Psychiatry and Psychology Commons^™

Mental Health Disorders In Child And Adolescent Survivors Of Post-War Landmine Explosions., Mohammad Ali Hemmati, Hamid Shokoohi, Mehdi Masoumi, Shahriar Khateri, Mohammadreza Soroush, Ehsan Modirian, Mahtab Poor Zamany Nejat Kermany, Maryam Hosseini, Batool Mousavi

Emergency Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: To describe the mental health status of 78 child and adolescent survivors of post-war landmine explosions.

METHODS: Child and adolescent survivors of landmine explosions who were younger than 18 years old at the time of the study were identified and enrolled in this study. The mental health status of the participants was assessed by general health assessment and psychiatric examinations. Psychiatric assessment and diagnosis were undertaken using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental disorders (DSM-IV) criteria. A psychiatrist visited and interviewed each survivor and identified psychiatric disorders.

RESULTS: Seventy-eight child and adolescent survivors with a mean age of …

Insistence On Sameness Relates To Increased Covariance Of Gray Matter Structure In Autism Spectrum Disorder., Ian W Eisenberg, Gregory L Wallace, Lauren Kenworthy, Stephen J Gotts, Alex Martin

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by atypical development of cortical and subcortical gray matter volume. Subcortical structural changes have been associated with restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB), a core component of ASD. Behavioral studies have identified insistence on sameness (IS) as a separable RRB dimension prominent in high-functioning ASD, though no simple brain-behavior relationship has emerged. Structural covariance, a measure of morphological coupling among brain regions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has proven an informative measure of anatomical relationships in typical development and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this study, we use this measure to characterize the relationship between brain …

Treating The Cognitive And Social Dysfunctions Related To Type 2 Diabetes, Joseph Indelicato

The School of Health Sciences Publications and Research

While much has been written about the effects of diabetes on cardiovascular functioning, less attention has been paid upon the role of diabetes on cognitive functioning. While researchers are still debating the pathophysiology of the cognitive dysfunction triggered by diabetes, including the possibility that Alzheimer’s being Type III diabetes, among other possibilities. Less research has targeted addressing these problems among those with diabetes. Social problems associated with having cognitive dysfunctions in diabetics, have received very little attention. Social activities are perhaps the most difficult and complicated behaviors humans engage in, Even the concept of measurable Social Intelligence comes relatively new …

Default Mode Network Segregation And Social Deficits In Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence From Non-Medicated Children., Benjamin E Yerys, Evan M Gordon, Danielle N Abrams, Theodore D Satterthwaite, Rachel Weinblatt, Kathryn F Jankowski, John Strang, Lauren Kenworthy, William D. Gaillard, Chandan J Vaidya

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Faculty Publications

Functional pathology of the default mode network is posited to be central to social-cognitive impairment in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Altered functional connectivity of the default mode network's midline core may be a potential endophenotype for social deficits in ASD. Generalizability from prior studies is limited by inclusion of medicated participants and by methods favoring restricted examination of network function. This study measured resting-state functional connectivity in 22 8-13 year-old non-medicated children with ASD and 22 typically developing controls using seed-based and network segregation functional connectivity methods. Relative to controls the ASD group showed both under- and over-functional connectivity within …

Cognitive Engineering: What's Old Is New Again, Ronald John Lofaro

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2015

This paper presents what began as a specific task analysis methodology developed in the context of what then was called knowledge engineering. The resultant model was based on Fleishmann's concept of underlying abilities coupled Delphi techniques and small group dynamics. Core features were the use of small groups of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and, a highly structured workshop environment. The model was termed the Small Group Delphi Paradigm (SGDP). As time past, its usage in a variety of aviation venues, ranging from selection to training proficiency, resulted in modifications and refinements. Thus, it became more than just a task analysis …

Social Complexity: The Missing Link In A Critical Incident Reporting System, Jaco Van Der Westhuizen, Karel Stanz

