bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward the Successful Employment of Adults with Autism: A First Analysis of Special Interests and Factors Deemed Important for Vocational Performance
Authors: Kirchner Jennifer Christina , Dziobek Isabel
Published: June 2016

Background:

Adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and with intelligence quotients in the normal range are disproportionately affected by unemployment.

Objective:

We sought to assess special interests that could bear potential for employment as well as factors deemed relevant for work performance in adults with ASD.

Method:

A newly compiled self-report online questionnaire was administered to high-functioning adults with ASD to assess special interests as well as factors that both interfere with and facilitate work performance.

Results:

Participants reported that they spent an average of 26 hours per week on their special interests, and their average level of proficiency was rated as very good. Although special interests were reported to be in the social sciences and the creative fields as often as they were in the natural sciences and technology/engineering, the most common approach taken within those fields was systemizing rather than a creative or knowledge-acquiring pursuit. Social interaction problems with coworkers and superiors as well as sensory issues were most often rated as interfering with work performance. In addition, mental underload was rated as an important factor that interfered with work performance, whereas excessive demands were not. Among the factors most often reported to facilitate work performance were employers’ and colleagues’ awareness of the individual’s ASD diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that special interests among individuals with ASD may bear important potential for employment. Given the focus on systemizing in this population, recent efforts to create job opportunities in the information technology sector specifically for high-functioning individuals with ASD are a promising start. However, these efforts should be expanded into other fields.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autistic Traits, and Substance Use Among Missouri Adolescents
Authors: Mulligan Richard C. , Reiersen Angela M. , Todorov Alexandre A.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Although existing literature demonstrates the association of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with both substance use (SU) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), few studies have examined rates of SU among adolescents with elevated ASD symptoms, with or without comorbid ADHD. Clinic-based studies suggest a possible protective effect of ASD against SU, but this has not been confirmed in population-based studies.

Objective:

We examined alcohol, tobacco, and drug use in adolescents with either ADHD, elevated autistic traits, or both as compared with controls.

Methods:

Subjects (N = 2937) who were 13 to 17 years old from a Missouri population-based large sibship sample were assessed for ADHD, autistic traits, and SU with the use of parent-report questionnaires. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition ADHD symptom criterion (Criterion A) was applied to the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD-symptoms and Normal-behavior (SWAN) questionnaire item responses to determine ADHD diagnosis. The presence of elevated autistic traits was defined as a raw Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) score of 62 (95th percentile for this sample) or higher. SU was determined with the use of three items from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Statistical methods used included logistic and fractional polynomial regression.

Results:

As compared with controls, adolescents with ADHD were at increased risk for alcohol, tobacco, and drug use whether or not they had elevated autistic traits. Adolescents with elevated autistic traits were at significantly increased risk for drug use other than alcohol and tobacco, even if they did not have ADHD. Among those with raw SRS scores in the range of about 20 (normal) to 80 (consistent with mild to moderate ASD), adolescents with ADHD had higher levels of SU than control individuals with similar levels of autistic traits. However, strong conclusions cannot be drawn regarding individuals with very low or very high SRS scores as a result of sparse data.

Conclusions:

This study confirms previous research showing an increased risk of SU among adolescents with ADHD. It also provides new information indicating that adolescents with high levels of autistic traits are at elevated risk for alcohol and tobacco use if they have comorbid ADHD; in addition, they may be at high risk for other drug use, even if they do not have comorbid ADHD. Therefore, it should not be assumed that adolescents with mild to moderate ASD have a low risk of SU, especially if ADHD is also present.
Impairment in Young Preschool Children with Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Co-occurring Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder
Authors: Bendiksen Bothild , Aase Heidi , Svensson Elisabeth , Friis Svein , Myhre Anne Margrethe , Reichborn-Kjennerud Ted , Zeiner PÃ¥l
Published: June 2016

Background:

We have limited knowledge of the impact of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms on the daily functioning of young preschool children.

Objective:

This study investigated the level of impairment related to symptoms of ADHD in different functional domains. It also addressed how impairment caused by ADHD was related to ADHD subtype, symptom load, gender, and the co-occurrence of oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, or both.

Method:

Participating children (N = 807) who were 3.5 years old were recruited from a population-based sample included in The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Children who scored above the 90th percentile for ADHD symptoms were included in the present sample. The assessment of the symptoms and functional impairment described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, text revision, was based on parental ratings and the semi-structured psychiatric interview entitled “The Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment.”

