Predictor Of Function Research Articles

Concurrent and prospective prediction of community-dwelling adults' psychosocial functioning with the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms-II (IDAS-II).

Mood and anxiety disorders involve defining symptoms (e.g., dysphoria, anhedonia) that can impair psychosocial functioning (e.g., self-care, work, social relationships). The present study evaluated the validity of the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms-II (IDAS-II; Watson et al., 2012) via convergence with a semistructured interview assessing mood and anxiety disorder symptoms and, moreover, prediction of psychosocial functioning. Community-dwelling adults (N = 601) completed the self-report IDAS-II, a semistructured diagnostic interview, and self-report and interview measures of psychosocial functioning. A retest subsample (ns = 497-501) completed the functioning measures again, on average 8 months later. Supporting our hypotheses, the IDAS-II converged robustly with interview-assessed symptoms and predicted psychosocial functioning significantly, both concurrently and prospectively. Moreover, the IDAS-II predicted functioning significantly better than did the diagnostic interview. These findings support use of the IDAS-II in research and clinical settings to assess mood and anxiety symptoms and their connections to psychosocial impairment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, personality disorders and the alternative model: Prediction of naturalistically observed behavior, interpersonal functioning, and psychiatric symptoms, 1 year later.

Traditional personality disorders (PDs; e.g., Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition [DSM-5] Section II PDs), as well as dimensional traits (e.g., alternative model for PD [AMPD]), offer unique advantages in personality pathology assessment. However, very little is known about how these systems compare in predicting observable behavior. This study compares self-report ratings of PD symptoms (i.e., Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV PD) with self-reports of AMPD traits (i.e., Personality Inventory for DSM-5) in predicting clinical outcomes, 1 year later, via three different methods: (a) naturalistically observed psychosocial functioning (i.e., electronically activated recorder [EAR]), (b) informant-reported interpersonal functioning (i.e., Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-32), and (c) self-reported suicidality (SI), depression, anxiety, and substance use symptoms (i.e., Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire). Data were analyzed from 72 individuals in current or recent psychiatric treatment meeting diagnosis for at least one PD. Results showed that DSM Section II PD and AMPD ratings yielded meaningful and comparable predictions of naturalistically observed EAR variables and informant-rated interpersonal functioning. The AMPD appeared to offer slight advantages in the prediction of EAR-observed negative affect, hostile words, and informant-rated interpersonal functioning, with clearer advantages at the facet level. Overall, these results provide tentative evidence that both DSM Section II PD and AMPD systems show meaningful links with clinical outcomes measured via multiple methods 1 year later, but with clearer advantages for the AMPD at the facet level. Moreover, results show that the EAR is a viable method for capturing naturalistically observed clinically meaningful, in vivo behavior of individuals exhibiting maladaptive personality patterns. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

432. Success and Failure of Connectome-Based Prediction of Cognitive Functioning in Early Psychosis

432. Success and Failure of Connectome-Based Prediction of Cognitive Functioning in Early Psychosis

Psychosocial difficulties as a predictor of overall functioning in individuals with schizophrenia: a case-control study

IntroductionDifficulties in emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social functions are considered important factors of global functioning in schizophrenia.ObjectivesA better understanding of difficulties in the mentioned facets might lead to the development of better-adjusted treatment approaches for individuals with schizophrenia, as well as impacting to reduction and elimination of stigma in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s wider social context in relation to difficulties spanning the daily life of individuals with schizophrenia.MethodsThirty- one patients with schizophrenia (SCH), and 30 healthy controls (HC) participated in our study. The Adult Self-Report (ASR), Achenbach’s scale for adults (ASEBA- Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment), and World Health Organization, Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) tests were administered.ResultsGroups differed in age, education, employment status, marital status, friendships existence, and disability existence. According to the regression equations, thought problems predicted Getting around; withdrawn predicted Getting along with people and Life activities- Household, School/Work in the group of individuals with schizophrenia.ConclusionsOur study revealed the role of different facets of difficulties in the prediction of global functioning in SCH. These findings might directly point to the importance of eliminating stigmatizing beliefs in a wider social context, developing techniques for improving the social support segment, focusing on healthy family functioning, as well as investigating job presence and perceived quality of life.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