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2015

The safe operation of complex socio-technical systems depends on the reporting of safety critical incidents by operators within a system. Through the action of reporting, systems develop the capability as learning organizations to improve human and organizational performance. The research paper will provide a social construction understanding of reporter behavior that is influenced by the safety management system and the context of reporting, within an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) in Africa. A case study methodology was applied with complementing inductive coding and thematic content analysis to explore underlying explanations for underreporting behavior. Four main themes emerged: Knowledge Management, Decentralized …

Training Manned-Unmanned Teaming Skills In Army Aviation, Susan R. Flaherty, Martin L. Bink

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2015

Current Army Aviation combat operations utilize an employment strategy that teams a rotary wing aircraft with an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), thereby leveraging strategic advantages of each aircraft’s unique capabilities, endurance, and payloads. Clear and effective communications between the airborne helicopter pilot and the ground-based UAS operator are critical for successful Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) missions. Previous studies have recommended additional training in tactical communications for the UAS payload operator in order to support precision and timeliness in teaming engagements. In accordance with Army Learning Model 2015, an engaging, skills-adaptive, computer game was developed to train critical MUM-T skills for the …

Saccade Detection Using Polar Coordinates – A New Algorithm, Matt Middendorf, Christina Gruenwald, Lucas Stork, Samantha Hoepf, Scott Galster

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2015

Over the past few decades substantial research has been conducted regarding saccades (rapid eye movements). There are two components of this research. First there is the detection of the saccades, and second how to interpret the saccades features (amplitude, length, and velocity) to inform specific areas of research. This involves both experimental research and clinical applications. The detection of saccades is typically accomplished using two approaches, including cameras and the electrooculogram (EOG). Both of these approaches require algorithms to process the raw data, detect saccades, and calculate the saccade features. The current effort focuses on detecting saccades in the EOG …

Conceptual And Procedural Training For Situation Awareness And Performance In An Instrument Holding Task, Andrew R. Dattel, Jennifer E. Thropp

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2015

An exploratory approach that investigated the differences between conceptually and procedurally trained participants in situation awareness (SA) and performance of instrument holds was conducted. The step-by-step actions required to fly instrument holds were emphasized in the procedural training group. The interrelationship of elements in a dynamic environment was emphasized in the conceptual group. Participants were tested in two simulated instrument holding pattern scenarios. The second holding pattern was designed to be more complex. A trend was found where the conceptual group showed less altitude deviation (M = 399.22) than the procedural group (M = 599.74). Participants were asked six SA …

Effect Of Control Latency On Unmanned Aircraft Systems During Critical Phases Of Flight, Carolina M. Zingale, Eric G. Taylor

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2015

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are controlled remotely via terrestrial or satellite-based radio link rather than by a pilot in the cockpit. The remote nature of the transmission results in latencies (time between pilot input and feedback indicating aircraft response) that are typically longer than those in manned aircraft. Researchers from the FAA Human Factors Branch conducted a simulation to investigate the effect of control latencies during takeoff and landing scenarios in UAS with low levels of automation. We evaluated one of four latencies (180, 494, 750, 1026 ms) in each test scenario. Half of the scenarios included crosswinds. Data obtained …

Toward A Human Performance Standard Of Excellence In Air Traffic Management, Paul Krois, Damien Armenis, Rémi Joly, Barry Kirwan, Claire Marrison, Neil May, Dino Piccione, Michaela Schwarz

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2015

Air Traffic Management (ATM) is a 24/7 industry that strongly depends on people and needs its frontline staff to be on top performance to maintain safety and efficiency of the air transport system. However, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) too often downplay the integration of human performance against higher priority operational and business issues. At the same time, human factors experts are sometimes challenged in communicating their tools and methods in ways that are seen as pertinent to ANSP issues. In order to bridge these organizational stove pipes, an international approach is being harmonized for ANSPs to gauge their maturity …

Which Methods Of Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Are Most Effective And Most Closely Match Patient Lifestyle?, Yehudit Erlbaum

