Causal Influence of Linguistic Learning on Perceptual and Conceptual Processing: A Brain-Constrained Deep Neural Network Study of Proper Names and Category Terms.

Language influences cognitive and conceptual processing, but the mechanisms through which such causal effects are realized in the human brain remain unknown. Here, we use a brain-constrained deep neural network model of category formation and symbol learning and analyze the emergent model's internal mechanisms at the neural circuit level. In one set of simulations, the network was presented with similar patterns of neural activity indexing instances of objects and actions belonging to the same categories. Biologically realistic Hebbian learning led to the formation of instance-specific neurons distributed across multiple areas of the network, and, in addition, to cell assembly circuits of "shared" neurons responding to all category instances-the network correlates of conceptual categories. In two separate sets of simulations, the network learned the same patterns together with symbols for individual instances ["proper names" (PN)] or symbols related to classes of instances sharing common features ["category terms" (CT)]. Learning CT remarkably increased the number of shared neurons in the network, thereby making category representations more robust while reducing the number of neurons of instance-specific ones. In contrast, proper name learning prevented a substantial reduction of instance-specific neurons and blocked the overgrowth of category general cells. Representational similarity analysis further confirmed that the neural activity patterns of category instances became more similar to each other after category-term learning, relative to both learning with PN and without any symbols. These network-based mechanisms for concepts, PN, and CT explain why and how symbol learning changes object perception and memory, as revealed by experimental studies.

Photorefinery of Biomass and Plastics to Renewable Chemicals using Heterogeneous Catalysts.

The photocatalytic conversion of biomass and plastic waste provides opportunities for sustainable fuel and chemical production. Heterogeneous photocatalysts, typically composed of semiconductors with distinctive redox properties in their conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB), facilitate both the oxidative and reductive valorization of organic feedstocks. This article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the photorefinery of biomass and plastics from the perspective of the redox properties of photocatalysts. We explore the roles of the VB and CB in enhancing the value-added conversion of biomass and plastics via various pathways. Our aim is to bridge the gap between photocatalytic mechanisms and renewable carbon feedstock valorization, inspiring further development in photocatalytic refinery of biomass and plastics.

Advanced Fabrication and Multi-Properties of Aluminum-Based Aerogels from Aluminum Waste for Thermal Insulation and Oil Absorption Applications.

Metal-based aerogels have attracted numerous studies due to their unique physical, structural, thermal, and chemical properties. Utilizing aluminum waste, a novel, facile, environmentally friendly approach to aluminum-based aerogels is proposed. In this work, the aluminum-based aerogels produced do not use toxic chemicals unlike conventional aerogel production. Aluminum powder, with poly(acrylic acid) and carboxymethyl cellulose as binders, is converted into aluminum-based aerogels using the freeze-drying method. The aluminum-based aerogels have low density (0.08-0.12 g/cm3) and high porosity (93.83-95.68%). The thermal conductivity of the aerogels obtained is very low (0.038-0.045 W/m·K), comparable to other types of aerogels and commercial heat insulation materials. Additionally, the aerogels can withstand temperatures up to 1000 °C with less than 40% decomposition. The aerogels exhibited promising oil absorption properties with their absorption capacity of 9.8 g/g and 0.784 g/cm3. The Young's modulus of the aerogels ranged from 70.6 kPa to 330.2 kPa. This study suggests that aluminum-based aerogels have potential in thermal insulation and oil absorption applications.