31 Characterizing Sociodemographic Factors Associated with the Cognitive and Linguistic Scale (CALS) Among Pediatric Rehabilitation Patients Admitted for Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective:Extant literature suggests significant heterogeneity in recovery trajectories after experiencing a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) during childhood (Moran et al., 2016). The Cognitive and Linguistic Scale (CALS) is a promising non-norm-referenced measure designed for serial monitoring within an inpatient rehabilitation setting that may optimize prediction of acute recovery and long-term neuropsychological functioning. To date, the CALS has primarily been examined in the context of injury characteristics such as severity and etiology (e.g., Slomine et al., 2016), and it is unclear what non-injury factors may be relevant to consider. Using archival data gathered from an inpatient pediatric neurorehabilitation program, this study examined associations between the CALS and select sociodemographic factors to better inform the clinical utility of the measure.Participants and Methods:Participants included 56 youth (46% BIPOC, 66% male) aged 2-17 years (M = 12.40, SD = 3.99) who were admitted for moderate to severe TBI to an inpatient rehabilitation program at a regional tertiary care children’s hospital. Data extracted from medical records included demographic information (i.e., age at injury, sex, ethnoracial identity, address, initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) rating, CALS at admission, and full-scale IQ (FSIQ) at discharge. GCS was used as a proxy for injury severity. Residential addresses were geocoded and area-level median income was used as a proxy for familial socioeconomic status (SES). A multiple regression model was utilized to parse the individual contributions of demographic variables) on initial CALS performance while accounting for injury severity. Parallel regression models were used to determine whether patient characteristics moderate the association between initial CALS performance and cognitive functioning at discharge.Results:Preliminary analyses demonstrated that there were no significant associations between GCS and demographic variables, ps > .05. Patient age at injury was significantly associated with CALS total score at admission above and beyond injury severity and other demographic characteristics, t (31) = 2.55, p = .016, such that older age was associated with higher initial CALS scores. Results of moderator analyses between CALS and patient characteristics showed a significant main effect of injury severity, such that higher GCS was associated with higher FSIQ at discharge across models, ps < .05. No significant interactions were identified.Conclusions:These findings provide additional evidence for the generalizability of the CALS and further characterize its associations with non-injury factors, which is important for better understanding aspects that contribute to recovery trajectories and outcomes after moderate to severe TBI. Given the longstanding challenges in regard to the validity of neuropsychological assessment for diverse groups, it is critical to explicitly examine cultural context when considering the clinical utility of a measure. A limitation of the current study is the utilization of broad demographic information due to limited availability of sociocultural data. Future research should examine more granular and culturally-specific variables that may impact CALS performance (e.g., educational attainment, linguistic considerations), beyond using broad-based demographic data as a proxy for sociocultural factors. Another important next step is to utilize serial administrations of the CALS to examine the impact of sociocultural factors on recovery trajectories following TBI.

Navigating the multiple challenges of job loss: A career self-management perspective

Involuntary job loss poses at least two major, simultaneous challenges: coping with the psychological fallout of the loss as well as finding new work. Research on coping with unemployment has often emphasized the job search process, equating it with “problem-focused” coping. By contrast, while the psychological toll also represents a real problem for many unemployed persons, efforts to cope with the myriad non-search aspects of job loss (e.g., changes in social, temporal, and financial conditions) have often been considered as “emotion-focused,” “symptom-focused,” or “escape-oriented”, implying that such coping is somehow ancillary to, or even at odds with, the aims of re-employment. Extending the social cognitive model of career self-management (CSM; Lent & Brown, 2013) to the study of job loss, we examined psychological and job search coping strategies in conjunction with selected person and contextual factors that can aid or hinder the coping process. The project included development of a new coping strategies measure, the Coping with Unemployment Scales (CUES). A sample of 512 early to mid-career unemployed workers in the U.S. completed an online survey including measures of coping, social support, financial strain, proactive personality, and three criterion variables: emotional well-being, psychological distress, and job search progress. A structural path analysis of the CSM model yielded good fit to the data. The coping strategies contributed uniquely to the prediction of the emotional functioning and job search progress criteria. We consider the implications of the findings for future inquiry on job loss coping.