Results:

Added burden and discord within family relationships were the areas that were most severely affected. All domain scores were strongly intercorrelated, and they were added to each childâ€™s total score. Children with symptoms of ADHD, inattentive type (mean [M], 3.5; standard deviation [SD], 3.4), or ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive type (M, 2.9; SD, 2.7), were significantly less impaired than children with symptoms of ADHD, combined type (M = 6.4; SD = 3.8; p ` .001). Furthermore, co-occurring oppositional defiant disorder was associated with higher impairment scores (M, 6.1; SD, 4.3) than ADHD alone (M, 3.2; SD, 2.9; p ` .001. About 30% of the variance of impairment score of ADHD was explained by symptoms of ADHD and co-occurring symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Few gender differences were observed.

Conclusion:

Overall, these non-referred young children with clinical symptoms of ADHD were only modestly impaired. Impairment related to ADHD occurred mainly in the areas of family functioning, and it was associated with ADHD subtype and comorbidity. Still, it is important to assess the impact of ADHD symptoms and coexisting difficulties among preschoolers to identify children and families who are in need of early intervention efforts.
Risk factors for suicide attempts in the total population of Faroese eighth graders
Authors: Petersen Tóra , Elklit Ask
Published: June 2016

Objectives:

Suicide is still one of the leading causes of youth mortality, and amongst others previous suicide attempts have been found to be one of the strongest risk factors for suicide. The objective of this study is to examine risk factors of suicide attempts in a total population of Faroese adolescents. It is expected that anxious attachment, high scores on negative affectivity and low scores on past and present social support were correlated to an increased risk of life-time suicide attempts in both female and male adolescents.

Method:

Analyses were conducted based on data from The Faroese Adolescent Trauma Study, a self-report questionnaire survey including a total population of Faroese eighth graders (N = 687; 85 % response rate, mean age 14.2 years, SD = 2.1). The questionnaire included The Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), The Trauma Symptom Checklist (TSC), and The Crisis Support Scale (CSS).

Results:

In the total population 9.9 % (N = 68) of the participants reported life-time suicide attempt; of those 28 % were boys and 72 % were girls. In line with the expectations, the initial comparison showed that adolescents reporting life-time suicide attempt had significantly higher scores on attachment anxiety and negative affectivity, and had significantly lower scores on attachment closeness, and both past and present social support. Further analyses stratified on gender, however, revealed unexpected results, as a high score on negative affectivity only was a significant risk factor for life-time suicide attempt among the girls, and high score on attachment closeness only was a significant protective factor of life-time suicide attempt among the boys.

Conclusions:

This study provides important data about the role of attachment, negative affectivity, and social support in suicide attempts in a total population of Faroese adolescents. Moreover the results show the necessity of taking gender into account in research of risk and protective factors of suicide attempts, and when establishing arrangements to prevent and treat suicide attempts in adolescents.
Preadolescents with Immigrant Backgrounds: The Relationship between Emotional Problems, Parental Achievement Values, and Comparison
Authors: Alves Daniele E. , Gustavson Kristin , Roysamb Espen , Oppedal Brit , Zachrisson Henrik D.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Although strong parental achievement values have been associated with positive outcomes among children (e.g., academic success), they have also been connected to emotional problems. The latter effect may be the result of pressure related to such things as parental comparison of filial achievement, which appears to be more predominant among immigrant parents as compared with non-immigrant parents.

Objectives:

Our goals were to assess the following: 1) whether higher levels of parental achievement values and comparison are found among immigrant preadolescents; and (2) whether comparison (i.e., comparing a child’s achievements with those of siblings and peers) can account for the link between strong parental achievement values and emotional problems among the children of immigrants.

Methods:

The sample included 902 preadolescents between the ages of 10 and 12 years from two Norwegian cities: Oslo (79%) and Bergen (21%). Forty-seven percent of the sample had immigrant parents, and the others had non-immigrant parents. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by fifth, sixth, and seventh graders from fourteen schools during normal school hours; the questionnaires were completed after school by students from Turkey and Sri Lanka. The questionnaire included measures of emotional problems, parental achievement values, comparison, and school hassles. We used a moderated mediation model to test whether the relationship between parental achievement values and emotional problems was accounted for by comparison and to look at whether this mediation was stronger for preadolescents with immigrant backgrounds as compared with their non-immigrant peers. Background and academic factors that could confound the unique relationships among the main variables were adjusted for in the analyses.