Annual Research Review: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women: underrepresentation, longitudinal processes, and key directions.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - and its underlying behavioral dimensions of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity - have been understudied in females. We first cover the conceptual issues of prevalence, diagnostic practices, diversity, comorbidity, and causal factors, plus forces limiting awareness of ADHD in females. After a narrative review of cross-sectional and longitudinal findings, we conclude the following. (a) Girls meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD at just under half the rates of boys, a ratio that becomes much closer to equal by adulthood. (b) Girls and women with ADHD show a predominance of inattention and associated internalizing problems; boys and men display greater levels of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms and associated externalizing problems. (c) Sex differences in ADHD symptoms and related outcomes depend heavily on the clinical versus nonreferred nature of the samples under investigation. (d) Females with ADHD experience, on average, serious impairments, with a particularly heightened risk for problems in close relationships and engagement in self-harm. (e) Clinicians may overlook symptoms and impairments in females because of less overt (but still impairing) symptom manifestations in girls and women and their frequent adoption of compensatory strategies. Our review of predictors and mediators of adult outcomes highlights (a) the potential for heterotypically continuous pathways in females with childhood ADHD and (b) developmental progressions to self-harm, intimate partner violence, unplanned pregnancy, and comorbid psychopathology. Focusing on ADHD in females is necessary to characterize causal and maintaining mechanisms with accuracy and to foster responsive interventions, as highlighted in our closing list of clinical implications and research priorities.

Public perception of predictive cancer genetic testing and research in Oregon.

The potential for using widespread genetic testing to inform health care has become a viable option, particularly for heritable cancers. Yet, little is known about how to effectively communicate the benefits and risks of both personal genetic testing and participation in biorepositories that aid scientific advancements. Nationwide efforts are engaging communities in large genetic studies to better estimate the population-wide prevalence of heritable cancers but have been met with hesitance or declination to participate in some communities. To successfully engage an Oregon population in longitudinal research that includes predictive genetic testing for pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants associated with an increased risk for cancer, researchers conducted 35 focus groups (two of which were held in Spanish) in 24 of Oregon's 36 counties to better understand knowledge and attitudes related to genetic testing and willingness to participate in longitudinal genetic research. A total of 203 adults (mean = 45.6 years; range 18-88), representing a range of education levels and prior knowledge of genetic research, participated in the focus groups. The majority (85%) of participants reported personal or family diagnoses of cancer (e.g., self, family, friends). A majority (87%) also reported a strong interest in cancer genetic testing and receiving genetic information about themselves. Nearly all focus groups (94%, 33 of 35 sites) included participant discussion citing their families (e.g., children, close relatives, and extended family members) as key motivators for participation in genetic research. For example, participants reported interest in increasing personal knowledge about their own and their families' cancer risks in order to respond proactively, if a pathogenic variant was found. While most focus groups (94%, 33 of 35 sites) included participant discussion describing barriers to predictive genetic, testing such as concerns about outcomes, the desire to learn about health risks in oneself mitigated or outweighed those fears for many participants. Other commonly reported concerns were related to potential mistrust of insurance companies, researchers, or institutions, or lack of knowledge about genetics, genetic testing, or genetic research. Participants, particularly in rural areas, highlighted critical factors for research recruitment, such as trust, personal interaction, public education about genetic research, and clear communication about study goals and processes. Our statewide findings reflect that public interest in predictive cancer genetic testing and cancer genetic research can surpass lack of knowledge of the complex topics, particularly when benefits for self and family are emphasized and when study considerations are well articulated.

Clinical and Pathogenic Characteristics of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Treated at the Vietnam National Children's Hospital.

Lower respiratory tract infections are commonly caused by viruses and cause significant morbidity and mortality among children. Early identification of the pathological agent causing these infections is essential to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and improve patient management. Multiplex PCR techniques were recently developed to detect multiple viral pathogens using a single PCR reaction. In this study, we identify viral pathogens in children with respiratory infections. We collected 194 nasopharyngeal aspirates from infants (2-24 months old) with lower respiratory tract infections treated at the Vietnam National Children's Hospital between November 2014 and June 2015 and assessed the presence of 16 virus types and subtypes by multiplex PCR using the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) assay. Overall, 73.7% of the samples were positive for at least one virus, and 24.2% corresponded to infections with multiple viruses. The most common viruses were respiratory syncytial virus and enterovirus/rhinovirus. These viruses were more frequent among younger patients (2-5 months old) and caused symptoms similar to those of bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The most common clinical manifestation caused by respiratory tract infection was bronchiolitis. Elevated neutrophils levels were associated with adenovirus infection. Our results showed that the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) can effectively detect multiple viruses causing respiratory infections in children and that the nasopharyngeal aspirates are a good sample choice to detect respiratory viruses in children. Applying this approach in the clinical setting would improve patient management and allow early diagnosis, thus avoiding the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Patterns of Childhood Adversity among Women with and without Childhood ADHD: Links to Adult Psychopathology and Global Functioning.