Intelligent energy management strategy for hybrid electric vehicles using reinforcement learning

ABSTRACT Predicting the performance of a Hybrid EV (Electric Vehicle) is significant to alleviate the complications of insufficient fuel and other battery-related problems that affect the driving capacity. Many energy management techniques with ML (Machine Learning) and DL (Deep Learning) methodologies have been deployed in predicting the operation of vehicles based on energy sources and their features. Still, it is being noticed that prediction errors have increased along with the increase or decrease of input data. To solve the challenges addressed in existing studies, the proposed approach intends to use both ML and DL to predict faults from battery features that considerably manage the energy. It is accomplished through efficient feature extraction employed by Bi-LSTM (Bidirectional Long Short Term Memory), which extracts the best energy features required for predicting the defects. From the extracted input features collected hourly, daily, and monthly from the dataset, classification is done using the Modified XGBoost Algorithm with Empirical Loss function. Normal and Abnormal functioning of the Hybrid EV is classified effectively. Followed by that, the prediction of improper functioning is made with the assistance of the vehicle Id to maximise the vehicle’s performance through consideration of battery constraints. Experimentation is performed with MATLAB simulation, and the performance of the proposed system is evaluated using error metrics like RMSE (Root Mean Square Error), MAE (Mean Absolute Error), MSE (Mean Square Error), and accuracy. Efficiency is exhibited through the minimum loss obtained through the proposed work. From analysis of comparing LSTM method with proposed model, it is found that the LSTM method produced RMSE value of 1.055% which is 0.84% reduced in proposed model. On the other hand, the MAE of LSTM is 0.826% and the proposed model is decreased with 0.174%. Further, the MSE of LSTM is 1.113% and is 0.69% reduced in proposed model.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the 10-item Weekly Calendar Planning Activity in Spanish-speaking ABI patients: a multicenter study.

We present the process of translation, adaptation, and validation in the Spanish context of the 10-item version of the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA-10), a performance-based measure of cognitive instrumental activities of daily living (C-IADL). The study consisted of two phases: I) translation/cultural adaptation of the WCPA, conducted by professional bilingual translators, a panel of experts, and a pilot study, and II) validation in a sample of 42 acquired brain injury patients (ABI) and 42 healthy participants (HC). WCPA primary outcomes showed expected convergent/discriminant validity patterns with socio-demographical and clinical variables and cognitive processes identifying those WCPA outcomes that best predicted executive and memory deficits measured with a battery of traditional neuropsychological tests. In addition, performance on the WCPA was a significant predictor of everyday functioning over variables such as socio-demographics or global cognition when measured with traditional tests. External validity was established by the WCPA's ability to identify everyday cognitive deficits in ABI patients compared to HC, even in those with subtle cognitive impairment based on neuropsychological tests. The Spanish WCPA-10 seems an appropriate and sensitive assessment tool to identify cognitive-functional impairment in ABI-patients, even those with subtle cognitive impairment. The results also highlight the relevance of this kind of test, as they indicate a better prediction of patients' real-world functioning than traditional neuropsychological tests.

Increasing the number of stressors reduces soil ecosystem services worldwide

Increasing the number of environmental stressors could decrease ecosystem functioning in soils. Yet this relationship has not been globally assessed outside laboratory experiments. Here, using two independent global standardized field surveys, and a range of natural and human factors, we test the relationship between the number of environmental stressors exceeding different critical thresholds and the maintenance of multiple ecosystem services across biomes. Our analysis shows that having multiple stressors, from medium levels (>50%), negatively and significantly correlates with impacts on ecosystem services and that having multiple stressors crossing a high-level critical threshold (over 75% of maximum observed levels) reduces soil biodiversity and functioning globally. The number of environmental stressors exceeding the >75% threshold was consistently seen as an important predictor of multiple ecosystem services, therefore improving prediction of ecosystem functioning. Our findings highlight the need to reduce the dimensionality of the human footprint on ecosystems to conserve biodiversity and function.

