bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microplastics in the continuous biofilm reactor: Occurrence, fate, and removal
Authors: Nur A , Soewondo P , Setiyawan AS , Oginawati K
Published: August 2022

The occurrence of microplastics in a continuous biofilm reactor during the process over a period of 53 days poses a concern for the quality of the treated water. The aim of this study seeks to expand the knowledge of the dynamic of microplastics inside biofilm reactors by investigating their occurrence, fate, and removal. A 91.5 L continuous laboratory-scale reactor consists of four compartments, anoxic-1, anoxic-2, aerobic (A2O), and sedimentation. It was fed with raw domestic wastewater from a residential scale of the wastewater treatment plant in Bandung, Indonesia. In order to investigate the occurrence of microplastics inside a biofilm reactor, it is crucial to consider into account all treatment stages. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in the influent and the final effluent were 810 MP/L and 10 MP/L respectively. The A2O process in this study demonstrated a high potential for microplastics removal from residential wastewater, in which it could be removed 99.18% of microplastics. The highest abundance was retained in the sludge. The remaining was found in the biofilm and in the final effluent. Microplastics less than 500 μm in size with the abundant microplastics types of fiber, and fragments were detected most frequently in the samples. Moreover, polyester (PES) and cotton were the dominant polymer types in the biofilm reactor detected by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).
Properties of recycled hot asphalt mixture added with mastic asphalt component
Authors: Thanaya I N A , Ariawan I M A , Yudistira I D G R , Widiyarta I M
Published: August 2022

The use of natural aggregates can be reduced by utilizing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). In field, there have been many simple recycling applications of RAP with addition of new asphalt and stone ash as road pavement on community housing areas. The objective of this experiment is to provide engineering properties of the mixture. Asphalt pen 60/70 was softened or rejuvenated with 11% SAE 10 engine oil, to obtain asphalt pen 180/200. The mixtures were produced by adding the RAP with 10% and 20% rock ash and soften asphalt, in hot mix process. The added asphalt content was varied by 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5% and 4% by weight of the RAP, and compacted at 2x50 Marshall blows. The mixture of RAP with 10% stone ash at 3% added asphalt gave better performances compared to the mixture with 20% stone ash, in which the stability value was 3380.5 kg, flow 3.08 mm, Marshall Quotient of 1097.65 kg/mm, VIM 3.077%, VMA 18.95%, VFB 83.84%, Cantabro 9.02%, ITSM 5422 MPa, creep slope 0.267, and fatigue with load of 700; 900; 1100 KPa failed at 6101; 1471; 831 load repetitions. The mixture well meet the specification for typical mixtures for low to medium trafficked roads.
Evaluation of Pedestrian Facilities Performance
Authors: Hidayat N , Haryanto I , Isheka R P
Published: August 2022

Most of sidewalks, especially in developing countries, are roled as public area with many social activities besides as the main function for serving pedestrian movement. Therefore, sidewalks may need some facilities to support user activities, namely benches, planting, including stalls for street vendors. The aims of this research is to evaluate pedestrian facilities in two different characteristic zone y.i. residential and business area in Yogyakarta city using Pedestrian Index (P-Index) method. The data are collected in KHA Dahlan-H Agus Salim-Kauman coridors, and Sudirman-Suroto coridors, that both coridors are considered residential and business area in downtown of Yogyakarta. Some variables are taken in to account, namely mobility, safety, facility, and accessibility. The results reveal that the pedestrian facilities are supportive towards pedestrians. The sidewalk in Sudirman-Suroto corridors are better in safety aspect, but must be improved.
Is smart water meter temporal resolution a limiting factor to residential water end-use classification? A quantitative experimental analysis
Authors: Heydari Zahra , Cominola Andrea , Stillwell Ashlynn S
Published: August 2022

Water monitoring in households provides occupants and utilities with key information to support water conservation and efficiency in the residential sector. High costs, intrusiveness, and practical complexity limit appliance-level monitoring via sub-meters on every water-consuming end use in households. Non-intrusive machine learning methods have emerged as promising techniques to analyze observed data collected by a single meter at the inlet of the house and estimate the disaggregated contribution of each water end use. While fine temporal resolution data allow for more accurate end-use disaggregation, there is an inevitable increase in the amount of data that needs to be stored and analyzed. To explore this tradeoff and advance previous studies based on synthetic data, we first collected 1 s resolution indoor water use data from a residential single-point smart water metering system installed at a four-person household, as well as ground-truth end-use labels based on a water diary recorded over a 4-week study period. Second, we trained a supervised machine learning model (random forest classifier) to classify six water end-use categories across different temporal resolutions and two different model calibration scenarios. Finally, we evaluated the results based on three different performance metrics (micro, weighted, and macro F1 scores). Our findings show that data collected at 1- to 5-s intervals allow for better end-use classification (weighted F-score higher than 0.85), particularly for toilet events; however, certain water end uses (e.g., shower and washing machine events) can still be predicted with acceptable accuracy even at coarser resolutions, up to 1 min, provided that these end-use categories are well represented in the training dataset. Overall, our study provides insights for further water sustainability research and widespread deployment of smart water meters.
Minimizing entropy for translation surfaces
Authors: Colognese Paul , Pollicott Mark
Published: August 2022