Results:

The association between parental achievement values and emotional problems was found to be mediated by comparison. Higher levels of parental achievement values were associated with more comparison, and this relationship was stronger for preadolescents with immigrant backgrounds. Comparison was only linked to emotional problems in preadolescents with immigrant backgrounds.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that stronger parental achievement values among immigrants as compared with non-immigrants in Norway are found as early as preadolescence and that comparison may be part of the link between strong parental achievement values and emotional problems.
Determinants of Binge Drinking among Adolescents in Denmark
Authors: Pedersen Maria , Andersen Per Kragh , Sabroe Svend
Published: June 2016

Background and Objective:

Binge drinking is a relatively common behavior among adolescents in Denmark. The aim of this study is to assess whether peer alcohol drinking, mothersâ€™ and fathersâ€™ attitudes toward alcohol drinking, and the adolescentsâ€™ own financial situations (e.g., the presence of pocket money) predict binge drinking among adolescents in Denmark.

Methods:

This study is based on the Danish data from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs, which took place in 2011. This cross-sectional survey obtained data from 2765 adolescents who were in grade 9 in Denmark at that time. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between the outcome variable of binge drinking and the exposure variables of alcohol-drinking peers, pocket money, and motherâ€™s/fatherâ€™s approval of intoxication.

Results:

The risk of binge drinking increased with the number of alcohol-drinking peers (trend test, p ` .0001) and with the amount of pocket money spent (trend test, p ` .0001. The association between the motherâ€™s approval of intoxication and binge drinking is complex. Boys had a higher risk of binge drinking (odds ratio, 2.2 [1.1-4.3]) if their mothers approved of their intoxication with alcohol; however, this association was not seen among girls (odds ratio, 1.0 [0.5-2.0]). There was no significant association between the fatherâ€™s approval of intoxication and binge drinking.

Conclusion:

The proportion of alcohol-drinking peers and the amount of pocket money spent appear to be determinants of adolescent binge drinking. The motherâ€™s approval of intoxication appears to be a determinant for binge drinking among boys but not among girls. The fatherâ€™s approval of intoxication does not appear to be a determinant of binge drinking.
A Systematic Review of Social Communication and Interaction Interventions for Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Hirvikoski Tatja , Jonsson Ulf , Halldner Linda , Lundequist Aiko , de Schipper Elles , Nordin Viviann , Bölte Sven
Published: June 2016

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is currently not curable, but it may be malleable to varying degrees in response to different interventions to improve outcomes.

Objective:

We conducted a systematic review of interventions aimed at ameliorating social communication impairments in patients with ASD. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (no. CRD42013003780).

Methods:

We focused on the ASD interventions that are frequently applied in Swedish clincial practice to address ASD. To ensure stakeholder involvement, we also conducted two surveys with three major Swedish ASD interest organizations to assess perceived research priorities for ASD treatment. With the use of this rationale for selection, Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention [EIBI], Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children [TEACCH], social skills training groups, and interventions that involved significant others were reviewed. A bibliographic search was conducted via five databases: Medline, PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and ERIC. Identified articles were screened for relevance by two independent reviewers, who also assessed the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials using systematic checklists.

Results:

A total of 7264 citations were identified as being published before February 2013, and 109 studies (18 of EIBI, 18 of social skills training, 4 of TEACCH, and 69 of interventions involving significant others) were included in the analysis. The included studies provided some support for the positive effects of each of the interventions; this is especially true if the most recently published research (March 2013 through August 2015) is considered, and a crude updated search for relevant randomized controlled trials was performed. The interventions that involve the significant others of individuals with ASD form a heterogenous area of treatment strategies that require subcategorization for future review.

Conclusions:

These findings provide preliminary support for treatments that are commonly used in clinical practice for the treatment of ASD in Sweden. However, larger and more rigorously designed and controlled studies are still needed before definitive conclusions regarding their effects can be made.
The Influence of Mental Health, Psychosocial Factors, and Educational Skills on the Educational Aspirations of Indigenous Sámi and Non-Indigenous Adolescents in the Arctic
Authors: Bania Elisabeth Valmyr , Eckhoff Christian , Kvernmo Siv
Published: June 2016

Background:

Mental health and psychosocial factors seem to influence the educational aspirations of adolescents, which are also known to be related to educational skills and sociodemographic factors such as gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status. Previously, the relationship between educational aspirations and mental health, psychosocial factors, and educational and sociocultural conditions has not been investigated in Arctic adolescents.

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the influence of mental health, psychosocial factors, and educational skills on educational aspirations among multiethnic adolescents in an Arctic sociocultural context.

Method:

The Norwegian Arctic Adolescent Health Study, which was conducted from 2003 to 2005, is a cross-sectional school-based survey. Individuals from the total population of 5877 tenth graders between the ages of 15 and 16 years were invited to participate in the study. Of this group, 4881 participated (response rate, 83%), 50.1% were female, and 10% were indigenous Sámi.