Ecological validity of the Meyers Neuropsychological Battery

Neuropsychologists are increasingly being asked to apply neuropsychological test results to real world functioning; however, neuropsychological tests are not usually constructed to do so, but instead are more concerned with diagnostic accuracy than with prediction of daily functioning. Using samples of 5,460 patients that did self-ratings and 2791 patients that had family ratings plus the Meyers Neuropsychological Battery (MNB), it was found that the family ratings were better predicted by neuropsychological test data than were self-ratings on the 38 item Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS). The R values for family ratings on the 36 regression equations ranged from .236 to .763. The results show that the ratings given patients by family members could be predicted by the neuropsychological test results. These findings can help the clinician to make broad statements regarding likely real-life functioning and also support the ecological validity of the tests that make up the MNB.

Prediction of physical functioning and general health status trajectories on mortality among persons with cognitive impairment

BackgroundThe concern posed by the confluence of aging and cognitive impairment is growing in importance as the U.S. population rapidly ages. As such, we sought to examine the predictive power of physical functioning (PF) and general health status (GHS) trajectories on mortality outcomes among persons with cognitive impairment (PCIs).MethodsWe used group-based trajectory models to identify latent group memberships for PF trajectories in 1,641 PCIs and GHS trajectories in 2,021 PCIs from the National Health and Aging Trends Survey (2011–2018) and applied logistic regressions to predict mortality using these memberships controlling for individual characteristics.ResultsWe identified six trajectory groups for PF and four groups for GHS. Trajectory group memberships for both outcomes significantly predicted mortality. For PF, group memberships largely captured the average levels over time, and worse trajectories (i.e., lower baselines and faster declines) were associated with higher odds of death. The highest mortality risk was associated with the group experiencing a sharp decline early in its PF trajectory, although its average level across time was not the lowest. For GHS, we observed two groups with comparable average levels across time, but the one with a convex-shape trajectory had much higher mortality risks compared to the one with a concave-shape trajectory.ConclusionsOur findings highlighted that health trajectories predicted mortality among PCIs, not only because of general levels but also because of the shapes of declines. Close monitoring health deterioration of PCIs is crucial to understand the health burden of this population and to make subsequent actions.

Trend in Satellite-Observed Vegetation Cover and Its Drivers in the Gannan Plateau, Upper Reaches of the Yellow River, from 2000 to 2020

The Yellow River basin (YRB) has played an important role in the forming of Chinese civilization. Located in the upper reaches of the YRB and the southeastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), the Gannan Plateau (GP), which consists of mainly alpine and mountain ecosystems, is one of the most important water conservation areas for the Yellow River and recharges 6.59 billion cubic meters of water to the Yellow River each year, accounting for 11.4% of the total runoff of the Yellow River. In the past 30 years, due to climate change and intense human activities, the GP is facing increasing challenges in maintaining its ecosystem integrity and security. Vegetation is a central component of the terrestrial ecosystem and is also key to maintaining ecosystem functioning and services. To form sound ecological restoration projects for the GP and the upper reaches of the YRB in general, this study assesses the trend in FVC (Fractional Vegetation Cover) and its drivers across the GP by integrating high-resolution satellite remote sensing images and meteorological data from 2000 to 2020. Results showed that the mean value of FVC for the entire GP between 2000 and 2020 was 89.26%. Aridity was found to be the main factor that determined the spatial distribution of FVC, while ecosystem type exhibited the secondary effect with forests having the highest FVC within each aridity class. From 2000 to 2020, the FVC in 84.11% of the study area did not exhibit significant change, though 10.32% of the study area still experienced a significant increase in FVC. A multi-factor analysis revealed that precipitation surpassed temperature as the main driver for the FVC trend in semi-arid and semi-humid areas, while this pattern was reversed in humid areas. A further residual analysis indicated that human activities only played a minor role in determining the FVC trend in most naturally vegetated areas of the study area, except for semi-arid crops where a significant positive role of human influences on the FVC trend was observed. The findings highlight the fact that aridity and vegetation types interact to explain the relative sensitivity of alpine and mountain ecosystems to climate trends and human influences. Results from this study provide an observational basis for better understanding and pattern prediction of ecosystem functioning and services in the GP under future climate change, which is key to the success of the national strategy that aims to preserve ecosystem integrity and promote high-quality development over the entire YRB.