In this note we consider the entropy by Dankwart [On the large-scale geometry of flat surfaces, 2014, PhD thesis. https://bib.math.uni-bonn.de/downloads/bms/BMS-401.pdf] of unit area translation surfaces in theSL(2,R)SL(2, \mathbb R)orbits of square tiled surfaces that are the union of squares, where the singularities occur at the vertices and the singularities have a common cone angle. We show that the entropy over such orbits is minimized at those surfaces tiled by equilateral triangles where the singularities occur precisely at the vertices. We also provide a method for approximating the entropy of surfaces in the orbits.
Representations of low copolarity
Authors: Gomes André , Gorodski Claudio
Published: August 2022

We classify irreducible representations of compact connected Lie groups whose orbit space is isometric to the orbit space of a representation of a compact Lie group of dimension 

7
7

,

8
8

or

9
9

. They turn out to be closely related to symmetric spaces, with one exception only.
Regulation of membrane scission in yeast endocytosis
Authors: Menon Deepikaa , Hummel Daniel , Kaksonen Marko
Published: August 2022

Yeast N-BAR protein complex Rvs regulates scission of clathrin-coated endocytic vesicles. Rvs is recruited by its curvature-sensing BAR domain as well as curvature independently by its SH3 domain. Rvs allows invagination growth by scaffolding the membrane and thereby delaying scission. Rvs also regulates the dynamics of the endocytic actin network.
The Use of Time Flow Analysis to Describe Changes in Physical Ergonomic Work Behaviours Following a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Participatory Ergonomic Intervention
Authors: Lund Rasmussen Charlotte , Holtermann Andreas , Hron Karel , Dumuid Dorothea , Nørregaard Rasmussen Charlotte Diana
Published: August 2022

Aim

Evaluations of participatory ergonomic interventions are often challenging as these types of interventions are tailored to the context and need of the workplace in which they are implemented. We aimed to describe how time flow analysis can be used to describe changes in work behaviours following a participatory ergonomic intervention.

Method

This study was based on data from a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial with 29 childcare institutions and 116 workers (intervention: n = 60, control: n = 56). Physical behaviours at work were technically measured at baseline and 4-month follow-up. Physical behaviours were expressed in terms of relative work time spent forward bending of the back ≥30°, kneeling, active (i.e. walking, stair climbing and running) and sedentary. Average time flow from baseline to follow-up were calculated for both groups to investigate if work time was allocated differently at follow-up.

Results

A total of 116 workers (60 in the intervention and 56 in the control group) had valid accelerometer at baseline and follow-up. The largest group difference in time flowing from baseline to follow-up was observed for forward bending of the back and time spent kneeling. Compared to the control, the intervention group had less time flowing from forward bending of the back to kneeling (intervention: +11 min day, control: +16 min day) and more time flowing from kneeling to sedentary behaviours (intervention: +15 min day, control: +10 min day).

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that time flow analysis can be used to reveal changes in work time-use following a participatory ergonomic intervention. For example, the analysis revealed that the intervention group had replaced more work time spent kneeling with sedentary behaviours compared to the control group. This type of information on group differences in time reallocations would not have been possible to obtain by comparing group differences in work time-use following the intervention, supporting the usefulness of time flow analysis as a tool to evaluate complex, context-specific interventions.
A-7 Extending the Quantified Process Approach - Application of Nonlinear Models Toward the Understanding of Neurocognitive Decline Across the Lifespan
Authors: Poreh Amir
Published: August 2022

Objective: In this presentation, I will extend the Reliability Theory of Cognitive Decline and examine the emergence of infrequent errors on neurocognitive tests following cognitive decline or brain insult.

Data Selection: Unpublished, meta norms (Figure 1), data published by Poreh (2020) (Figure 2), and cognitive/genetic data collected by the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) will be used to illustrate the validity and utility of the model.

Data Synthesis: Nonlinear models will be presented to show how performance on various neuropsychological tests declines across the life span and how the threshold and rate of decline are impacted by education and genetics (Figures 3a and 3b). Next, a new theoretical model will be used to explain how task-specific neurocognitive systems (neural networks) fail. The “time to failure” curve-fitting hazard model (Figure 4) will be used to illustrate how this process occurs and how this method can be applied to the development of age-based norms for such errors on neuropsychological tests.