Results:

Educational skills as measured by higher average mark were associated with higher aspirations; lower average mark was associated with lower aspirations. Weaker peer support and stronger parental involvement influenced aspirations in individuals with both higher and lower aspirations. Adolescents with lower rates of hyperactivity and inattention problems reported higher aspirations, whereas adolescents with emotional problems showed a greater inclination toward intermediate aspirations. In addition, males and Sámi adolescents showed lower aspirations and were more likely to be located in more remote and northern areas.

Conclusions:

This study confirmed earlier findings that educational skills have a strong influence on educational aspirations. However, mental health as well as social, familial, and residential contexts must be addressed to foster adolescents’ educational aspirations. Negative peer support for master’s and vocational degrees should be addressed by families and schools. Gender, ethnicity, and religious affiliation had limited effects on the educational aspirations of the students in this study.
The Relationship between Personality Disorders and Quality of Life in Adolescent Outpatients
Authors: Korsgaard Hans Ole , Torgersen Svenn , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Ulberg Randi
Published: June 2016

Background:

During recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the benefits of the early detection and treatment of personality disorders in adolescents. Previous studies of adults have shown that the number of personality disorder criteria met is negatively correlated with a patient’s quality of life and general functioning.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of personality disorders, particularly with regard to the correlation between the number of personality disorder criteria fulfilled and self-perceived quality of life. Distribution according to gender and age in a clinical sample of adolescent outpatients were also considered.

Method:

This study included 153 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17 years who were referred to a mental health outpatient clinic. Personality disorders were assessed using the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality. Quality of life was assessed using the Youth Quality of Life Instrument - Research Version, which is a 41-item questionnaire that covers broad aspects of quality of life. Axis I disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

Results:

Results demonstrated that 21.6% of the adolescents met the diagnostic criteria for at least one personality disorder. A relationship between the number of personality disorder criteria met and reduced quality of life was found. No significant gender differences with regard to the prevalence of each of the personality disorders were revealed. Adjustment for the presence of Axis I disorders did not appreciably affect these findings

Conclusion:

The present study indicates that reduced quality of life as a result of the number of personality disorder criteria met affects adolescents in much the same way that it does adults. This further emphasizes the clinical importance of including quality of life assessment as part of the general diagnostic procedures used with adolescents.
Continuity between Stressful Experiences and Delusion Content in Adolescents with Psychotic Disorders – A Pilot Study
Authors: Catone Gennaro , Pisano Simone , Broome Matthew , Lindau Juliana Fortes , Pascotto Antonio , Gritti Antonella
Published: June 2016

Background:

Delusions are usually considered core symptoms of schizophrenia, but they are in fact associated with a wide range of psychiatric disorders. The content of a delusion is often related to stressful life experiences that preceded the delusion.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to detect whether there is a link—specifically, a thematic link—between past experiences and delusion content that connects the two events via thematic analogy.

Method:

The sample population evaluated for this study consisted of 16 consecutive patients with delusions between the ages of 9.9 and 16.5 years. All patients were experiencing their first psychotic episodes and were not taking any medications. Data were obtained from transcribed clinical sessions.

Results:

The data suggested the presence of a thematic link between previous experiences and the contents of delusions for 15 patients (93%). Humiliating events, including bullying, are more likely to be linked to persecutory delusions (p = .004).

Conclusions:

If a thematic link between past experiences and delusion content does exist, this may provide a means of greater psychotherapeutic understanding.
Collection of developmental history in the evaluation of schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Reiersen Angela M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder that is characterized by varying levels of hallucinations, delusions, negative symptoms, and disorganized features. The presence and severity of neurodevelopmental precursors and premorbid psychopathology also vary among individuals. To fully understand individual patients and to sort out phenotypic heterogeneity for genetic research studies, instruments designed to collect developmental history relevant to schizophrenia may be helpful.

Objective

The goal was to describe a pair of self-report and parent-report instruments developed for the purpose of collecting the developmental history of patients with known or suspected schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Method

Two developmental history instruments were designed for use in studies of brain morphology and cognition in schizophrenia probands and their unaffected siblings. The instruments focus mainly on motor abnormalities and other features that have been described as schizophrenia precursors.

Results

The Motor Skills History Form is a brief self-report form that asks about patients’ childhood and adolescent motor abilities as well as their current motor functioning. The Developmental & Motor History Form is a more detailed parent-rated form that covers aspects of patients’ early (infant/preschool) development; their childhood and adolescent motor abilities; any childhood behaviors that may be related to later psychosis risk; and their history of any neurological, emotional, or cognitive disorders diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. The instruments can be used either for interviews or as self-administered questionnaires. The parent-rated form has been used for research and for the clinical assessment of children and adolescents with complex neurodevelopmental presentations with or without strong evidence of schizophrenia risk.

