bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traffic operations at the approaches to the highway checkpoint sites
Authors: Nassrullah Z , AbdulJaleel L
Published: August 2021

In recent years, more use of security and traffic safety checkpoints on Iraqi highways were made. Add to this, the huge increase in the numbers of vehicles using these highways (with increased numbers of heavy goods vehicles). This situation could lead to traffic congestion, higher delays and higher operational costs to motorists and also could lead to an increase in the rate of traffic accidents. This study tries to investigate the traffic operations at the approaches to the highway checkpoint sites in the Southern of Iraq (in Basrah Governorate) and focuses on some of the parameters that affecting both safety and capacity. For the purpose of this study, field data have been collected by using camcorders from two highway sites, each site has three lanes with a checkpoint. Both sites were at highway 31 near the interchange between highway 6 and highway 31. Several traffic parameters were observed such as traffic flow, average speed, lane utilization, speed differential, traffic congestion and queuing. The observations revealed that for both sites the traffic flow condition was free to moderate, ranging from 750 to 1750 (pcu/hr), with an average speed ranging from 70 to 120 (km/hr). Lane utilization behavior has also been observed for both sites and the results suggest that there is similarity between both sites with lower traffic flow in the nearside lane in comparison with the other lanes (i.e. middle lane and offside lane). For both sites, the lane utilization for the nearside lanes was around 10% – 20%, whereas, the lane utilization for the middle lane and offside lane were around 40% – 50%. Traffic congestion and queuing have been observed as well and the results suggest that there are some differences in queuing length between two sites. In addition, an increased number of speed differentials amongst motorists and late merging with accepting smaller gaps behavior have been observed for both sites. Other site observation is represented by a very lack implementation of traffic management measures (such as traffic schemes and signage) at the checkpoint sites.
Estimation of the impact of Planned Light Rail Transit On accessibility patterns
Authors: Hussein Ayah A , Asmael Noor M
Published: August 2021

Baghdad elevated train is one of the projects that has been suggested to improve accessibility in the city. This paper is dedicated to state the impacts of the planned train line on the accessibility in the selected study area, where the train is meant to be built in to connect the major cities in the capital (Al-Karkh and Al-Risafa). The Geographical Information System (GIS) has been used to build the existing networks (highway, public transport, and the train), to analyze them by the Network analyst tool, and to create an O-D matrix between the selected districts and a direct connection between two locations. The accessibility changes have been measured by measuring the travel time difference, checking the connection between the zones, and the direct connection between six origins in Al-Risafa for different districts to one destination in Al-Karkh before and after adding the elevated train. The results showed that the train could make a remarkable change to the accessibility in the area by reducing the travel time and make a direct connection between the mentioned districts.
Investigation of Possible Improving of Bitumen Properties Using Nano-Materials
Authors: Mahan Hanaa Mohammed
Published: August 2021

In Iraq, asphalt roads suffer a lot of problems because of the high traffic and climatic conditions represented by high temperatures in the summer, which reduce the service life of the road, so it became necessary to improve the rheological and physical properties of asphalt and thus improve the performance of asphalt paving. Nanotechnology is one of the methods used for improvement has been adopted in the research. The possibility of improving the properties of asphalt was studied using Nano silica)NS) and Nano hydrated lime (NHL)with percentages (1,3,5and7)% by total weight of asphalt. Tests were performed to evaluate the enhance in softening point, penetration, kinematic viscosity and penetration index of the asphalt with penetration grade (60-70). The results of the laboratory study show the improvements in the properties of asphalt By reducing the amount of penetration and increasing the softening point of the asphalt, thus it becomes more stiffer and less sensitive to temperatures than the original asphalt, in addition to that, the results showed that an improvement in the values of viscosity and penetration index, and this in turn leads to an increase in the adhesion and cohesion of asphalt and asphalt mixture as well as the possibility of using modified asphalt with Nano-materials in areas with high temperatures and traffic load.
Mechanical And Physical Properties Of Recycled Concrete Aggregates For Road Base Materials
Authors: Saberi Saber Shah , Mohamed Azman , Eltwati Ahmed Salama
Published: August 2021

The utilization of recycling recycled concrete aggregates (R-RCA) in road base construction is an option of value-added waste materials. The evaluation of R-RCA appropriateness as a road base material need to study. The use of massive amount of RCA in construction projects has acquired wide notoriety. The use of RCA is due to decrease- of amount natural rock as the original aggregate. The main objectives of this study are to characterize properties of R-RCA as road material, to determine mechanical and physical properties as a road base material, and to identify the R-RCA bearing capacity for road base comparison to natural aggregates. The mechanical and physical properties tests conducted according to standard, including particle size distribution Los Angeles Abrasion, Aggregate Crushing Value, Aggregate Impact Aggregate Density, Flakiness Index, Water Absorption, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). The results show that the aggregates have an excellent distribution particle size, durability, and shapes as required by specifications R-RCA also produced appropriate CBR and strength for road base applications. These results stipulate exclusive information to utilize R-RCA as aggregates for road base construction. R-RCA can be used as road base construction materials, and its engineering properties transform from waste materials to value-added road base construction. Recycling of RCA not only can diminish the road base construction cost and decrease landfill space needed for disposal, but it engineering properties prone as road base construction, and considered a renewable resource.
Evaluating Modified Asphalt Binder Comprising Waste Paper Fiber and Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene
Authors: Hameed Ayat , Al-Busaltan Shakir , Dulaimi Anmar , Kadhim Mustafa Amoori , Al-Yasari Rand
Published: August 2021