Conclusions: This cohesive empirical model extends on the Quantified Process Approach using cross-sectional and longitudinal neuropsychological data. This model allows clinicians to understand the effect of education on cognition decline (also known as “brain reserve capacity”), genetic predisposition, and heuristic biases regarding cognitive aging.
A-9 Cognitive Associations to Accelerated Brain Aging in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Román Cristina , O'Shea Dede , Vargas Gray , DeLuca John , Arnett Peter A
Published: August 2022

Objective: Accelerated brain aging (ABA) has been identified in neurological/psychological populations and associated with poorer outcomes. Though studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) are limited, ABA in MS has been linked to disease progression and disability. What remains unknown is how ABA is related to cognitive functioning in MS. We hypothesized that greater levels of ABA would be associated with poorer performance on cognitive tests and higher levels of disability in persons with MS (pwMS).

Method: Each participant’s (Nf40; ages 35+) “brain age” was calculated using structural MRI and ENIGMA’s brain age model. ABA was estimated by subtracting chronological age from brain age, with higher positive values representing greater ABA. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score measured level of disability. Raw scores for BICAMS tests [Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVMT-R)] were used.

Results: Given a priori hypotheses, one-tailed partial correlations, correcting for intracranial volume and sex, were conducted. Results showed a significant inverse correlation between ABA and SDMT performance (r = −0.39, p = 0.005), such that ABA was related to poorer performance on the SDMT. In addition, ABA was significantly related to EDSS score (r = 0.32, p = 0.02). No significant associations were found between ABA and CVLT-II or BVMT-R scores.

Conclusion: This is among the first studies to examine ABA and cognition in MS. Previous findings demonstrating a relationship between ABA and disability were also replicated. These results hold promise for interventions that mitigate the effects of ABA in this patient group.
A-12 Physical Activity Attenuates the Effect of Pain on Depression Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bradson Megan L , Riegler Kaitlin E , Thomas Garrett A , Arnett Peter A
Published: August 2022

Objective: This study examined physical activity as a potential moderator of the relationship between pain and depression symptoms in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). We hypothesized that pain would predict depression symptoms only in PwMS with low physical activity.

Method: Fifty-four PwMS (38 female) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and questionnaires. Pain was operationalized as a composite of measures from the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The metabolic equivalents (METs) of energy expended during vigorous activity (VA), moderate activity (MA), and walking, as well as global activity which combined the three, were derived from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) based on parameters previously used by Dlugonski et al. (2011). Lower METs suggest less physical activity. The Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS) was used to measure depression symptoms. Linear regressions on depression examining pain, each physical activity index, and their interactions were explored.

Results: Regression analyses showed that the interaction between pain and global MET significantly predicted depression (p = 0.01). Simple effects tests revealed that pain predicted depression symptoms only in PwMS with low MET scores (p < 0.001). The separate interactions between pain and VA, MA, and walking predicting depression symptoms were not significant.

Conclusion: We found that global physical activity moderated the relationship between pain and depression in MS. Specifically, pain predicted depression symptoms in PwMS who engaged in less physical activity. These results highlight the importance of screening PwMS for pain and suggest that interventions aimed at increasing overall physical activity may be useful in improving depression outcomes in PwMS with pain.
A-105 The Utility of Subjective Reports in Predicting Objective Prospective Memory Outcomes in Amnestic and Non-Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Aldaco Juan Pablo Hernandez , Olmos Winter , Baez Abril , O'Brien Tanner , Kozuki Jordan , Alving Loren , Lent David , Woo Ellen
Published: August 2022

Objective: Prospective memory (PM) involves remembering to carry out an intended action in the future and is impacted in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (ad). Subjective ratings have been used in reporting patient PM outcomes. This study examined the utility of subjective reports in predicting objective PM in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment (naMCI) and healthy older adults.

Methods: Participants included 58 healthy controls (HC), 37 persons with aMCI, and 28 individuals with naMCI. Subjective reports were assessed using caregiver and participant ratings on the Prospective-Retrospective Memory Questionnaire. An objective PM measure was used during the neuropsychological assessment. Simple PM involves remembering to request any pill after a task. Complex PM involves remembering to request the correct number of pills after each task.

Results: Linear regression analyses revealed that subjective caregiver and participant ratings predicted simple PM performance for only the HC group, where caregiver reports were unique predictors. Subjective caregiver and participant ratings were not predictive of complex PM performance in any of the groups.

Conclusion: Results indicate that subjective caregiver reports were only predictive of healthy participants’ objective simple PM outcomes. This indicates that generally overall subjective ratings are not a substitute for actual PM outcomes in ad and MCI groups. In conclusion, researchers and clinicians should not rely solely on subjective reports in predicting objective outcomes.
A-106 Diagnostic Predictive Utility of Perceived Subjective Cognitive Complaints Measured by Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8)
Authors: Brundage Katie , Holtzer Roee
Published: August 2022

Objective: Literature regarding the association between the presence and persistence of subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) and cognitive impairments is inconsistent. Therefore, we examined whether SCCs status (no/non-persistent/persistent SCCs), predicted the risk of developing incident Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Methods: Participants were dementia-free community-residing older adults. We assessed SCCs at the baseline visit and via bi-monthly structured phone interviews during the first study year using the Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8). Non-persistent status required one SCCs endorsement and Persistent status required two or more SCCs endorsements. Cognitive status was determined by established case conference diagnostic procedures. Participants were followed annually up to 5 years. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), logistic model type, were used to determine the odds of developing MCI during follow-up. The presence and persistence of SCCs served as the three-level predictor. Analyses adjusted for age, sex, education, ethnicity, and health status.