Conclusions

The collection of developmental history information is important when evaluating individuals with schizophrenia and related disorders. The Motor Skills History Form and the Developmental & Motor History Form can be used to collect this information for clinical evaluation or research purposes.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the KONTAKT Social Skills Group Training Program for Children and Adolescents with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A feasibility Study
Authors: Olsson Nora Choque , Karlsson Agneta , Andersson Sofia , Boström Annie , Ljungström Mari , Bölte Sven
Published: June 2016

Background

Social skills group training is an intervention method that has demonstrated moderate evidence of improvement among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). KONTAKT is a manualized social skills group training program that was developed in Germany and that has demonstrated preliminary evidence of positive effect. In this study, we describe its adaptation to Scandinavian settings.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of the Swedish version of KONTAKT. The program was piloted in two outpatient departments in Stockholm County.

Method

A convergent mixed-method approach that involved both quantitative (ratings scales for ASD, clinical severity, and adaptive functioning) and qualitative (semi-structured interviewing) evaluation was applied. Twenty-two children and adolescents with high-functioning ASD between the ages of 8 and 17 years and their parents were enrolled in a one-group trial and completed assessments before and after KONTAKT training.

Results

The quantitative evaluation showed improvements in social communication and global everyday functioning; the qualitative evaluations yielded general treatment satisfaction. Twenty of the 22 enrolled adolescents (91%) completed the training.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the Swedish adaptation of KONTAKT is feasible for Scandinavian clinical settings. It is currently being examined for efficacy and effectiveness in the largest multicenter randomized controlled trial of social skills group training in patients with ASD that has ever been undertaken (NCT01854346).
Anxiety Disorders among Adolescents referred to General Psychiatry for Multiple Causes: Clinical Presentation, Prevalence, and Comorbidity
Authors: Olofsdotter Susanne , Vadlin Sofia , Sonnby Karin , Furmark Tomas , Nilsson Kent W.
Published: June 2016

Background

Reports of anxiety disorder characteristics among youth in clinical settings typically include descriptions of patients who have been specifically referred for anxiety treatment. At odds with a large body of evidence which demonstrates these disorders to be most common among young people, prevalence studies in samples referred to general psychiatry for multiple causes are scarce and report highly discrepant estimates.

Methods

For this study and regardless of their presenting symptoms, 125 adolescents (57.6% girls) between the ages of 12 and 18 years who were consecutively referred to two child and adolescent general psychiatry clinics in Sweden were assessed for anxiety disorders and comorbidity using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children. Self-ratings of anxiety symptoms and difficulties with family, school, friends, sleep, and body aches were also obtained.

Results

At least one anxiety disorder was found in 46% of participants. Among anxious adolescents, homotypic comorbidity (concurrent anxiety) was observed in 43%, and heterotypic comorbidity (concurrent non-anxiety psychiatric disorders) was observed in 91%. No comorbidity was observed in 5%. Trauma, ache, and difficulties making friends were more common among anxious adolescents as compared with psychiatrically referred adolescents without anxiety.

Conclusions

The finding that only 21% of adolescents diagnosed with anxiety disorders were referred for anxiety further supports the routine use of standardized and structured instruments—irrespective of referral cause—to improve both precision and detection rates in the clinical setting. Comprehensive assessments are of utmost importance to fully address the complexity of the symptoms in this patient group.
Are Autistic Traits in Youth Meaningful? A Replication study in Non-referred Siblings of Youth with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Biederman Joseph , Fitzgerald Maura , Faraone Stephen V. , Fried Ronna , Woodworth K. Yvonne , Saunders Alexandra , Conroy Kristina , Joshi Gagan
Published: June 2016

Background

We previously described the high prevalence and burden of significant autistic traits (ATs) in youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These traits are associated with significantly greater impairment in psychopathological, interpersonal, educational, and neuropsychological functioning. Because the sample consisted of referred ADHD youth, uncertainty remained regarding whether these findings are generalizable to non-referred populations of youths with and without ADHD.

Objective

The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence and implications of ATs in a non-referred population of siblings of probands with and without ADHD.

Method

Participants were non-referred siblings of probands with ADHD (N = 257) and control probands (N = 234) of longitudinal, case-control family studies conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital. Assessments included measures of psychiatric, psychosocial, educational, and cognitive functioning. The presence of significant ATs was operationalized using the Child Behavior Checklist AT profile, which consists of combined aggregate T-scores of ≥ 195 on the Withdrawn, Social, and Thought Problems subscales.