The main concept of using waste and recycled materials as modifiers for construction materials, is to improve their performance, keep the resources, and conserve the environment from pollution problems. This investigation is tended to evaluate the effect of using two different types of modifiers on the physical properties of asphalt binder. The modifiers are Recycled-Low-Density-Polyethylene (R-LDPE) polymer and waste-Paper Fiber (w-PF), they were mixed individually and collectively with neat asphalt binder. The first set of modified binders comprised neat binder with 3% R-LDPE alone, the second is comprised 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7% of w-PF alone, while the third comprised collective modifiers of 3% R-LDPE and 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7% w-PF. The influence of these modifiers on neat asphalt binder was evaluated in terms of penetration (Pen.), softening point (SP), penetration index (PI), ductility, rotational viscosity (RV), penetration aging index (PAI) and softening point index (SPI). The obtained results indicate that the utilization of modifiers helps in improving the physical properties of asphalt binders by different levels. the modification by collective modifiers leads to an increase SP, RV, PI, PAI, and SPI to 65%, 2 times, 1.044, 0.93, 2.5 respectively compared to neat bitumen. As well, leads to a decrease in both Pen. and ductility to the levels 45% and 79% respectively. This indicates that the use of waste and recycled modifiers especially in the combined form encourage the production of comparative modified asphalt binder.
Characterisation of Cold Bituminous Emulsion Mixtures Using Microwave Heating Process
Authors: Al-Busaltan Shakir , Nageim Hassan Al , Dulaimi Anmar , Shanbara Hayder Kamil , Kadhim Mustafa Amoori , Al-Kafaji Muna
Published: August 2021

A previous study conducted by the authors proved that the inferiority of the mechanical properties of Cold Bituminous Emulsion Mixtures (CBEMs) could be overcome by incorporating a waste or by-product material, namely Paper Sludge Ash (PSA). The new CBEMs have demonstrated comparative mechanical and durability properties compared to conventional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). Furthermore, the new CBEMs have less impact on the economy, environment, and safety. However, the air void content of the new CBEMs is still high – to a stage unacceptable by pavement engineers. Thus, this study introduces a treatment method to reduce the air void without affecting the improvement achieved in mechanical properties and other environmental and economic issues. This study presents microwave energy treatment as a unique post-mix treatment method to overcome high air void content in CBEMs. Test results showed that microwave energy improves the stiffness modulus and air void content. However, new post-mix microwave treatment CBEMs still have comparative mechanical, volumetric, economic, and environmental characteristics to HMA.
Impact of Traffic Flow on Pollution at Urban Intersections
Authors: Theyab Narjis Basil , Al-Jameel Hamid Athab Eedan , Almuhanna Raid R. A.
Published: August 2021

Intersections are mainly considered as critical elements of road networks in terms of air quality impact, and their control type and geometric configuration can affect significantly vehicular emissions. This study aims mainly to investigate the effect of traffic flow on the level of pollution at a selected intersection in Kerbela city. Hence, the video camera has been installed for three normal days to investigate the traffic flow fluctuation for 24h. Then, Gasmet has been used for investigating the amount of emission for both CO2 and CO within the peak hour. A well-known SIDRA 8.0 has been used for analyzing the intersection. The results indicated that the CO2 is exceeded the acceptable limit with worse traffic operations for both selected intersections.
A laboratory study of the effect of fiberglass additive on the behavioural properties of RAP asphalt mixtures
Authors: Eltwati A S , Enieb M , Mohamed A , Al-Saffar Z H , Al-Jumaili M. A.
Published: August 2021

The increase in the amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and environmental concerns for bitumen production have contributed to the use of RAP in road construction and maintenance. The use of higher than 15% of RAP adversely affects the physical and rheological properties of the asphalt binder and the mechanical properties of mixtures. Therefore, the use of bitumen and asphalt mixture improver were necessary to reduce the negative effects generated with the use of RAP. This paper aims to study the effect of fiberglass (FG) (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2%) on the mechanical properties of asphalt concrete containing 25%, 50% RAP and 9% waste engine oil. The performance of RAP asphalt mixtures incorporated with FG was evaluated using the Marshall stability test, moisture susceptibility test, and immersion wheel rutting test. The results indicated that the use of FG and RAP materials to rejuvenated asphalt mixtures resulted in an increase in the values of Marshall stability and rutting resistance. Moreover, the study revealed that increasing the content of RAP material and FG results in increased resistance of asphalt to moisture damage. This paper concluded that using 0.15% of FG and 50% RAP materials gives the best results.
Design and Implementation of Hybrid Asymmetric 15-Level Cascaded Modified H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter(CMHB-MLI) to reduce the Total Harmonics Distortion
Authors: Bhaskar K B , Vijayaprabhu A , Kumaresan R , Kokila E
Published: August 2021