Results: The sample (n = 454; mean age = 75.67 ± 6.43; %female = 55.3) included 245 participants who reported no SCCs, 105 who reported 1 SCCs and 104 who reported 2 or more SCCs. 59 participants developed MCI during follow-up. GEE results showed that compared to no SCCs, persistent SCCs (OR = 3.004, 95% CI = 1.503–6.003, p = 0.002), and non-persistent endorsements of SCCs (OR = 3.760, 95%CI = 1.946–7.265, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased odds of developing MCI during follow-up.

Conclusions: The presence of SCCs regardless of its persistence was associated with increased odds of developing MCI among older adults.
A-109 Perceived Stress and Executive Function in Aging in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Steele Bailey A , Richardson Emily D , Thayer Rachel E , Whisman Mark A
Published: August 2022

Objective: The study was conducted to examine (a) the cross-sectional association between perceived stress (PS) and executive function (EF), accounting for demographic characteristics and depressive symptoms; and (b) age as a moderator of the association between PS and EF, accounting for demographics and depressive symptoms.

Method: Analyses were conducted on participants who completed Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a probability sample of individuals age > 50 years. PS was measured by self-report and EF was measured by Color Trails 2 completion time and Color Trails 2 – Color Trails 1 difference in completion time. Participants with MMSE scores<18 were excluded; the final sample included 5130 adults (54.3% women) with a mean age of 62.6 years.

Results: Linear regression analyses indicated PS was significantly and positively associated with (a) Color Trails 2 completion time (b = 8.31, p < 0.001); and (b) Color Trails difference in completion time (b = 5.03, p < 0.001). These associations remained significant when adjusting for demographic covariates and depressive symptoms. Age moderated the association between PS and EF (ps < 0.001), such that the strength of the association between PS and EF was stronger for older adults; the interaction remained significant when adjusting for demographics and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: Results suggest that (a) PS may negatively impact EF; (b) the association is independent of demographic characteristics and depressive symptoms; and (c) the negative impact of PS on EF may be more pronounced for older adults. Clinicians may consider assessing severity of PS when administering EF measures to account for psychological factors contributing to cognitive functioning.
A-111 Validation of a Rapid Screening Measure for The Early Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
Authors: Scott Bonnie M , Fernandez Dariella A , Largent Avery , Foil Heather , Schmitz Suzanne , Brouillette Robert , Keller Jeff , Hilsabeck Robin C
Published: August 2022

Objective: Examine the psychometric properties and classification accuracy of a digit symbol substitution task (DSST) to screen for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults.

Methods: Twenty-seven older adults with MCI and 50 demographically-matched healthy controls (HC) over age 60 completed the MMSE, Quick MCI (Qmci), and DSST, the latter of which was administered twice to examine the added utility of practice effects.

Results: Patients with MCI performed significantly worse than their HC counterparts on the MMSE (η2 = 0.191), Qmci (η2 = 0.153), and the first (η2 = 0.337) and second (η2 = 0.393) administration of the DSST. HC participants also demonstrated significantly greater practice effects than those with MCI who did not appear to benefit from task repetition (mean score increases of 7.4 and 0.5, respectively). The DSST exhibited excellent within-session test–retest reliability (R2 = 0.774) and was more strongly correlated with Qmci (R2 = 0.311) than MMSE (R2 = 0.112) scores. ROC analyses indicated that a cutoff score of 23.5 for the first administration (AUC = 0.860) and 27.5 for the second administration (AUC = 0.900) of the DSST were associated with superior classification accuracy to that of the MMSE (AUC = 0.759) and Qmci (AUC = 0.777). DSST difference scores (AUC = 0.764) reflecting within-session practice effects were slightly superior to the MMSE but not the Qmci. In logistic regression analyses, scores from the first administration of the DSST significantly predicted group membership and the addition of practice effects significantly improved model fit (p < 0.001) resulting in an overall classification accuracy of 85.1%.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that the DSST is a valid and reliable rapid screening measure which may prove useful for clinicians and researchers alike.
A-113 Comparison of Two Depression Screeners in a Memory Clinic Population
Authors: Szemko Julianne N , Roccaforte Analise , Yousif Mairy , Gorres Kaci , Sohoni Ruta , LoGalbo Anthony
Published: August 2022

Objective: The present study examines the degree of agreement between the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in detecting depression in older adults (ages 65+) in a memory disorder clinic sample.

Method: Data from 100 memory disorder clinic patients, ages 65–93 (M = 79.67, SD = 6.66; 57% female) was utilized. Participants were included if they completed all items of both depression questionnaires regardless of diagnosis (e.g., dementia, mild cognitive impairment, within normal limits). Patients’ scores on the PHQ-9 and GDS were obtained as part of a brief neuropsychological battery and included as variables in this study.

