive modification of self-reported practice behavior for youth concussion case management. Given the surging demand for community-based youth concussion care, this program can serve as a model for improving the quality of pediatric concussion management.

Turning into frogs: Asymmetry in forelimb emergence and escape direction in metamorphosing anurans.

There is considerable debate about the pattern and origin of laterality in forelimb emergence and turning behaviour within amphibians, with the latter being poorly investigated in tadpoles around metamorphic climax. Using 6 species of metamorphosing anurans, we investigated the effect of asymmetrical spiracle location, and disturbance at the time of forelimb emergence, on the pattern of forelimb emergence. Turning behaviour was observed to assess whether motor lateralization occurred in non-neobatrachian anurans and was linked to patterns of forelimb emergence. Biases in forelimb emergence differed among species, supporting the hypothesis that asymmetrical spiracle position results in the same asymmetry in forelimb emergence. However, this pattern only occurred when individuals were undisturbed. Therefore, context at the time of the emergence of the forelimbs may be important, and might explain some discrepancies in the literature. Turning biases, unconnected to forelimb emergence, were found in Pipidae and Bombinatoridae, confirming the basal origin of lateralized behaviour among anurans. Turning direction in our metamorphs differed from the leftward bias commonly observed in tadpoles, but may be analogous to the prevalent right-"handedness" among adult anurans. Therefore, the transitions occurring during metamorphosis may affect lateralized behaviour and metamorphosis may be fruitful for understanding the development of lateralization.

Intercalation of Coordinatively Unsaturated Fe(III) Ion within Interpenetrated Metal-Organic Framework MOF-5.

Coordinatively unsaturated Fe(III) metal sites were successfully incorporated into the iconic MOF-5 framework. This new structure, Fe(III) -iMOF-5, is the first example of an interpenetrated MOF linked through intercalated metal ions. Structural characterization was performed with single-crystal and powder XRD, followed by extensive analysis by spectroscopic methods and solid-state NMR, which reveals the paramagnetic ion through its interaction with the framework. EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed that the intercalated ions were indeed Fe(III) , whereas DFT calculations were employed to ascertain the unique pentacoordinate architecture around the Fe(III) ion. Interestingly, this is also the first crystallographic evidence of pentacoordinate Zn(II) within the MOF-5 SBU. This new MOF structure displays the potential for metal-site addition as a framework connector, thus creating further opportunity for the innovative development of new MOF materials.

White Matter Integrity Dissociates Verbal Memory and Auditory Attention Span in Emerging Adults with Congenital Heart Disease.

White matter disruptions have been identified in individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, no specific theory-driven relationships between microstructural white matter disruptions and cognition have been established in CHD. We conducted a two-part study. First, we identified significant differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) of emerging adults with CHD using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS). TBSS analyses between 22 participants with CHD and 18 demographically similar controls identified five regions of normal appearing white matter with significantly lower FA in CHD, and two higher. Next, two regions of lower FA in CHD were selected to examine theory-driven differential relationships with cognition: voxels along the left uncinate fasciculus (UF; a tract theorized to contribute to verbal memory) and voxels along the right middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP; a tract previously linked to attention). In CHD, a significant positive correlation between UF FA and memory was found, r(20)=.42, p=.049 (uncorrected). There was no correlation between UF and auditory attention span. A positive correlation between MCP FA and auditory attention span was found, r(20)=.47, p=.027 (uncorrected). There was no correlation between MCP and memory. In controls, no significant relationships were identified. These results are consistent with previous literature demonstrating lower FA in younger CHD samples, and provide novel evidence for disrupted white matter integrity in emerging adults with CHD. Furthermore, a correlational double dissociation established distinct white matter circuitry (UF and MCP) and differential cognitive correlates (memory and attention span, respectively) in young adults with CHD.

Core and body surface temperatures of nesting leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).

Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are the largest species of marine turtle and the fourth most massive extant reptile. In temperate waters they maintain body temperatures higher than surrounding seawater through a combination of insulation, physiological, and behavioural adaptations. Nesting involves physical activity in addition to contact with warm sand and air, potentially presenting thermal challenges in the absence of the cooling effect of water, and data are lacking with which to understand their nesting thermal biology. Using non-contact methods (thermal imaging and infrared thermometry) to avoid any stress-related effects, we investigated core and surface temperature during nesting. The mean±SE core temperature was 31.4±0.05°C (newly emerged eggs) and was not correlated with environmental conditions on the nesting beach. Core temperature of leatherbacks was greater than that of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting at a nearby colony, 30.0±0.13°C. Body surface temperatures of leatherbacks showed regional variation, the lateral and dorsal regions of the head were warmest while the carapace was the coolest surface. Surface temperature increased during the early nesting phases, then levelled off or decreased during later phases with the rates of change varying between body regions. Body region, behavioural phase of nesting and air temperature were found to be the best predictors of surface temperature. Regional variation in surface temperature were likely due to alterations in blood supply, and temporal changes in local muscular activity of flippers during the different phases of nesting. Heat exchange from the upper surface of the turtle was dominated by radiative heat loss from all body regions and small convective heat gains to the carapace and front flippers.