This new cascaded modified H-bridge asymmetrical multilevel inverter (CMHB-MLI) module proposes a 15 levels with three unequal dc sources and 10 switches. The design approaches with preferable advantage with greater quality comparatively to similar modules with minimum number of semiconductor switches utilizing lower switching frequency and less dc sources. Opposite phase disposition pulse width modulation (OPD-PWM) switching technique is utilized for controlling the Semiconductor switches in CMHB-MLI. In asymmetrical topology the input source are designed with unequal magnitude is done deliberately with binary nature of voltages such as 10Vdc, 20Vdc and 40Vdc. In asymmetrical designing of MLI produces a number of different output levels with the similar number of power semiconductor switches. The results are designed using MATLAB and hardware implementation validates improved quality performance with lower total harmonicsdistortion without utilizing any filtering circuit in the output with reduced switching stress.
Are African irrigation dam projects for large-scale agribusiness or small-scale farmers?
Authors: Tatlhego Mokganedi , D’Odorico Paolo
Published: August 2021

The economic development of rural economies across the global south is often related to access to water and the development of water infrastructure. It has been argued that the construction of new dams would unleash the agricultural potential of African nations that are exposed to seasonal water scarcity, strong interannual rainfall variability, and associated uncertainties in water availability. While water security is often presented as the pathway to poverty alleviation and invoked to justify large dam projects for irrigation, it is still unclear to what extent small holders will benefit from them. Are large dams built to the benefit of subsistence farmers or of large-scale commercial agriculture? Here we use remote sensing imagery in conjunction with advanced machine learning algorithms to map the irrigated areas (or ‘command areas’) that have appeared in the surroundings of 18 major dams built across the African continent between 2000 and 2015. We quantify the expansion of irrigation afforded by those dams, the associated changes in population density, forest cover, and farm size. We find that, while in the case of nine dams in the year 2000 there were no detectable farming patterns, in 2015 a substantial fraction of the command area (ranging between 8.5% and 96.7%) was taken by large-scale farms (i.e., parcels >200 ha). Seven of the remaining 9 dams showed a significant increase in average farm size and number of farms between 2000 and 2015, with large-scale farming accounting for anywhere between 5.2% and 76.7% of the command area. Collectively, these results indicate that many recent dam projects in Africa are associated either with the establishment of large-scale farming or a transition from small-scale to mid-to-large scale agriculture.
Low voltage and robust InSe memristor using van der Waals electrodes integration
Authors: Li Qianyuan , Tao Quanyang , Chen Yang , Kong Lingan , Shu Zhiwen , Duan Huigao , Liao Lei , Liu Yuan
Published: August 2021

Memristors have attracted tremendous interest in the fields of high-density memory and neuromorphic computing. However, despite the tremendous efforts that have been devoted over recent years, high operating voltage, poor stability, and large device variability remain key limitations for its practical application and can be partially attributed to the un-optimized interfaces between electrodes and the channel material. We demonstrate, for the first time, a van der Waals (vdW) memristor by physically sandwiching pre-fabricated metal electrodes on both sides of the two-dimensional channel material. The atomically flat bottom electrode ensures intimate contact between the channel and electrode (hence low operation voltage), and the vdW integration of the top electrode avoids the damage induced by aggressive fabrication processes (e.g. sputtering, lithography) directly applied to the channel material, improving device stability. Together, we demonstrate memristor arrays with a high integration density of 1010 cm−2, high stability, and the lowest set/reset voltage of 0.12 V/0.04 V, which is a record low value for all 2D-based memristors, as far as we know. Furthermore, detailed characterizations are conducted to confirm that the improved memristor behavior is the result of optimized metal/channel interfaces. Our study not only demonstrates robust and low voltage memristor, but also provides a general electrode integration approach for other memristors, such as oxide based memristors, that have previously been limited by non-ideal contact integration, high operation voltage and poor device stability.
You are the most valuable reagent in the lab: mental health before and during the pandemic
Authors: Fessenden Tim
Published: August 2021

No one maps out their tenure as a postdoc anticipating a life-altering tragedy. But mental health crises of all kinds affect academic trainees and staff at similar or higher levels than the general public. While the mental health resources available to trainees are often set by healthcare providers, all levels of university leadership can work to remove material and immaterial obstacles that render such resources out of reach. I describe how access to care via telemedicine helped me following a loss in my family.
A-88 College Students with Depression or Anxiety: Greater Subjective Cognitive Concerns, Lower Academic Self-Efficacy, but Comparable Compensatory Cognitive Strategy Use
Authors: Karr Justin E , White Agnes E
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study examined whether college students with and without depression or anxiety differed in subjective cognitive concerns, college self-efficacy, and compensatory cognitive strategy use, hypothesizing that students with depression or anxiety would report greater cognitive concerns and lower self-efficacy in coursework, but comparable frequencies of compensatory cognitive strategy use. If confirmed, this finding would imply that, despite greater cognitive and academic problems, students with depression or anxiety do not implement behaviors in their everyday lives to address these problems.