Experimental analysis and transient numerical simulation of a large diameter pulsating heat pipe in microgravity conditions

A multi-parametric transient numerical simulation of the start-up of a large diameter Pulsating Heat Pipe (PHP) specially designed for future experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) are compared to the results obtained during a parabolic flight campaign supported by the European Space Agency. Since the channel diameter is larger than the capillary limit in normal gravity, such a device behaves as a loop thermosyphon on ground and as a PHP in weightless conditions; therefore, the microgravity environment is mandatory for pulsating mode. Because of a short duration of microgravity during a parabolic flight, the data concerns only the transient start-up behavior of the device. One of the most comprehensive models in the literature, namely the in-house 1-D transient code CASCO (French acronym for Code Avancé de Simulation du Caloduc Oscillant: Advanced PHP Simulation Code in English), has been configured in terms of geometry, topology, material properties and thermal boundary conditions to model the experimental device. The comparison between numerical and experimental results is performed simultaneously on the temporal evolution of multiple parameters: tube wall temperature, pressure and, wherever possible, velocity of liquid plugs, their length and temperature distribution within them. The simulation results agree with the experiment for different input powers. Temperatures are predicted with a maximum deviation of 7%. Pressure variation trend is qualitatively captured as well as the liquid plug velocity, length and temperature distribution. The model also shows the ability of capturing the instant when the fluid pressure begins to oscillate after the heat load is supplied, which is a fundamental information for the correct design of the engineering model that will be tested on the ISS. We also reveal the existence of strong liquid temperature gradients near the ends of liquid plugs both experimentally and by simulation. Finally, a theoretical prediction of the stable functioning of a large diameter PHP in microgravity is given. Results show that the system provided with an input power of 185W should be able to reach the steady state after 1min and maintain a stable operation from then on.

Psychometric properties of the BIRT Motivation Questionnaire (BMQ), a self-measure of avolition in individuals with schizophrenia

AimsAvolition defined as a lack of interest or engagement in goal-directed behavior plays a key role in everyday functioning in schizophrenia and is considered as one of the main contributors to the burden of disease. The aim of this study was to 1) validate the self-report BIRT Motivation Questionnaire (BMQ-S) seldom used before in schizophrenia 2) examine the degree of agreement between the BMQ-S and its informant-report version 3) to assess its ability to predict real-world outcome at 12 month follow-up. MethodsOne hundred and twenty-two (51.9% inpatients) adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were included. Exploratory Factor analysis was performed on the BMQ-S to identify the underlying structure. Real life functioning was measured with the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF). Convergent validity was assessed with the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptom (SANS) and the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS). ResultsThe main psychometric properties of the BMQ-S (internal consistency, test-retest reliability) were satisfactory. Exploratory factorial analysis revealed a 4-factor model which explained 76% of the overall variance. The BMQ-S correlated significantly with the LARS and the SANS avolition subscore suggesting adequate convergent validity. The correlation between the BMQ-S and the clinician-report version was 0.48. The global score and in particular the Initiation/disorganisation dimension was a significant predictor of global functioning at 12-months even when adjusted for age, chlorpromazine intake and depression. ConclusionOur findings indicate that the BMQ-S has satisfactory psychometric properties and that schizophrenia patients can reliably assess their lack of motivation. Self-evaluation of avolition should be considered in the overall prediction of real-world functioning in schizophrenia.