The one-electron reduction of dithiolate and diselenolate ligands.

Herein we present an assessment to determine which of nine well-established DFT functionals best describes the reduction of C2H2Se2(-)˙. In addition, we have also studied the effects of changing the substituents bound to the alkene functional group of dithiolene and diselenolene ligands. Such ligands are important due to their unique electrochemical and physical properties when ligated to metals. The M06-L functional shows best agreement with the QCISD/cc-pVTZ value of -2.45 V for the reduction potential of the (C2H2Se2˙(-)/C2H2Se2(-2)) redox couple. At the M06-L/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory the calculated reduction potential for the (C2H2Se2˙(-)/C2H2Se2(-2)) redox couple is only 0.09 V in error. However, as a result of the nature of the oxidized species for the respective ligands the absolute reduction potential of the (C2H2Se2˙(-)/C2H2Se2(-2)) redox couple is 0.57 V more oxidizing than the (C2H2S2˙(-)/C2H2S2(-2)) redox couple. This is due to the radical electron in C2H2S2˙(-) being delocalized within the alkene backbone, whereas in C2H2Se2˙(-) the electron is largely localized on the Se atoms. The relative reducing power of the S- and Se-containing redox couples is shown to vary depending on the choice of substituents. In particular the reduction potential of the various S-containing redox couples range from being 0.34 V more reducing to 0.28 V more oxidizing than the analogous Se-containing redox couples. This difference in the relative reducing power appears to be a result of the nature of the oxidized ligand. Thus, depending on the choice of moiety very different chemistry is seen between the analogous dithiolate and diselenolate ligands.

The one-electron oxidation of a dithiolate molecule: the importance of chemical intuition.

A series of nine commonly used density functional methods were assessed to accurately predict the oxidation potential of the (C2H2S2(-2)/C2H2S2(•-)) redox couple. It was found that due to their greater tendency for charge delocalization the GGA functionals predict a structure where the radical electron is delocalized within the alkene backbone of C2H2S2(•-), whereas the hybrid functionals and the reference QCISD/cc-pVTZ predict that the radical electron remains localized on the sulfurs. However, chemical intuition suggests that the results obtained with the GGA functionals should be correct. Indeed, with the use of the geometries obtained at the HCTH/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level of theory both the QCISD and hybrid DFT methods yield a molecule with a delocalized electron. Notably, this new molecule lies at least 53 kJ mol(-1) lower in energy than the previously optimized one that had a localized radical. Using these new structures the calculated oxidation potential was found to be 2.71-2.97 V for the nine DFT functionals tested. The M06-L functional provided the best agreement with the QCISD/cc-pVTZ reference oxidation potential of 3.28 V.

Medical conditions and restraint in patients experiencing excited delirium.

BACKGROUND: Law enforcement restraint-related death is frequently associated with excited delirium syndrome (ExDS). Because such deaths are rare, the pathophysiology underlying ExDS deaths remains unknown, making identification of high-risk situations challenging. This study describes the medical conditions and situations surrounding restraint of individuals identified by law enforcement to be experiencing ExDS. METHODS: Individuals with ExDS as determined by law enforcement officers during use of force encounters over a 3-year period were identified. For subjects who were brought to the emergency department after restraint, medical records and police narratives were reviewed to identify circumstances surrounding restraint, abnormalities found during evaluation, and final diagnoses. RESULTS: Sixty-six cases were identified, of which 43 had emergency department evaluation. On presentation, 36 (84%) were tachycardic and 3 (7%) were hyperthermic; 35 (77%) had toxicology studies positive for stimulants; 2 (5%) had a pH level less than 7.2, and 5 (12%) had an elevated lactate; and 3 (7%) had a creatinine kinase level higher than 1500 U/L. Two (5%) patients were admitted to the hospital for medical reasons: one had had a field pulseless electrical activity arrest prior to restraint and the other was admitted for rhabdomyolysis. CONCLUSION: Officer-identified cases of ExDS infrequently involved individuals requiring extensive restraint or with medical conditions that objectively placed them at high risk for sudden death. The low specificity of this syndrome in predicting risk of sudden death may present a challenge to law enforcement and emergency physicians.

An unusual case of a peritoneal dialysis catheter causing hydronephrosis: A case report.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter migration is a common complication of PD which usually results in obstruction of dialysate outflow. We report the first known case in the literature of a 62-year-old male with end-stage renal disease on PD who presented with acute renal colic secondary to the PD catheter overlying right mid-ureter causing hydronephrosis with spontaneous resolution of pain and hydronephrosis two days later. The patient was discharged home with a functioning dialysis catheter and complete resolution of both symptoms and radiographic findings of hydronephrosis. While management of migrated PD catheters usually require surgical intervention, our case resolved without intervention.