We examine the outcomes associated with childhood adversity for women with and without carefully diagnosed childhood ADHD, via an ethnically diverse sample of 140 participants with ADHD (Mage = 9.7) and 88 age- and ethnicity-matched comparisons (Mage = 9.4). At adult follow-up, we retained 211 of the original 228 participants (92.6%; Mage = 25.6). We used latent class analysis to identify patterns of childhood adversity and examine their association with adult global functioning and psychopathology. Key findings: (1) Four childhood adversity classes emerged (Low Exposure, Familial Dysfunction, Emotional Maltreatment, Pervasive Exposure); (2) Childhood ADHD predicted membership in the Emotional Maltreatment class; and (3) Childhood adversity classes were differently associated with adult outcomes, such that membership in both the Emotional Maltreatment and Pervasive Exposure classes predicted significantly higher internalizing and externalizing symptoms as well as significantly lower global functioning than women in the Low Exposure class. Furthermore, compared to the Emotional Maltreatment class, the Familial Dysfunction class had lower externalizing symptoms, whereas the Pervasive Exposure class had lower global functioning and higher internalizing symptoms by adulthood. Findings provide information about girls and women who could be targeted for intervention in terms of ADHD behavior patterns plus adverse experiences in childhood. Beyond limitations, we discuss the need to investigate the confluence of neurodevelopmental conditions and adverse child events with respect to maladaptive outcomes.

Profiles of childhood adversity and associated psychopathology in youth entering residential care.

OBJECTIVE: We explore patterns of childhood adversity (CA) in youth entering residential care. We also examine possible sex differences as well as the association between these patterns and key indicators of clinical functioning, including emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, prosocial behavior, peer problems, and trauma symptoms. METHOD: Data were obtained from archival records of 2,066 youth (Mage = 15.57, SD = 1.57) entering a family style residential program for the first time. The sample composition was: 65% boys, 45.8% White, 26.0% Black or African American, 12.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.5% Multiracial, and 5.1% Other race. Inclusive latent class analysis was used to identify profiles of CA. Profile membership was used to examine sex differences and predict clinical functioning. RESULTS: Five CA profiles were found: (1) Low Exposure, (2) Familial Dysfunction, (3) Neglect/Emotional Abuse, (4) High Exposure without Sexual Abuse, and (5) High Exposure with Sexual Abuse. Girls were more likely than boys to be in Neglect/Emotional Abuse and High Exposure with Sexual Abuse profiles. Each CA profile was associated with distinct clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of considering CA patterns when working with youth entering residential care. CA screening and classification during residential care admissions could better inform interventions for youth and their families and potentially improve the effectiveness of mental health services received. Future research should continue to study the connections between CA profiles and clinical outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Risk profiles of suicide attempts among girls with histories of commercial sexual exploitation: A latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Girls impacted by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) in the juvenile legal system are three times more likely to have suicide attempts than girls without histories of exploitation. Yet, research on risk profiles and correlates that contribute to elevated suicide risk among girls with CSE histories remains scant. OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine suicide attempts profiles among CSE-impacted girls in the juvenile legal system. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: We partnered with a specialty court for CSE-impacted youth in Los Angeles County. METHODS: Data were collected from case files of the 360 girls participating in the court from 2012 to 2016. Latent class analysis was used to identify their profiles of risk indicators. RESULTS: Four risk profiles for suicide attempts emerged: (1) Parental Incarceration (PI; 30 %), (2) Child Welfare Contact (CWC; 25 %), (3) Disruptive Behavior and Sleep Problems (DBS; 25 %), and (4) Pervasive Risk (PR; 22 %). Among youth in the PI group, 5 % had a suicide attempt; however, contrary to our hypothesis, no youth in the CWC group had a suicide attempt. Rates of suicide attempt were significantly higher among youth in the DBS group, as 14 % had a suicide attempt. As hypothesized, youth in the PR were associated with higher risk of suicide attempts, with 28 % reporting a prior suicide attempt. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the need for standardized suicide screenings and treatment referrals for girls with CSE histories and suggest an important opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration with courts to improve suicide prevention strategies. The present study also supports the importance of examining risk across the socioecological context.