Method

Participants (N = 582; age: 19.0 ± 1.0 years-old; 79.4% women; 81.9% White) completed online self-report questionnaires on subjective cognitive functioning, academic self-efficacy, compensatory cognitive strategy use, and depression and anxiety symptoms, which were used to categorize participants as having anxiety or depression based on established clinical cutoffs.

Results

Participants with anxiety or depression reported higher rates of elevated cognitive concerns, χ2 = 108.70, p < 0.001, OR = 7.75, and lower academic self-efficacy, t = 8.46, p < 0.001, d = 0.71, compared to participants without anxiety or depression, but these groups differed only modestly in compensatory cognitive strategy use, t = 2.42, p = 0.016, d = 0.20.

Conclusion(s)

Most students with depression or anxiety had elevated subjective cognitive concerns (52.0%), compared to a minority of participants without these conditions (12.3%). Despite substantially elevated cognitive concerns, participants with anxiety or depression reported only modestly greater compensatory cognitive strategy use. There appears to be a need to address cognitive concerns in college students with psychiatric conditions, and compensatory cognitive training may be a valuable supplemental service for clinicians working with college students in mental healthcare settings.
A-10 High Score Multivariate Base Rates for the Spanish-Language NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery: Potential Resource for Assessing High-Functioning Spanish-Speaking Patients
Authors: Karr Justin E , Mindt Monica Rivera , Iverson Grant L
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study involved the preparation of high score multivariate base rates for the Spanish-language NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) to inform neuropsychological practice with high-functioning Spanish-speaking patients.

Method

Participants included 250 healthy adults from the Spanish-language NIHTB-CB normative sample (M = 38.8 ± 13.7 years-old; 72.0% women; 100% Latinx) who completed the full battery (2 crystallized and 5 fluid cognition tests). Multivariate base rates quantified the frequency at which participants obtained 1+ fluid test scores ≥50th, ≥63rd, ≥75th, ≥84th, ≥91st, ≥95th, and ≥ 98th percentile based on age-adjusted and demographic-adjusted normed scores, with stratifications based on education, crystallized ability, and sociocultural characteristics.

Results

It was common for participants in the normative sample to obtain 1+ high scores (50.8% obtained 1+ scores ≥84th percentile) and uncommon for participants to obtain no high scores, especially when using lower, non-conventional thresholds for defining a high score (10.8% obtained no scores ≥50th percentile). The frequency of participants obtaining no high scores varied by education (36.8% with <12 years obtained no scores ≥63rd percentile vs. 2.1% with ≥16 years), crystallized ability (47.8% with below average ability obtained no scores ≥75th percentile vs. 21.9% with above average ability), and sociocultural characteristics (37.1% from households below national median income obtained no scores ≥75th vs. 6.9% from households above).

Conclusion(s)

The frequency of high scores varied by education, crystallized ability, and sociocultural characteristics, which was not fully accounted for by use of demographic-adjusted norms. In high-functioning patients and patients of higher socioeconomic status, the absence of high scores is uncommon and may indicate cognitive decline.
A-114 Neurocognitive Correlates of Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome in Youth
Authors: Anzalone Christopher , Bridges Rachel M , Luedke Jessica C , Decker Scott L
Published: August 2021

Objective

In the U.S., youths account for most annual mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) cases. Often mTBI patients experience impairing symptoms that affect several domains of functioning, typically these symptoms remit within a month though many patients will experience impairing symptoms that persist for greater than three months. Due to the current difficulties in diagnosing this condition in a standardized way, the current study aims to clarify the cognitive profiles of persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) in youth patients.

Method

30 youths between the ages of 8 and 18 years participated. 15 youths with mTBI symptoms for greater than three months were recruited from a mTBI treatment clinic. An additional 15 youths without a mTBI history were recruited as a control group. All participants underwent cognitive testing using the standard Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities battery. Logistic regression analyses explored the importance of cognitive processing speed and working memory for identifying youth patients with PPCS. Further exploratory analyses were conducted to clarify additional cognitive domains that may be impacted by PPCS.

Results

Findings suggest processing speed and working memory abilities alone are not adequate for identifying patients with PPCS and measures of processing speed, fluid reasoning, working memory, and long-term retrieval may be important to consider when differentially diagnosing PPCS.

Conclusions

More research is needed to appropriately identify and validate diagnostic practices for PPCS in youth. Our findings provide a basis for future work and suggests neuropsychological batteries that include measures for these four cognitive domains may be valuable for identifying PPCS in youth patients.
A-123 Characterizing Sex Differences on the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE) in U.S. Military Veterans: A Million Veteran Program (MVP) Study
Authors: Merritt Victoria C , Chanfreau-Coffinier Catherine , Sakamoto McKenna S , Jak Amy J , Hanson Karen L , Delano-Wood Lisa
Published: August 2021

Objective

Although emerging data suggest that women with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may suffer greater neurobehavioral dysfunction in both the post-acute and chronic phases of injury, sex differences have been severely understudied within the context of military TBI. Therefore, we examined sex differences on the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE) using a diverse sample of Iraq/Afghanistan-era Veterans enrolled in the VA’s Million Veteran Program.