Results: Using established cutoffs for mild depression on each questionnaire, a Chi-square test of independence determined that there was significant agreement between the two, χ2(1) = 38.87, p < 0.001. Specifically, 81% of participants were classified by both questionnaires as either depressed or not depressed. Additionally, a Pearson’s correlation revealed that PHQ-9 scores were significantly correlated with GDS scores, r = 0.62, p < 0.001.

Conclusion: Results suggest a moderate correlation and degree of agreement between the PHQ-9 and GDS for detecting depression in a memory disorder clinic population. However, 13% of participants were identified as depressed only on the PHQ-9, while 6% were identified as depressed only on the GDS, suggesting that these two questionnaires are assessing depression in slightly different ways. Future research should attempt to replicate these findings and determine which instrument is more accurate in diagnosing depression in this population.
A-114 Feasibility of Telehealth Compensatory Cognitive Training for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Difficulties
Authors: Stypulkowski Katie , Anquillare Elizabeth , Thayer Rachel E
Published: August 2022

Objective: Older adults (OA) experiencing mild cognitive difficulties (MCD) may benefit from compensatory cognitive training (CCT) to address cognitive changes. CCT is typically delivered in person, which was not possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to investigate the feasibility of a telehealth CCT program among OA with MCD.

Method: Adults age 55+ with documented MCD (n = 28) and an optional care partner (CP; n = 18) were recruited for video-chat delivery of a 6-week, motivationally-enhanced CCT program. Participants and CPs rated technological interference following sessions on a 0 to 100 scale (higher scores = less interference), as did clinicians. Participants and CPs also provided feedback on the benefits and drawbacks of telehealth. Feasibility was assessed by tracking enrollment and completion rates, session ratings, and qualitative feedback.

Results: Of 78 potential participants, only 6% declined participation due to telehealth delivery. Eighty-six percent of participants (N = 24/28) completed the program, and no dropouts were due to telehealth. Participants (M = 81.32, SD = 25.61) and clinicians (M = 76.24, SD = 33.37) rated technological interference as occurring infrequently, though 4% of sessions were rescheduled due to technological problems. Qualitative feedback highlighted the convenience of telehealth and the drawback of mild frustration while navigating technical interference.

Conclusion: Telehealth CCT was found to be feasible among OA with MCD and their CPs. Telehealth delivery was not a barrier to recruitment, enrollment, or completion of the program, and technological problems were mostly minor. The feasibility of telehealth CCT could increase access to underserved OA and, in turn, support early detection and intervention among an at-risk population.
A-119 Adverse Childhood Experiences, Cognitive Functioning, Depression, and Anxiety in Adulthood
Authors: Bing-Canar Hanaan , Khan Humza , Stocks Jane K , Lapitan-Moore Franchezka , Phillips Matthew S , Rauch Andrew , Obolsky Max , Cerny Brian M , Soble Jason R , Jennette Kyle J , Resch Zachary J
Published: August 2022

Objective: Increasing evidence suggests that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict neurocognitive dysfunction, possibly through direct (e.g., brain structure/function changes) and indirect (e.g., increased psychopathology risk) pathways. However, extant studies have focused on young and older adults, with limited understanding as to how ACEs affect cognitive health in mid-adulthood. Therefore, this study compared adults with high vs. low ACE scores on measures of cognitive performance and psychopathology.

Method: This cross-sectional study included 211 adult patients (46.9% female; Mage = 44.9, SD = 17.1; Meducation = 13.8, SD = 3.0) consecutively referred for outpatient neuropsychological evaluation within a large, Midwestern academic medical center. A series one-way analysis of variances (ANOVAs) were conducted to compare high vs. low ACE groups on the Test of Premorbid Functioning (TOPF), Digit Span (DS), Trail Making Test-Part B (TMT-B), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT; Immediate and Long Delayed Recall), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores.

Results: Significant group differences were detected for BDI-II and BAI scores, F(1,159) = 18.38, p.05. Non-significant cognitive measure findings cannot be attributed to group differences in premorbid functioning, as TOPF score also did not significantly differ by ACE group, p > 0.05.

Conclusions: Results of this investigation suggest that greater ACEs increase risk of depression and anxiety, but not neurocognitive dysfunction, in adulthood.
A-127 The Association Between Objectively-Measured Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning in Middle-Aged and Older People Living with HIV
Authors: Fazeli Pariya , Willig Amanda , Oliveira Vitor , Buford Thomas , Vance David , Burkholder Greer , Crane Heidi , Davey Christine H , Fleming Julia , Webel Allison
Published: August 2022

Objective: Middle-aged and older people living with HIV (PWH) are at higher risk for cognitive impairment and engage in lower levels of physical activity (PA) than seronegative counterparts. Though some studies have examined self-reported PA and cognitive outcomes in PWH, research examining the association between objectively-measured PA and cognitive function in this population is scarce. This cross-sectional study examined the association between accelerometry-measured PA and cognitive functioning in PWH.