Addressing the quantitative conversion bottleneck in single-atom catalysis.

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) offer many advantages, such as atom economy and high chemoselectivity; however, their practical application in liquid-phase heterogeneous catalysis is hampered by the productivity bottleneck as well as catalyst leaching. Flow chemistry is a well-established method to increase the conversion rate of catalytic processes, however, SAC-catalysed flow chemistry in packed-bed type flow reactor is disadvantaged by low turnover number and poor stability. In this study, we demonstrate the use of fuel cell-type flow stacks enabled exceptionally high quantitative conversion in single atom-catalyzed reactions, as exemplified by the use of Pt SAC-on-MoS2/graphite felt catalysts incorporated in flow cell. A turnover frequency of approximately 8000 h-1 that corresponds to an aniline productivity of 5.8 g h-1 is achieved with a bench-top flow module (nominal reservoir volume of 1 cm3), with a Pt1-MoS2 catalyst loading of 1.5 g (3.2 mg of Pt). X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy combined with density functional theory calculations provide insights into stability and reactivity of single atom Pt supported in a pyramidal fashion on MoS2. Our study highlights the quantitative conversion bottleneck in SAC-mediated fine chemicals production can be overcome using flow chemistry.

Recent Progresses in Eco-Friendly Fabrication and Applications of Sustainable Aerogels from Various Waste Materials.

Tons of waste from residential, commercial and manufacturing activities are generated due to the growing population, urbanization and economic development, prompting the need for sustainable measures. Numerous ways of converting waste to aerogels, a novel class of ultra-light and ultra-porous materials, have been researched to tackle the issues of waste. This review provides an overview of the status of aerogels made from agricultural waste, municipal solid, and industrial waste focusing on the fabrication, properties, and applications of such aerogels. The review first introduced common methods to synthesize the aerogels from waste, including dispersion and drying techniques. Following that, numerous works related to aerogels from waste are summarized and compared, mainly focusing on the sustainability aspect of the processes involved and their contributions for environmental applications such as thermal insulation and oil absorption. Next, advantages, and disadvantages of the current approaches are analyzed. Finally, some prospective waste aerogels and its applications are proposed.

A novel aerogel from thermal power plant waste for thermal and acoustic insulation applications.

Massive quantities of fly ash are produced worldwide from thermal power plants, posing a serious environmental threat due to their storage and disposal problems. In this study, for the first time, fly ash is converted into an advanced and novel aerogel through a green and eco-friendly process. The developed aerogel has a low density of 0.10-0.19 g cm-3, a high porosity of up to 90%, a low thermal conductivity of 0.042-0.050 W/mK, and a good sound absorption coefficient (noise reduction coefficient [NRC] value of 0.20-0.30). It also shows a high compressive Young's modulus of up to 150 kPa. Therefore, the newly developed fly ash aerogel is a potential material for thermal and acoustic insulation applications, along with lightweight composites in automotive and aerospace applications.

Stereospecific and Regioselective Isocyanide Insertions into Siliranes and Reactions of the Resulting Iminosilacyclobutanes.

The insertions of p-tolyl and tert-butyl isocyanide into siliranes yielded iminosilacyclobutanes with stereospecific retention of configuration. Monosubstituted siliranes underwent insertion into the more substituted Si-C bond of the ring, although this regioselectivity was eroded as substitution increased on the silirane ring. The iminosilacyclobutane products tautomerized thermally or in the presence of a palladium catalyst to yield the thermodynamically more stable aminosilacyclobutenes. Ring-expansion reactions of iminosilacyclobutanes were promoted by acids: treatment with aqueous copper sulfate produced an oxasilacyclopentane in high yield, whereas with trifluoroacetic acid, oxasilacyclohexanes were formed.