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

ADHD, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, is a disorder characterized by hyperactivity, inattentiveness, inability to remain on task, fidgetiness, and impulsivity. An over absorption of dopamine by the dopamine transporters leads to a lack of dopamine, the inhibiting neurotransmitter in the brain, resulting in the inability for the individual to inhibit their impulses. The disease is most likely seen in children but may continue into adulthood. The length of the disease across the individual’s life span, results in expensive treatment, whether it be medication or Cognitive Behavior Therapy, CBT. Therefore, these medical costs have caused researchers to find the most efficient …

Neuroimaging And Neuromodulation Approaches To Study Eating Behavior And Prevent And Treat Eating Disorders And Obesity, D. Val-Laillet, E. Aarts, B. Weber, M. Ferrari, V. Quaresima, L. E. Stoeckel, M. Alonso-Alonso, M. Audette, C. H. Malbert, E. Stice

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Faculty Publications

Functional, molecular and genetic neuroimaging has highlighted the existence of brain anomalies and neural vulnerability factors related to obesity and eating disorders such as binge eating or anorexia nervosa. In particular, decreased basal metabolism in the prefrontal cortex and striatum as well as dopaminergic alterations have been described in obese subjects, in parallel with increased activation of reward brain areas in response to palatable food cues. Elevated reward region responsivity may trigger food craving and predict future weight gain. This opens the way to prevention studies using functional and molecular neuroimaging to perform early diagnostics and to phenotype subjects at …

The Evolving Role Of Dendritic Spines And Memory: Interaction(S) With Estradiol, M. Frankfurt, V. Luine

Journal Articles

This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and Cognition". Memory processing is presumed to depend on synaptic plasticity, which appears to have a role in mediating the acquisition, consolidation, and retention of memory. We have studied the relationship between estrogen, recognition memory, and dendritic spine density in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex, areas critical for memory, across the lifespan in female rodents. The present paper reviews the literature on dendritic spine plasticity in mediating both short and long term memory, as well as the decreased memory that occurs with aging and Alzheimer's disease. It also addresses the …

The Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor As A Potential Treatment Target In Alcohol Use Disorder: Evidence From Human Genetic Association Studies And A Mouse Model Of Alcohol Dependence, P. Suchankova, J. Yan, M. L. Schwandt, B. L. Stangl, E. C. Caparelli, R. Momenan, E. Jerlhag, J. A. Engel, C. A. Hodgkinson, M. Egli, M. F. Lopez, H. C. Becker, D. Goldman, M. Heilig, V. A. Ramchandani, L. Leggio

Psychiatry Publications

The hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) regulates appetite and food intake. GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation also attenuates the reinforcing properties of alcohol in rodents. The present translational study is based on four human genetic association studies and one preclinical study providing data that support the hypothesis that GLP-1R may have a role in the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Case–control analysis (N=908) was performed on a sample of individuals enrolled in the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) intramural research program. The Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE) sample (N=3803) was used for …

Qtc Prolongation In Veterans With Heroin Dependence On Methadone Maintenance Treatment, Sameer Hassamal, Antony Fernandez, Hossein Moradi Rekabdarkolaee, Ananda Pandurangi

Psychiatry Publications

Background:

QTc prolongation and Torsade de Ppointes have been reported in patients on methadone maintenance.

Objectives:

In this study, QTc was compared before and after the veteran (n = 49) was on a stable dosage of methadone for 8.72 ± 4.50 years to treat heroin dependence. Risk factors were correlated with the QTc once the veteran was on a stable dose of methadone. Differences in the clinical risk factors in subgroups of veterans with below and above mean QTc change was compared.

Patients and Methods:

ECG data was obtained from a 12-lead electrocardiogram (pre-methadone and on methadone) on 49 veterans. …