Results

ATs were significantly more prevalent among the siblings of probands with ADHD as compared with siblings of control probands (6% vs. 1%; P = .02). Siblings of probands with ADHD with a positive AT profile (N = 15) were significantly more impaired than those without an AT profile (N = 242) with regard to psychopathological, interpersonal, educational, and neuropsychological functioning.

Conclusions

The current study reports a higher-than-expected prevalence of ATs in a non-referred sample of siblings of youth with ADHD, which is consistent with previous findings regarding ATs in a referred sample of youth with ADHD. The presence of ATs is associated with higher levels of morbidity and dysfunction.
Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment for Youth Treated With Antipsychotic Medications
Authors: Nicol Ginger E. , Kolko Rachel P , Mills Monica , Gunnarsdottir Thrudur , Yingling Michael D. , Schweiger Julia A. , Lenze Eric J. , Newcomer John W. , Wilfley Denise
Published: June 2016

Background:

Youth who are being treated with antipsychotic medications are at increased risk for the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Behavioral weight loss treatments show promise for reducing obesity and diabetes risk among adults treated with these drugs, but such treatments have not previously been studied in youth.

Objective

We describe a rationale for behavioral weight loss intervention for high-weight youth being treated with antipsychotic medications. We report behavioral, anthropomorphic, and metabolic findings from a case series of obese adolescents taking antipsychotic medications who participated in a short-term, family-based behavioral weight loss intervention.

Methods

We adapted the Traffic Light Plan, a 16-week family-based weight loss intervention that promotes healthy energy balance using the colors of the traffic light to categorize the nutritional value of foods and the intensity of physical activity. We then added a social and ecological framework to address health behavior change in multiple social contexts. The intervention was administered to three obese adolescents with long-term antipsychotic medication exposure. The efficacy of the intervention was evaluated with a battery of anthropomorphic and metabolic assessments, including weight, body mass index percentile, whole body adiposity, liver fat content, and fasting plasma glucose and lipid levels. Participants and their parents also filled out a treatment satisfaction questionnaire after study completion.

Results

Two boys and one girl, all of whom were 14 years old, participated in this study. All three participants attended all 16 sessions of the intervention and experienced beneficial changes in adiposity, fasting lipid levels, and liver fat content associated with weight stabilization or weight loss. Adolescents and their parents all reported a high level of satisfaction with the treatment.

Conclusions

Family-based behavioral weight loss treatment can be feasibly delivered and is acceptable to youth taking antipsychotic medications and their families. Randomized controlled trials are needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of these treatments for these individuals.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT01222494
Monthly rainfall forecasting using neural networks for sugarcane regions in Eastern Australia
Authors: Haidar Ali , Verma Brijesh
Published: June 2016

Sugarcane is an important agricultural crop grown on the east coast of Australia. The timing and amount of rainfall is critical in determining both the yield of sugar and scheduling of harvesting operations. Rainfall forecasts issued through the Australian Bureau of Meteorology are based on general circulation models (GCMs) and have a poor skill levels. They are also limited in utility to end-users such as farmers as they cover very broad geographical areas and are only issued as probabilities above or below median. This paper presents an alternative approach for forecasting monthly rainfall with up to 12 month lead-time based on machine learning, in particular neural networks. Monthly rainfall forecasts have been developed for the eight locations in Eastern Australia at 3 and 12 month lead-time. The accuracy of the forecasts has been assessed relative to a skill scale with 0% representing climatology (the long term average) and 100% representing a perfect forecast (observation). On this scale, neural network forecasts are typically in the range 39.9–68% for all months using a single month optimization. This compares very favorably with forecasts using GCM from the Bureau that have skill levels only in the range −20% to 20%.
Correlation analysis and threshold value research on the form and function indexes of an urban interconnected river system network
Authors: Dou Ming , Yu Lu , Jin Meng , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2016

As urbanization has accelerated, the form of river and lake systems has changed greatly in cities, which has caused variations in the functioning of the interconnected river system network (IRSN). To quantitatively evaluate the influence of the urbanization process on IRSN, the form index system and function index system were established in this study. The form index system involved eight indexes, and the function index system included 18 indexes. We also used statistical methods to analyze the correlations between the form indexes and the function indexes of the IRSN. Multiple linear regression equations were established between the variations in the IRSN form indexes and the function indexes. Finally, we determined the threshold values of the IRSN form indexes that can meet Zhengzhou City's future development demands for water function. The threshold value for the drainage network density is between 0.32 and 0.33; the threshold value for the node connection rate is between 1.54 and 2; the threshold value for the degree of connectivity between river systems ranges from 0.55 to 0.77; and the threshold value for circuitry of the river ranges from 0.40 to 0.60. Validation shows that these values are reasonable.
Interpreting unique colloidal response of TiO2 nanomaterials to controlled sonication for understanding of their assembly configuration in water
Authors: Wu Siyang , Choi Hyeok
Published: June 2016