Method

14,378 Veterans (n = 1361 females [9.5%]) completed the CTBIE, a clinician-administered TBI interview. Chi-square analyses and logistic regressions (adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and education) were used to explore associations between sex and CTBIE diagnostics, injury-related characteristics, neurobehavioral symptoms and other psychiatric comorbidities, and functional outcomes.

Results

Confirmed TBI diagnoses were more frequent among males than females (65% vs. 58%) and significant sex differences were observed across several CTBIE outcomes (p’s ≤ 0.001; $ \phi $/Cramer’s V = 0.03–0.14). Relative to females, a greater proportion of males experienced bullet and blast-related injuries and were employed. In contrast, a greater proportion of females experienced falls, reported clinically significant neurobehavioral symptoms (particularly cognitive and affective-related symptoms as well as symptom interference with daily life), failed symptom validity measures, and endorsed higher comorbid psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions

Results indicate that males and females experience differential clinical and functional outcomes on the CTBIE, particularly with respect to injury-related characteristics, symptom endorsement, and employment. Findings underscore the need for female Veteran participation in TBI research in order to improve our understanding of sex-specific experiences with TBI and its sequelae, as well as to improve clinical care targeted to this vulnerable population.
A-173 Clinical Cutoffs on the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Concussion
Authors: Womble Melissa , Jennings Sabrina , Schatz Philip , Elbin R J
Published: August 2021

Objective

The State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is a widely used measure of state anxiety with a proposed raw score cutoff of >40 denoting probable clinical levels of anxiety. The mean score for high school aged individuals is approximately 40, corresponding with the 56th (male) and 51st (female) percentiles. The use of this cutoff classifies approximately 50% of individuals with clinically significant anxiety. In contrast, empirically based cut-offs (e.g., 1SD above the mean), classifies a more appropriate percentage of cases. The purpose of this study was to document the percentage of patients surpassing the proposed clinical cutoffs for the STAI using traditional and empirically based cutoffs in concussed high school athletes.

Methods

Participants were 273 concussed high school athletes (15.89 ± 1.1 yrs) who completed the STAI (Form Y-1) at their first clinical visit within 2–30 days of injury. Participants with a personal history of anxiety were excluded. The percentage of participants exceeding current clinical cutoffs for the STAI (i.e., >40) and exceeding >1, >1.5, and > 2 SD were calculated using high school normative data.

Results

Overall, 37% of participants exceeded the proposed raw score cutoff (>40) for the STAI. Approximately 12%, 4%, and 2% of participants exhibited STAI scores that exceeded >1, >1.5, and > 2 SD respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed cutoff score of >40 for the STAI is overly inclusive and not appropriate for identifying probable clinical levels of state anxiety in concussed adolescent athletes. Use of empirically based cutoffs is more appropriate when attempting to identify clinically significant anxiety post-concussion.
A-185 An Analysis of Rarely Missed Items on the TOMM
Authors: Harrell Murphy , Myers Melissa , Hawley Nanako , Pizer Jasmin , Hill Benjamin
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study examined item performance on Trial 1 of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM). We also identified items that were most often missed in individuals with genuine effort.

Method

Participants were 106 adults seen for disability claims (87.7% male; 70.5% Caucasian, 26.7% Black; age range 22–84 years, Mage = 44.42 years, SD = 13.07; Meducation = 13.58, SD = 2.05) who completed and passed the TOMM as part of a larger battery. Mean score Trial 1 was 43.08, SD = 5.49. Mean score on Trial 2 was 48.98, SD = 1.54.

Results

Frequency analysis indicated that >95% of the sample correctly identified six items on Trial 1: item 1-spinning wheel (97.2%), item 8-musical notes (99.1%), item 38-ice cream (98.1%), item 41-life preserver (95.3%), item 45-iron (95.3%), and item 47-dart (98.1%). Nine items were correctly identified on Trial 1 by <80% of the sample: item 2-tissue box (77.4%), item 6-suitcase (77.4%), item 20-motorcycle (77.4%), item 22-jack-in-the box (71.7%), item 26-light bulb (75.5%), item 27-maple leaf (72.6%), item 32-racket (79.2%), item 36-birdhouse (79.2%), item 44-pail & shovel (66.0%).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that items on Trial 1 of the TOMM differ in difficulty in a disability claims sample who performed genuinely on the TOMM. Items 1, 8, 38, 41, 45, and 47 are good candidates for a rarely missed index where failure of these items would be probabilistically unlikely. Future research should evaluate whether these items are failed at higher rates in cases of borderline TOMM performance to improve sensitivity to feigning.
A-197 Trail Making Test Normative Data from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center: A Comparison of Regression and Non-Regression Methods
Authors: Patel Saranya , Schaffert Jeffrey , Carlew Anne , Conley Michael , Rossetti Heidi , Denney David , Cullum Munro , Lacritz Laura
Published: August 2021

Objective

Various methods are used to derive normative data for neuropsychological assessment measures. The National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) regression norms (2011) are frequently used within Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers, yet little research exists comparing these norms to similar regression/non-regression-based norms. Normative data for the widely-used Trail Making Test (TMTA&B) was compared between two regression-based normative data methods (Mitrushina and NACC) and traditional normative methods (i.e., Mayo’s Older Americans Normative Studies [MOANS]).