Regional amyloid accumulation predicts memory decline in initially cognitively unimpaired individuals

AbstractBackgroundThe current shift towards (early) secondary intervention AD trial designs warrants the need for detection of subtle changes of both amyloid‐β (Aβ) burden and cognitive functioning. This study investigated the longitudinal trajectory of global and regional Aβ measurements and their value in predicting cognition in initially cognitively unimpaired (CU) subjects.MethodWe included 133 CU subjects with available longitudinal cognition (MMSE: 2‐13 assessments, 7.9±2.5 years; neuropsychological memory tasks: 2‐5 assessments, 4.0±1.9 years) and [11C]PiB PET imaging (2‐5 scans, 4.4±1.9 years) from the OASIS‐3 cohort. Baseline and annualized Aβ measures (DVR) were computed for a global composite and 4 clusters of regions, reflecting different stages of the amyloid accumulation process. Linear mixed effect models were used to examine the predictive value of Aβ measurements (i.e. Aβbaseline, Aβslope, and Aβbaseline*slope) on global cognition (MMSE) and several aspects of memory performance. All analyses were controlled for age, sex, years of education, and time between baseline PET and first cognitive assessment.ResultGlobal baseline amyloid burden and slope were non‐linearly related (). This was also apparent in stages 1, 2, and 3 clusters, but less in stage 4 (). MMSE performance over time could only be predicted by Aβ burden and accumulation in cluster 2 (precuneus, lateral orbitofrontal (LOFC), and insula; β baseline=‐0.37, p<.001; β interaction=14.16, p<.05). Focusing on the precuneus ROI by itself significantly improved the model (βbaseline =‐0.29, p<.001; βslope =‐9.71, p<.05; βinteraction =8.71, p<.01), where fast‐decliners were those at the plateau phase of accumulation (). Similarly, precuneal slope and the interaction term were both predictive of changes in immediate (βslope =‐60.95, p<.05; βinteraction =53.39, p<.05) and delayed episodic memory (βslope =‐65.45, p<.05; βinteraction =53.14, p<.05). In the Aβ‐ at baseline group (N=93), LOFC slope and the interaction term predicted changes in working (βslope =‐172.0, p<.05; βinteraction =‐147.2, p<.05) and semantic memory performance (βslope =‐439,4, p<.01; βinteraction =393.1, p<.01).ConclusionQuantifying longitudinal and regional changes in Aβ can improve the prediction of future cognitive functioning in initially CU individuals. For individuals with established amyloid pathology, longitudinal Aβ measures help to identify those subjects most likely to show cognitive decline within the short timelines of clinical trials.

Prediction of Educational Attainment and Occupational Functioning in Young Adults With a Childhood Diagnosis of ADHD: Results from the Cologne Adaptive Multimodal Treatment (CAMT) Study

Objective: This longitudinal study examined early predictors of educational attainment and occupational functioning in adults with a childhood diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: Participants (n = 70) of the Cologne Adaptive Multimodal Treatment (CAMT) Study were diagnosed with ADHD and received adaptive multimodal ADHD treatment during childhood. They were then followed through adolescence into adulthood. Results: Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that poor reading skill and externalizing behaviors in childhood were early predictors of educational and occupational difficulties in adulthood. The use of stimulant medication in childhood predicted lower high school achievement, probably because medication use was confounded by indication. The regression models improved when intelligence scores and/or externalizing behaviors, especially delinquency, assessed in adolescence were considered as additional predictors. Conclusion: Children with ADHD, who continue to show reading difficulties and externalizing behavior problems after initial treatment, are at risk for educational and occupational difficulties and may need additional support.

Detailed clinical phenotyping and generalisability in prognostic models of functioning in at-risk populations.

Personalised prediction of functional outcomes is a promising approach for targeted early intervention in psychiatry. However, generalisability and resource efficiency of such prognostic models represent challenges. In the PRONIA study (German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00005042), we demonstrate excellent generalisability of prognostic models in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis or with recent-onset depression, and substantial contributions of detailed clinical phenotyping, particularly to the prediction of role functioning. These results indicate that it is possible that functioning prediction models based only on clinical data could be effectively applied in diverse healthcare settings, so that neuroimaging data may not be needed at early assessment stages.