Molecular Signatures Of Major Depression, Na Cai, Simon Chang, Yihan Li, Qiban Li, Jingchu Hu, Jieqin Liang, Li Song, Warren Kretzschmar, Xiangchao Gan, Jerome Nicod, Margarita Rivera, Hong Deng, Bo Du, Keqing Li, Wenhu Sang, Jingfang Gao, Shugui Gao, Baowei Ha, Hung-Yao Ho, Chunmei Hu, Jian Hu, Zhenfei Hu, Guoping Huang, Guoqing Jiang, Tao Jiang, Wei Jin, Gongying Li, Kan Li, Yi Li, Yingrui Li, Youhui Li, Yu-Ting Lin, Lanfen Liu, Tiebang Liu, Ying Liu, Yuan Liu, Yao Lu, Luxian Lv, Huaqing Meng, Puyi Qian, Hong Sang, Jianhua Shen, Jianguo Shi, Jing Sun, Ming Tao, Gang Wang, Guangbiao Wang, Jian Wang, Linmao Wang, Xueyi Wang, Xumei Wang, Huanming Yang, Lijun Yang, Ye Yin, Jinbei Zhang, Kerang Zhang, Ning Sun, Wei Zhang, Xiuqing Zhang, Zhen Zhang, Hui Zhong, Gerome Breen, Jun Wang, Jonathan Marchini, Yiping Chen, Qi Xu, Xun Xu, Richard Mott, Guo-Jen Huang, Kenneth S. Kendler, Jonathan Flint

Psychiatry Publications

Adversity, particularly in early life, can cause illness. Clues to the responsible mechanisms may lie with the discovery of molecular signatures of stress, some of which include alterations to an individual’s somatic genome. Here, using genome sequences from 11,670 women, we observed a highly significant association between a stress-related disease, major depression, and the amount of mtDNA (p = 9.00 × 10−42, odds ratio 1.33 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29–1.37]) and telomere length (p = 2.84 × 10−14, odds ratio 0.85 [95% CI = 0.81–0.89]). While both telomere length and mtDNA amount were associated with adverse life events, conditional …

Generalised Anxiety Disorder – A Twin Study Of Genetic Architecture, Genome-Wide Association And Differential Gene Expression, Matthew N. Davies, Serena Verdi, Andrea Burri, Maciej Trzaskowski, Minyoung Lee, John M. Hettema, Rick Jansen, Dorret I. Boomsma, Tim D. Spector

Psychiatry Publications

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety-related diagnosis, affecting approximately 5% of the adult population. One characteristic of GAD is a high degree of anxiety sensitivity (AS), a personality trait which describes the fear of arousal-related sensations. Here we present a genome-wide association study of AS using a cohort of 730 MZ and DZ female twins. The GWAS showed a significant association for a variant within the RBFOX1 gene. A heritability analysis of the same cohort also confirmed a significant genetic component with h2 of 0.42. Additionally, a subset of the cohort (25 MZ twins discordant for AS) was …

Integrating Basic Research With Prevention/Intervention To Reduce Risky Substance Use Among College Students, Danielle Dick, Linda C. Hancock

Psychiatry Publications

Too often basic research on etiological processes that contribute to substance use outcomes is disconnected from efforts to develop prevention and intervention programming. Substance use on college campuses is an area of concern where translational efforts that bring together basic scientists and prevention/intervention practitioners have potential for high impact. We describe an effort at a large, public, urban university in the United States to bring together researchers across the campus with expertise in college behavioral health with university administration and health/wellness practitioners to address college student substance use and mental health. The project “Spit for Science” examines how genetic and …

A Brief Analysis Of Suicide Methods And Trends In Virginia From 2003 To 2012, Sameer Hassamal, Lori Keyser-Marcus, Ericka Crouse Breden, Kathrin Hobron, Atit Bhattachan, Ananda Pandurangi

Psychiatry Publications

Background. The objective is to analyze and compare Virginia suicide data from 2003 to 2012 to US suicide data. Methods. Suicide trends by method, age, gender, and race were obtained from Virginia’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s annual reports. Results. Similar to US suicide rates, suicide rates in Virginia increased between 2003 and 2012 from 10.9/100,000 people to 12.9/100,000 people. The most common methods were firearm, asphyxia, and intentional drug overdose, respectively. The increase in asphyxia (𝑟 = 0.77, 𝑃 ≤ 0.01) and decrease in CO poisoning (𝑟 = −0.89, 𝑃 ≤ 0.01) were significant. Unlike national trends, intentional …