Method

TMTA&B data were obtained from 14,873 cognitively normal NACC participants (ages: 50–89; education: M = 15.81, SD = 2.90). T-scores for TMTA&B scores based on Mitrushina, NACC, and MOANS norms were computed. T-scores for regression norms were bounded from 20 to 80. Cohen’s d effect sizes were used to compare differences in scores.

Results

MOANS and Mitrushina norms produced similar normative scores in the overall sample (TMTA T-score difference = 1.06, d = 0.112, TMTB T-score difference = 1.4, d = 0.144). NACC-derived scores were ~ 0.5 SD below MOANS (TMTA T-score difference = −5.3, d = 0.553, TMTB T-score difference = −4.1, d = 0.427) and Mitrushina scores (TMTA T-score difference = −6.3, d = 0.736, TMTB T-score difference = −5.6, d = 0.615). NACC data produced the lowest average TMTA&B T-scores across all 5-year age band groups.

Conclusions

Significantly lower TMT scores were obtained using NACC’s regression-based norms compared to both MOANS norms and Mitrushina regression norms. These results underscore that the choice of norms may under and/or overestimate cognitive functioning, and comparison norms must be chosen carefully when making decisions about patients’ cognitive status. Future research applying NACC’s regression-based norms to other commonly used neuropsychological measures is warranted.
A-8 Sex Modifies the Association between CSF Neurogranin and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
Authors: Gilbert Camdyn , Steinbach Marilyn , Kahn Omair , Liu Dandan , Thwaites Natalie , Cambronero Francis E , Moore Elizabeth E , Bown Corey W , Acosta Lealani , Spirko Katie Osborn , Pechman Kimberly R , Hohman Timothy J , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Jefferson Angela , Gifford Katherine A
Published: August 2021

Objective

Neurogranin is a postsynaptic protein associated with declining memory and executive functioning in Alzheimer’s disease (ad). While previous research suggests neurogranin concentrations in ad are higher in women, it is unclear whether sex differences exist in earlier disease stages or predict different cognitive outcomes. This study investigates cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurogranin in relation to longitudinal cognitive decline in older adults ranging from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment, assessing for interactions by sex.

Method

Vanderbilt Memory & Aging Project participants completed baseline fasting lumbar puncture (n = 155, 73 ± 8 years) for neurogranin quantification and serial neuropsychological assessments at 18-month intervals. Linear mixed effect regression adjusting for age, sex (for main effect models), race/ethnicity, education, cognitive diagnosis, depressed mood, and APOE-ε4 carrier status.

Results

CSF neurogranin predicted worse cognitive decline across multiple domains (p-values <0.05). Sex interactions existed for Boston Naming Test (β = −0.007, p = 0.001), WAIS-IV Coding (β = −0.01, p = 0.02), Hooper Visual Orientation Test (β = −0.005, p = 0.02), and Category (animals) Fluency (β = −0.005, p = 0.048) wherein CSF neurogranin predicted worse decline among women (p-values≤0.03) but not men (p-values≥0.36).

Conclusion

Results suggest that among nondemented older adults, CSF neurogranin predicts worse longitudinal cognitive decline in women but not in men. Further research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms that may account for these differences, such as possible sex hormone factors. These findings highlight the importance of pursuing individualized prevention and treatment approaches to combat accelerated cognitive aging that take into account the possibility of multiple, divergent disease pathways preceding ad and dementia among various demographic groups.
A-19 The Effect of Type 2 Diabetes on Attention and Executive Functioning in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients
Authors: Peart Zachary , Spagna Samantha , McDonald Bailey , Arias Brittny , Sydow D'anna , Golden Charles
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the effects of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) on performance on attention and executive function measures in a sample of MCI patients.

Method

Individuals with a clinician diagnosis of MCI with T2D and [n = 719,Mage = 75.24,50.3% female] and MCI persons without T2D [n = 719,Mage = 75.21,47.1% female] were selected from the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers database by the National Institute on Aging. Those with motor disturbances were excluded from the analysis. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found for race and education between groups.

Results

Multiple ANCOVAs controlled for gender, education, age, and race on performance. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in performance on the Trail Making Test [A, B], Digit Span forward [longest recall, correct trials], Digit Span backward [longest recall, correct trials], and Verbal Fluency tasks [F word, L words]. No significant differences were found in the animal and vegetable naming fluency tasks. The T2D group showed poorer mean scores on every test analyzed.