Method: In this study of 75 PWH (mean age 55.63) we collected accelerometry-measured PA indices and cognitive functioning from a comprehensive cognitive assessment. Cognitive outcomes included continuous demographically-adjusted T scores for global cognition and individual cognition domains, as well as a binary cognitive impairment variable.

Results: Significant associations were found between PA variables and cognitive domains, including higher bouted (in bouts of ≥10 minutes) light PA minutes per week with better executive function, working memory/attention, and speed of processing performance, adjusted for age and current CD4 count. No significant associations were found between PA variables and the binary cognitive impairment variable, nor were associations found between cognitive functioning variables and a binary variable indicating whether participants met CDC recommendations for PA (i.e., at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous PA).

Conclusions: Findings suggest that although middle-aged and older PWH engage in more light than moderate-to-vigorous PA, light PA may be beneficial to cognition. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand PA dose–response associations with cognitive trajectories, cognitive domain specificity of PA effects, and underlying neural mechanisms of PA.
A-128 Treatment Preferences for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Primary Brain Tumor
Authors: Braun Sarah E , Lanoye Autumn , Reid Morgan , Fox Amber , Aslanzadeh Farah , Kleva Chris , Loughan Ashlee
Published: August 2022

Objective: Patients with primary brain tumors (PwPBT) experience negative cognitive sequalae (cancer-related cognitive impairment; CRCI) as a result of tumor burden, surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Research investigating CRCI treatments for PwPBT remains nascent. Most of the previous investigations have applied interventions developed for and tested in other medical populations to PwPBT, leaving gaps in our understanding of what might best serve the specific needs of PwPBT. Thus, the present study examined sources of cancer-related distress and preferences for interventions to address CRCI in PwPBT.

Methods: As part of institutional quality improvement, PwPBT rated specific symptoms of cancer-related distress (from “not at all” to “very much” bothered) as well as preferences for specific interventions to address or cope with CRCI (from “not at all” to “very” interested). Patients also self-reported demographics and medical characteristics. Descriptive statistics characterized sources of distress and treatment preferences.

Results: PwPBT (N = 41, age 45.1 + 13.2, 52.5% male, 87.5% White) completed the questionnaire. Fatigue (54%) and cognitive changes (53%) were rated as the most distressing symptoms following brain tumor diagnosis. Cognitive rehabilitation (42%) and mindful movement (42%) were the most preferred interventions for management of CRCI; followed by psychotherapy (37%), mindfulness meditation (30%), and medication (20%).

Discussion: As expected, cognitive changes were a highly-rated source of distress for PwPBT, second only to fatigue. Both formal cognitive rehabilitation and mindful movement, or gentle exercise like yoga, were the most preferred interventions for management of CRCI. Importantly, these interventions may dually address fatigue symptoms for PwPBT. These data can inform future intervention development within neuro-oncology.
A-129 Epilepsy, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the Role of Internalization: A Twin Case Study
Authors: Miranda Melissa G , Golden Charles J , Marrakchi Dina , Neustater Jessica
Published: August 2022

Objective: Children with a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) comorbid with epilepsy have a significantly poorer quality of life and predominantly inattentive presentation, compared to children who solely have ADHD or epilepsy (Ozalp et al., 2017). The current case study considers a neuropsychological evaluation of ten-year-old twins, both with a comorbid diagnosis of epilepsy and ADHD, and how emotional functioning and internalization of diagnoses contributes to their quality of life.

Method: At age six, both children were diagnosed with epilepsy, and exhibited tonic–clonic seizures concurrently. At age nine, both children were diagnosed with ADHD, predominantly inattentive type. A neuropsychological evaluation was conducted for each child to discover the unique strengths and deficits present, despite a congruent previous diagnosis. The evaluation included a battery of intelligence, memory, achievement, attention, executive, and emotional functioning (objective and projective) tests.

Results: Results confirmed ADHD, inattentive type in both children. They displayed strengths in verbal abilities, and evidenced deficits in executive functioning, fine motor skills, and attention. However, one twin consistently performed better in most domains. Differences were found in emotional functioning, as one twin reported clinically significant scores regarding his perception of cognitive impairment, feelings of depression, and psychological discomfort.

Conclusions: The addition of twin studies to literature is crucial, especially considering differences in the manifestation of comorbid diagnoses. Clinicians must consider the internalization of diagnoses in children, as emotion has a substantial influence on their functioning and cognitive processes. The study further emphasizes the need for emotional evaluation as a standard component of neuropsychological batteries.
A-132 Reward Learning Bias and Risky Decision Making Moderation of ADHD Symptom Associations with Emotion Dysregulation
Authors: Baker Essence , Yaroslavsky Ilya
Published: August 2022

Objective: Risky decision-making that prioritizes immediate gains over high potential losses (risky decision-making) and a heightened responsiveness to reward-based learning (reward bias) reflect individual differences tied to emotion dysregulation (ED) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, risky decision-making and reward bias may also potentiate the association between ADHD and ED, which we hypothesize.