Investigating the National Adult Reading Test (NART-2) and Wechsler Test of Adult Reading Test (WTAR) in predicting Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence – Second edition (WASI-II) scores in an Australian sample

ABSTRACT Objective: The NART-2 and WTAR are used to estimate premorbid intellectual functioning. There are concerns about their accuracy. Our aim was to develop models predicting WASI-II scores from the NART-2 and WTAR variables and evaluate their accuracy within an Australian sample. Method: The sample included 145 adults aged 18.91 to 70.64 years (M = 34.70, SD = 13.30), of which 78 were female. Analyses examined the reliability of the word reading tasks and estimated WASI-II sores with multiple linear regression. Comparison of estimated scores were made with actual WASI-II scores. Results: WASI-II scores were moderately related to word reading tasks (r = .33 to.51, p < .01) and weakly related to age, years of education, and occupation. Models were identified for the four WASI-II index scores (with R2 = .20 to .36) and their accuracy checked. 24%-48%, 61%-73% and 80%-88% were correctly estimated within five, 10 and 15 points, respectively. Conclusions: Models for predicting WASI-II scores from the NART-2 and WTAR and demographic variables had adequate strength and accuracy. However, they were likely to be limited to those with FSIQ>79. Further development of word reading tasks for the prediction of premorbid intellectual functioning in the contemporary Australian context is warranted. Key Points What is already known about this topic: (1) The estimation of premorbid intellectual functioning is important in cognitive assessment, for which tests such as the National Adult Reading Test (NART-2) and Wechsler Test of Adult Reading Test (WTAR) were developed. (2) Research has pointed to potential problems with using the ageing norms and predictive models of the NART-2 and WTAR and recent Australian research has presented new models for predicting current Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) scores. (3) No evaluation of the NART-2 or WTAR has examined the accuracy of these models in predicting the shorter Wechsler Abbreviated Scales of Intelligence – Second Edition (WASI-II) scores in the Australian context. What this topic adds: (1) This study provides norms for the NART-2 and WTAR utilising Australian pronunciation rules, consistent with the Macquarie Dictionary. (2) Equations are presented for predicting WASI-II scores from NART-2 and WTAR scores and simple demographic variables, based on a healthy sample of Australian adults. (3) Evaluation of these predictive models shows they are likely to have adequate strength and accuracy, but were limited to predicting ability to within the low average range and above (FSIQ>79).

Generative lesion pattern decomposition of cognitive impairment after stroke.

Cognitive impairment is a frequent and disabling sequela of stroke. There is however incomplete understanding of how lesion topographies in the left and right cerebral hemisphere brain interact to cause distinct cognitive deficits. We integrated machine learning and Bayesian hierarchical modelling to enable a hemisphere-aware analysis of 1080 acute ischaemic stroke patients with deep profiling ∼3 months after stroke. We show the relevance of the left hemisphere in the prediction of language and memory assessments and relevance of the right hemisphere in the prediction of visuospatial functioning. Global cognitive impairments were equally well predicted by lesion topographies from both sides. Damage to the hippocampal and occipital regions on the left was particularly informative about lost naming and memory functions, while damage to these regions on the right was linked to lost visuospatial functioning. Global cognitive impairment was predominantly linked to lesioned tissue in the supramarginal and angular gyrus, the post-central gyrus as well as the lateral occipital and opercular cortices of the left hemisphere. Hence, our analysis strategy uncovered that lesion patterns with unique hemispheric distributions are characteristic of how cognitive capacity is lost due to ischaemic brain tissue damage.

Examining the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4) Across Models, Correlates, and Gender.

To date, no studies have examined a range of structural models of the interpersonally aversive traits tapped by the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4; narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, sadism), in conjunction with their measurement invariance (males vs. females) and how the models each predict external correlates. Using a large sample of young adults (N = 3,975), four latent variable models were compared in terms of fit, measurement invariance, and prediction of intrapersonal and interpersonal functioning. The models tested were as follows: (Model A) confirmatory factor analytic, (Model B) bifactor, (Model C) exploratory structural equation model, and (Model D) a reduced-item confirmatory factor analytic that maximized item information. All models accounted for item covariance with good precision, although differed in incremental fit. Strong invariance held for all models, and each accounted similarly for the external correlates, highlighting differential predictive effects of the SD4 factors. The results provide support for four theoretically distinct but overlapping dark personality domains.