Conclusion

Results indicated modestly lower performance on measures of attention and executive functioning in MCI patients with comorbid T2D. Previous research supports these conclusions, as T2D has been associated with increased risk for dementia, accelerated decline from MCI to dementia, and modestly lower scores on cognitive tests via effects of microvascular function and altered glucose metabolism. Future studies should aim to identify protective factors in T2D cognitive decrements while controlling for exercise, diet, SES, and underlying medical comorbidities. The NACC database is funded by NIA/NIH Grant U01 AG016976. NACC data are contributed by the NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers.
A-73 Neurocognitive Profiles in Patients Following Covid-19 Infection
Authors: Krishnan Kamini , Miller Ashley K , Jackson Aaron Bonner
Published: August 2021

Objective

Little is known about neurocognitive function in patients with persisting cognitive complaints following Covid-19 infection. Initial studies, utilizing cognitive screening measures or case reports, suggest presence of deficits in attention and executive function. This study investigated cognitive functioning among individuals with Covid-19 infection.

Methods

The sample included 20 individuals referred to an outpatient Covid-19 recovery clinic at the Cleveland Clinic. At the time of Covid-19 diagnosis, 45% required hospitalization, 15% were in an intensive care unit, 10% needed mechanical ventilation, and 10% had delirium. Patients underwent neuropsychological evaluation on average 157 days after a Covid-19 positive PCR test.

Results

This sample (n = 20) was predominately female (85%), White non-Hispanic (70%), with a mean education of 15 years. For the majority of patients, neurocognitive test results were interpreted as within expectation compared to normative samples. Cognitive deficits, when present, were largely seen on isolated tests involving attention or executive function. Seventy percent of patients were treated for a mood disorder prior to Covid-19. At the time of testing, 45% of the sample endorsed moderate to severe symptoms of depression and/or anxiety and 92% noted significant fatigue as measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale.

Conclusions

Cognitive deficits, when observed, are consistent with prior research. These findings suggest that in patients with similar presentations, psychological implications of Covid-19 and other persisting symptoms (e.g., fatigue) may play a significant role in subjective cognitive complaints. These patients would likely benefit from resources to manage persisting or new mood symptoms and compensatory strategies for cognitive inefficiencies they experience.
A-81 Neuropsychological Profile of Child with Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Type 29
Authors: John Prescilla D , Weiss Erica F , Bronshteyn Diana , Masur David M , McGinley John J , Facchini Ronda F
Published: August 2021

Objective

Spinocerebellar ataxia 29 (SCA29) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder resulting in infantile-onset hypertonia, gross motor delay and cognitive impairment. SCA29 causes cerebellar dysfunction and atrophy manifested by poor hand coordination, instability of gait, impaired articulation, poor hand-eye coordination, language delay, and a wide legged, unsteady walk. Slow improvement across childhood is common, but the limited available research suggests significant clinical heterogeneity among individuals diagnosed with SCA29. We report the case of a six-year-old first grade girl to highlight the cognitive profile of SCA29 and determine its consistency with the literature.

Methods

Full neuropsychological evaluation was conducted, including examination of overall cognitive ability, academic achievement, and behavior.

Results

The patient demonstrated delayed cognitive and motor skills, slow processing, reduced reading fluency, and weak reading comprehension. Impaired verbal comprehension and limited fund of knowledge was seen. Working memory and visual spatial ability were relative individual strengths, though normatively weak. Untimed and non-motor academic skills were well below peers. Performances met criteria for ADHD and Language Disorder.

Conclusion

Six-year-old girl with SCA29 with expected motor difficulties including gross motor delay, hypotonia, ataxia, poor ocular fixation evidenced global impairments with expected weakness with verbal comprehension and receptive language skills. This is consistent with the findings in the SCA29 literature. Comorbid diagnoses of ADHD and Language Disorder were present. Given clinical heterogeneity, this case serves to expand existing knowledge on case variability, and adds the consideration of wider comorbidities in this rare condition.
Body Image Concerns and Associated Impairment Among Adults Seeking Body Contouring Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Bennett Brooke L , Grilo Carlos M , Alperovich Michael , Ivezaj Valentina
Published: August 2021

Background

The current study examined a range of body image concerns and associated distress and impairment in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and are seeking subsequent body contouring surgery.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the hypotheses that individuals seeking body contouring endorse a broad pattern of body image concerns and that overall body image concern is associated with greater impairment and disability.

Methods

The participants were 56 adults seeking body contouring surgery after bariatric surgery. All participants completed a self-report questionnaire designed for the present study to assess body image concerns specific to patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and a battery of established measures of disability, impairment, and eating-disorder psychopathology.

Results

The most commonly endorsed concerns were related to loose skin (body dissatisfaction, feeling embarrassed in public, and skin rashes) whereas the least endorsed items included concerns related to scars from bariatric surgery (body dissatisfaction, avoidance of social situations, and difficulty concentrating). Participants endorsed a broad pattern of frequent distress and impairment related to physical body image changes post–bariatric surgery. Greater body image concerns were associated significantly with higher levels of disability, work-related impairment, and eating-disorder psychopathology.