It is important to determine the assembly configuration of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) because assembly configuration influences their fate and transport behavior in the aquatic environment. Aggregated particles are more subject to segregation upon changes of environmental conditions (and vice versa) than agglomerated particles. As a strategic tool for investigating the time-resolved reversible segregating and assembling behavior of ENMs and thus estimating their assembly configuration, a controlled sonication process was proposed. It was hypothesized that the unique colloidal response of ENMs to sonication, with respect to changes in size, might be their intrinsic property associated with assembly configuration. As a model ENM, three different TiO2 particles with unique properties (commercial P-25 and UV 100 and home-made (HM) TiO2) were examined with programmed sonication processes under various environmental settings. When they were dispersed in water, all TiO2 particles tested obviously assembled to form much larger clusters. Size of P-25 decreased immediately upon sonication and did not change under the subsequent quiescence step while sizes of UV 100 and HM gradually decreased and then slowly recovered back to their initial sizes. The trend was generally observed in all conditions tested. The unique colloidal response of TiO2 could be explained by its properties associated with assembly configuration.
Pyridinium-functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a reusable adsorbent for phosphate removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Ma Fang , Du Hongtao , Li Ronghua , Zhang Zengqiang
Published: June 2016

In this work, pyridinium-functionalized silica nanoparticles adsorbent (PC/SiO2/Fe3O4) was synthesized for phosphate removal from aqueous solutions. The removal efficiency of phosphate on the PC/SiO2/Fe3O4 was carried out and investigated under various conditions such as pH, contact temperature and initial concentration. The results showed that the adsorption equilibrium could be reached within 10 min, which fitted a Langmuir isotherm model, with maximum adsorption capacity of 94.16 mg/g, and the kinetic data were fitted well by pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion models. Phosphate loaded on the adsorbents could be easily desorbed with 0.2 mol/L of NaOH, and the adsorbents showed good reusability. The adsorption capacity was still around 50 mg/g after 10 times of reuse. All the results demonstrated that this pyridinium-functionalized mesoporous material could be used for the phosphate removal from aqueous solution and it was easy to collect due to its magnetic properties.
Innovation results of IAM planning in urban water services
Authors: Cardoso M. A. , Poças A. , Silva M. S. , Ribeiro R. , Almeida M. C. , Brito R. S. , Coelho S. T. , Alegre H.
Published: June 2016

The requirement to provide urban water services continuously while infrastructures are ageing, imposes the need for increasingly sustainable infrastructure asset management (IAM). To achieve and maintain adequate levels of service, the AWARE-P IAM methodology has been applied in collaborative projects launched by the National Civil Engineering Laboratory, in partnership with IST (Technical University of Lisbon), Addition (software company) and several water utilities. The objective of these projects is to support urban water utilities in the development, implementation and maintenance of IAM plans. To guarantee the success of IAM planning, following the AWARE-P IAM methodology, utilities are required to: consider that the infrastructure has system behaviour and lifespan is indefinite and guarantee the full-alignment of IAM planning with organisation objectives. By analysing the strategic and tactical plans of participating utilities, the proposed methodology principles are discussed and supported. The main innovation results from the implementation of IAM planning are also presented and discussed, including the challenges of setting up an IAM process, together with the major benefits and drawbacks that come up when developing IAM plans. The results were demonstrated by the effective implementation of 16 strategic and 14 tactical IAM plans by the participating utilities.
Improvement of the intersection method for the quantification of filamentous organisms: basis and practice for bulking and foaming bioindication purposes
Authors: Salvadó Humbert
Published: June 2016

Bulking and foaming phenomena in activated sludge wastewater treatment plants are in most cases related to the abundance of filamentous microorganisms. Quantifying these microorganisms should be a preliminary stage in their control. In this paper, the simplicity of quantifying them based on the intersection method is demonstrated, by redescribing the theory and applying a new improved protocol; new data of interest are also provided. The improved method allows us to use it with stained smears, including epifluorescence techniques. The error that could be made, when considering the distribution of filamentous bacteria in fresh microscope preparations in two dimensions rather than three is negligible. The effect of the different types of filamentous microorganisms on the settleability was also studied. The effect of the total extended filament length on the sludge settleability was shown to depend on the type of filamentous organism and how it aggregates. When these groups of filamentous organisms are found in small aggregations and there is an increase in the number of filamentous organisms, the sludge volume index (SVI) increases proportionally to the filament length. However, when aggregation increases, the impact on the SVI is significantly lower.
Chitosan/Graphene Oxide Composite as an Effective Adsorbent for Reactive Red Dye Removal
Authors: Guo Xiaoqing , Qu Lijun , Tian Mingwei , Zhu Shifeng , Zhang Xiansheng , Tang Xiaoning , Sun Kaikai
Published: June 2016