Method: University students (N = 57) completed measures of inattention, motor-, and verbal-hyperactivity (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) and goal-, impulsivity-, and emotion regulation strategy implementation-deficits (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale). Risky decision-making and reward bias were measured via the Iowa Gambling Task and the Probalistic Reward Learning task using E-Prime v. 2.0.

Results: Inattention symptoms positively correlated with the three DERS subscales (rs = 0.28–0.44,ps < 0.03), reduced reward bias (r = −0.30,p = 0.03), and hyperactivity symptoms (rs = 0.29–0.31,ps < 0.03); no other association involving ADHD indices reached significance. MANOVAs revealed significant three-way interactions between risky decision-making, reward bias and motoric hyperactivity (F = 3.42,p = 0.025) and inattention at a trend level (F = 2.73,p = 0.055). Follow-up ANOVAs (Fs = 6.00–8.45, ps < 0.02) and post-hoc probes revealed that patterns of high reward bias and low risky decision making were consistently linked with ED with increasing motor hyperactivity and inattention symptoms, as was the pattern of low reward bias and high risky decision-making. Conversely, a high reward bias combined with slow risky decision-making reduced the tie between those two ADHD symptoms and ED.

Conclusion: Results suggest a nuanced interplay between decision-making, reward bias, and ADHD symptoms in relation to ED, which is consistent with others finding ADHD to be a heterogenous disorder. Clinical implications of the observed individual-differences patterns warrant further investigation.
A-137 Cortical Vision Impairment: A Case Study of Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neuropsychological Findings
Authors: Colley Julia , Culotta Vincent P , Culotta Anna E
Published: August 2022

Objective: Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is characterized by a decreased visual response, related to a neurological lesion. It is the most common cause of permanent visual impairment in children. CVI is not attributed to the functioning of the eyes, but instead to visual processing centers and pathways. Deficits due to CVI may lead to impairment in cognitive, learning, and social domains. The objective of the case study is to examine neuropsychological findings of a child with CVI.

Method: The subject was a 10-year, 2-month old male with a history of seizure activity. Based on decreased corpus callosum and PVL, a diagnosis of CVI was made. He evidenced significant visual latencies and difficulties with visual novelty. Continuing behavioral and academic concerns resulted in a referral for evaluation.

Results: Assessment revealed extremely low cognitive ability. Relative strengths were evident in nonverbal skills. Academic skills fell at the pre-K to early K level. Neurocognitive functions ranged from the low to the very-low range with relative strengths in rapid naming, symbol recognition, semantic memory, and social intent. Findings on the SRS-2 and the ADOS-2 revealed difficulties with social awareness and communication but were not consistent with an ASD.

Conclusions: CVI is a prevalent cause of visual impairment in children. Children often display multiple developmental disorders and features of autism and low cognitive ability are not uncommon. Disentangling the role of CVI in early cognitive, social, and adaptive development remains an important area for research. Assessment to identify strengths and weakness to facilitate social, academic and adaptive development is necessary.
A-138 Investigation of Potential Involvement of The Adrenal Cortex In The Pathogenesis of Autism In Prepubertal Male Jordanian Children
Authors: Alhader Abdelfattah , Kana'an Saddam F , Nazzal Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Objective: The investigation of adrenal steroids and testosterone levels in male autistic children will, undoubtedly, help to elucidate the pathogenetic implication of these hormones in the development of autism and their role as risk factors. The objective of this case-control study is to explore the potential involvement of adrenal steroids in the pathogenesis of autism.

Method: Serum levels of total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in 32 Jordanian autistic male patients and in 32 healthy age-matched children. Independent t-test was used to investigate statistical significance in study groups with a (p) value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Preliminary univariate logistic regression was used to assess which of the measured lab parameters should be included in the final regression models. Multivariable logistic regression (backward stepwise selection) was used in autism risk prediction.

Results: TT had a positive strong correlation with DHEA (r=+62, p≤0.001), suggesting an adrenal source of the elevated androgens. The Likelihood of developing autism was increased by 1.03 times for an increase in one ng/dl of DHEA, by 0.92 times for an increase by one nmol/l of SHBG and by only 0.04 times for an increase in one mIU/ml of FSH.

Conclusions: The demonstrated positive strong correlation between TT and DHEA in pre-pubertal male autistic children further substantiates the potential involvement of the adrenal cortex in the pathogenesis of autism. Further studies are needed to elucidate their role in the prediction and development of autism.
A-140 Parental Satisfaction with Neuropsychological Evaluations and their Pursuit of Recommendations
Authors: Hanna Amira , Tam Helen , DeLuco Tara , Montalto Daniela
Published: August 2022

Objective: Parent’s overall satisfaction with neuropsychological evaluations has been consistently linked with implementation of recommendations and follow-up care. The aim of this study was to establish stability of satisfaction over time, as well as to confirm findings that parents were more likely to pursue school-based as compared to behavioral health recommendations.