Conclusions

Patients seeking body contouring surgery reported a range of body image concerns with significant associated distress, disability, and impairment related to physical changes post–bariatric surgery. The present findings underscore that although bariatric surgery is effective for reducing weight and metabolic disturbances, additional interventions for addressing body image concerns that are frequently distressing and impairing may be needed.
Spatial and Genomic Data to Characterize Endemic Typhoid Transmission
Authors: Gauld Jillian S , Olgemoeller Franziska , Heinz Eva , Nkhata Rose , Bilima Sithembile , Wailan Alexander M , Kennedy Neil , Mallewa Jane , Gordon Melita A , Read Jonathan M , Heyderman Robert S , Thomson Nicholas R , Diggle Peter J , Feasey Nicholas A
Published: August 2021

Background

Diverse environmental exposures and risk factors have been implicated in the transmission of Salmonella Typhi, but the dominant transmission pathways through the environment to susceptible humans remain unknown. Here, we use spatial, bacterial genomic, and hydrological data to refine our view of typhoid transmission in an endemic setting.

Methods

A total of 546 patients presenting to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, with blood culture–confirmed typhoid fever between April 2015 and January 2017 were recruited to a cohort study. The households of a subset of these patients were geolocated, and 256 S. Typhi isolates were whole-genome sequenced. Pairwise single-nucleotide variant distances were incorporated into a geostatistical modeling framework using multidimensional scaling.

Results

Typhoid fever was not evenly distributed across Blantyre, with estimated minimum incidence ranging across the city from <15 to >100 cases per 100 000 population per year. Pairwise single-nucleotide variant distance and physical household distances were significantly correlated (P = .001). We evaluated the ability of river catchment to explain the spatial patterns of genomics observed, finding that it significantly improved the fit of the model (P = .003). We also found spatial correlation at a smaller spatial scale, of households living <192 m apart.

Conclusions

These findings reinforce the emerging view that hydrological systems play a key role in the transmission of typhoid fever. By combining genomic and spatial data, we show how multifaceted data can be used to identify high incidence areas, explain the connections between them, and inform targeted environmental surveillance, all of which will be critical to shape local and regional typhoid control strategies.
Ambulatory monitoring promises equitable personalized healthcare delivery in underrepresented patients
Authors: Kulkarni Kanchan , Sevakula Rahul Kumar , Kassab Mohamad B , Nichols John , Roberts Jesse D. , Isselbacher Eric M , Armoundas Antonis A
Published: August 2021

The pandemic has brought to everybody’s attention the apparent need of remote monitoring, highlighting hitherto unseen challenges in healthcare. Today, mobile monitoring and real-time data collection, processing and decision-making, can drastically improve the cardiorespiratory–haemodynamic health diagnosis and care, not only in the rural communities, but urban ones with limited healthcare access as well. Disparities in socioeconomic status and geographic variances resulting in regional inequity in access to healthcare delivery, and significant differences in mortality rates between rural and urban communities have been a growing concern. Evolution of wireless devices and smartphones has initiated a new era in medicine. Mobile health technologies have a promising role in equitable delivery of personalized medicine and are becoming essential components in the delivery of healthcare to patients with limited access to in-hospital services. Yet, the utility of portable health monitoring devices has been suboptimal due to the lack of user-friendly and computationally efficient physiological data collection and analysis platforms. We present a comprehensive review of the current cardiac, pulmonary, and haemodynamic telemonitoring technologies. We also propose a novel low-cost smartphone-based system capable of providing complete cardiorespiratory assessment using a single platform for arrhythmia prediction along with detection of underlying ischaemia and sleep apnoea; we believe this system holds significant potential in aiding the diagnosis and treatment of cardiorespiratory diseases, particularly in underserved populations.
Direct proof of the amyloid nature of yeast prions [PSI+] and [PIN+] by the method of immunoprecipitation of native fibrils
Authors: Sergeeva Aleksandra V , Belashova Tatyana A , Bondarev Stanislav A , Velizhanina Marya E , Barbitoff Yury A , Matveenko Andrew G , Valina Anna A , Simanova Angelina L , Zhouravleva Galina A , Galkin Alexey P
Published: August 2021

Prions are proteins that can exist in several structurally and functionally distinct states, one or more of which is transmissible. Yeast proteins Sup35 and Rnq1 in prion state ([PSI+] and [PIN+], respectively) form oligomers and aggregates, which are transmitted from parents to offspring in a series of generations. Several pieces of indirect evidence indicate that these aggregates also possess amyloid properties, but their binding to amyloid-specific dyes has not been shown in vivo. Meanwhile, it is the specific binding to the Congo Red dye and birefringence in polarized light after such staining that is considered the gold standard for proving the amyloid properties of a protein. Here, we used immunoprecipitation to extract native fibrils of the Sup35 and Rnq1 proteins from yeast strains with different prion status. These fibrils are detected by electron microscopy, stained with Congo Red and exhibit yellow-green birefringence after such staining. All these data show that the Sup35 and Rnq1 proteins in prion state form amyloid fibrils in vivo. The technology of fibrils extraction in combination with standard cytological methods can be used to identify new pathological and functional amyloids in any organism and to analyze the structural features of native amyloid fibrils.