Chitosan, modified with different dosages of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), was first prepared, and its adsorption capacity for reactive red (RR) dye in aqueous solutions was investigated, in this paper. The structure and morphology of the adsorbents were characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, BET, and TGA. The effect of varying parameters (pH, temperature, adsorbent loading, and contact time) was also investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity based on the Langmuir model was found to be 32.16 mg/g. In addition, experimental kinetic data were analyzed by the psuedo‐first order and psuedo‐second order equation models. The psuedo‐second order model proved to be the best model for the adsorption system, which suggested that adsorption might be controlled by the chemical rate‐limiting step through sharing of electrons or by covalent forces.
Surface Water Contamination Risk Assessment Modeled by Fuzzy‐WRASTIC
Authors: Alavipoor Fatemeh Sadat , Ghorbaninia Zahra , Karimi Saeed , Jafari Hamidreza
Published: June 2016

This research provides a Fuzzy‐WRASTIC new model for water resource contamination risk assessment in a GIS (Geographic Information System) environment. First, this method setting in a multi‐criteria evaluation framework (MCE) reviewed and mapped the sub criteria of every above‐mentioned criterion. Then, related sub‐layers were phased by the observance of GIS environment standards. In the next step, first the sub‐layers were combined together, next the modeling of pollution risk status was done by utilizing a fuzzy overlay method and applying the OR, AND, SUM, PRODUCT and GAMMA operators by using WLC (Weighted Linear Combination) method and providing weights in the WRASTIC model. The results provide the best combination of modeling and the percentages of its risk categories of low, medium, high and very high, which are respectively 1.8, 14.07, 51.43 and 32.7. More areas have severe risk due to the unbalanced arrangement and compact of land uses around the compact surface water resources.
Determination of Biosolids Phosphorus Solubility and Its Relationship to Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Jameson Molly , White Jeffrey G. , Osmond Deanna L. , Aziz Tarek
Published: June 2016

In North Carolina (NC), biosolids land application rates governed by crop nitrogen (N) requirements typically surpass crop phosphorus (P) needs, increasing surface water pollution potential. The NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) is considering P‐based biosolids application guidelines for some nutrient‐impaired watersheds using the P Loss Assessment Tool (PLAT), but important biosolids information is lacking: total P (TP), water‐extractable P (WEP), and percent water‐extractable P (PWEP). In each of three seasons, we sampled 28 biosolids from 26 participating water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) and analyzed for TP, WEP, and percent dry matter (DM), from which PWEP and nonsoluble P were calculated. Based on descriptive statistics and an online survey of treatment processes, biosolids were divided into Class A‐alkaline, Class A‐heat, Class B‐slurry, and Class B‐cake. The average TP in Class A alkaline stabilized biosolids was more than five times less than the average of the other biosolids, 5.0 vs. 26.6 g/kg, respectively. Averaged over biosolids, WEP and PWEP were 1.4 g/kg and 5.0%, respectively. Stabilization processes appeared to reduce WEP substantially, so biosolids potential soluble‐P loss is low. Our data will allow PLAT to be used for biosolids P‐loss risk assessments.
Aqueous Antibacterial Enhancement Using Kapok Fibers Chemically Modified in 3‐D Crosslinked Structure
Authors: Wang Runkai , Shin Chul‐Ho , Chang Yungyu , Kim Daeik , Park Joon‐Seok
Published: June 2016

The surface of a kapok fiber was coated with Dopamine (DOPA) through a three‐dimensional (3‐D) polymerization. Such surface‐modified kapok fiber was useful in deactivating microbial activity of microorganisms such as bacteria. The morphology of the surface‐modified kapok fiber was analyzed with a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM). After a silver coating process along with DOPA functionalization, a strong antibacterial property was observed against Escherichia coli (E. coli), using a direct contact method. Almost 100% of bacterial cells were deactivated in 4 h, also showing a complete hindrance to a bacterial growth for 48 h. With the help of the images of FE‐SEM and its analysis, the mechanism of an antibacterial assay was enlightened and reasonably estimated that silver ions from the poly‐DOPA‐coated kapok fiber with silver (KF‐DOPA/Ag) led to alterations of cell morphology. This 3‐D composite successfully interacted in vitro with functional groups in terms of bacterial deactivation.