Method: Study participants (ages 4-17, 63% white, 83% non-Hispanic) were recruited from an outpatient clinic, shortly after completing a neuropsychological evaluation. Parent satisfaction data were collected at 3-weeks (T1 n=49) and 6-months (T2 n=30) following evaluation completion.

Results: Parent perceived usefulness ratings were largely consistent between T1 and T2, with 96.4% to 98.1% of overall usefulness ratings falling in the useful/very useful categories. Study participants who completed both the 3-week and 6-month surveys did not differ across demographic variables. Participants who completed both T1 and T2 surveys reported higher initial satisfaction ratings as compared to those who only completed T1 (T1 mean=4.92, SD=0.28, T2 mean=4.83, SD=0.39; t(46)=-0.97, p=05). Additionally, participants who completed both surveys were somewhat more willing to pursue recommendations including, school placement (55.6% vs. 44.4%), in-classroom (53.8% vs. 46.2%), and testing accommodations (62.5% vs. 37.55). Consistent with recent findings, parents were generally more likely to pursue school-based (95.7%) as compared to behavioral health recommendations (84.4%).

Conclusion(s): Parents in this sample were largely satisfied with the evaluation process, with increased satisfaction predicting follow-up care and a higher likelihood of pursuing recommendations. Additionally, data independently corroborated that parents are more likely to pursue school-based compared to behavioral health recommendations.
A-149 Being Othered: Associations between Discrimination and Perceived Stroke Risk in Biracial persons
Authors: Abbas Maleeha T , Stevens Domonique , Garcia James J
Published: August 2022

Objective: Separate lines of research show that biracial people experience unique racial microaggressions (Johnston & Nadal, 2010), while also having elevated stroke risk (Kissela et al., 2021). However, research is lacking on the exact quantitative relationship between discrimination and perceived stroke risk in biracial individuals.

Method: Biracial people (N = 421) completed the Brief Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire (PEDQ), the Intersectional Discrimination Index (InDI), and the Perceived Stroke Risk subscale of the ABCD Risk Questionnaire. Depression was measured via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as a covariate. One hierarchical linear regression was used, with depression in block 1, brief PEDQ in block 2, and the subscales of the InDI in block 3 to predict perceived stroke risk.

Results: All participants were Biracial, ranging from 18-76 of age (M = 34.9, SD = 10.4). The sample was 62% non-Hispanic Biracial and 38% Hispanic Biracial. For block 1, depression was significantly and positively associated with stroke risk (β= .51, p < .001). In block 2, the Threat Harassment subscale of the PEDQ was positively and significantly associated with stroke risk (β= .42, p = .002). In block 3, anticipated (β= .168, p <.001) and major intersectional discrimination (β = .120, p = .039) were positively and significantly associated with perceived stroke risk.

Discussion: Findings suggest race-based and intersectional discrimination are associated with perceived stroke risk among Biracial persons. Implications for Clinical Neuropsychology practice with Biracial people who have elevated stroke risk are discussed.
A-159 Neurocognitive Performance in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)
Authors: Lokken Kristine , Greenfield Melissa J , Robinson Jamie Hansel , Shah Udit Vipul , Lazar Ronald M , Kennedy Richard , Martin Roy C , Gerstenecker Kristen Triebel , Gerstenecker Adam , Wheeler Pariya Fazeli , Agnihotri Shruti P , Vance David E
Published: August 2022

Objective: Describe cognitive function in patients seeking treatment for Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).

Method: Ninety-two patients underwent neuropsychological evaluation secondary to reported “brain fog” following COVID-19 infection. Patients were referred from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Post-COVID Treatment Program. Patients were on average 49 years of age (range: 18-74), female (77%), and White/Caucasian (73%)/Black/AA (25%), with 15.49 years of education (SD = 2.43).

Results: Overall, many patients demonstrated mild impairment on a brief global cognitive screener (MoCA; M = 24.78, SD = 3.46). On specific tasks of cognitive abilities, processing speed was variable; ranging from low average (Oral TMT Part A; M = 88.31, SD = 28.78) to below average (Oral SDMT; M = 72.80, SD = 20.37). Memory for immediate recall was low average (CVLT3-Brief Form (BF) Trials 1-4, M = 88.01, SD = 17.11), while delayed recall was average (CVLT3-BF, M = 94.17, SD = 19.11). Performances on measures of attention/working memory (WAIS-IV Digit Span; M = 96.75, SD = 12.54), executive functioning (Oral TMT Part B; M = 92.71, SD = 28.48), language (COWAT; M = 92.03, SD = 14.19) and visuospatial abilities (RBANS Figure Copy M = 104.04, SD = 16.08) were intact. Performance on embedded validity measures was also intact (RDS [95% valid]; CVLT-3 FC [93% valid]).

Conclusion: Overall, patients with “brain fog” following COVID-19 infection experience difficulties in specific domains of cognitive functioning. Further investigation of neuropsychological profiles associated with PASC is warranted to inform diagnosis, neurocognitive trajectory, and treatment planning.