International Sex Survey: Study protocol of a large, cross-cultural collaborative study in 45 countries

Abstract Background and aims Limitations of research into sexuality and compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) include the use of simplistic methodological designs and the absence of quality and unified measurements, empirically supported theoretical models, and large, collaborative studies between laboratories. We aim to fill these gaps with the International Sex Survey (ISS, http://internationalsexsurvey.org/). Methods The ISS is a large-scale, international, multi-lab, multi-language study using cross-sectional survey methods, involving more than 40 countries. Participants responding to advertisements complete a self-report, anonymous survey on a secure online platform. Collaborators from each country collect a community sample of adults with a minimum sample size of 2,000 participants with a gender ratio of approximately 50–50% men and women, including diverse individuals with respect to sexuality and gender. The ISS includes a wide range of sociodemographic questions and scales assessing a diverse set of sexual behaviors, pornography use, psychological characteristics, and potential comorbid disorders. Analyses are conducted within a structural equation modeling framework, including variable (e.g., measurement invariance tests) and person-centered approaches (e.g., latent profile analysis). Discussion and conclusions The ISS will provide well-validated, publicly available screening tools, helping to eliminate significant measurement issues in the field of sexuality research and health care. It will provide important insights to improve the theoretical understanding of CSBD as well as help to identify empirically supported treatment targets for prevention and intervention programs. Following open-science practices and making study materials open-access, the ISS may serve as a blueprint for future large-scale research in addiction and sexuality research.

Download Full-text

A Shallow Water Model for Convective Self-Aggregation

Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences ◽

10.1175/jas-d-20-0031.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Da Yang

Keyword(s):

Shallow Water ◽

Gravity Waves ◽

Large Scale ◽

Wave Pattern ◽

Water Model ◽

Shallow Water Model ◽

Modeling Framework ◽

Convective Storms ◽

Wide Range ◽

Self Aggregation

AbstractRandomly distributed convective storms can self-aggregate in the absence of large-scale forcings. Here we present a 1D shallow water model to study the convective self-aggregation. This model simulates the dynamics of the planetary boundary layer and represents convection as a triggered process. Once triggered, convection lasts for finite time and occupies finite length. We show that the model can successfully simulate self-aggregation, and that the results are robust to a wide range of parameter values. In the simulations, convection excites gravity waves. The gravity waves then form a standing wave pattern, separating the domain into convectively active and inactive regions. We analyze the available potential energy (APE) budget and show that convection generates APE, providing energy for self-aggregation. By performing dimensional analysis, we develop a scaling theory for the size of convective aggregation, which is set by the gravity wave speed, damping timescale, and number density of convective storms. This paper provides a simple modeling framework to further study convective self-aggregation.

Download Full-text

Classification of protein–protein association rates based on biophysical informatics

BMC Bioinformatics ◽

10.1186/s12859-021-04323-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kalyani Dhusia ◽

Yinghao Wu

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Cross Validation ◽

Protein Complexes ◽

Dynamic Properties ◽

Conformational Dynamics ◽

Classification Model ◽

Coarse Grained ◽

Modeling Framework ◽

Validation Data ◽

Wide Range

Abstract Background Proteins form various complexes to carry out their versatile functions in cells. The dynamic properties of protein complex formation are mainly characterized by the association rates which measures how fast these complexes can be formed. It was experimentally observed that the association rates span an extremely wide range with over ten orders of magnitudes. Identification of association rates within this spectrum for specific protein complexes is therefore essential for us to understand their functional roles. Results To tackle this problem, we integrate physics-based coarse-grained simulations into a neural-network-based classification model to estimate the range of association rates for protein complexes in a large-scale benchmark set. The cross-validation results show that, when an optimal threshold was selected, we can reach the best performance with specificity, precision, sensitivity and overall accuracy all higher than 70%. The quality of our cross-validation data has also been testified by further statistical analysis. Additionally, given an independent testing set, we can successfully predict the group of association rates for eight protein complexes out of ten. Finally, the analysis of failed cases suggests the future implementation of conformational dynamics into simulation can further improve model. Conclusions In summary, this study demonstrated that a new modeling framework that combines biophysical simulations with bioinformatics approaches is able to identify protein–protein interactions with low association rates from those with higher association rates. This method thereby can serve as a useful addition to a collection of existing experimental approaches that measure biomolecular recognition.

Download Full-text

Differential Item Functioning of the Full and Brief Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales in Asian, White, Hispanic, and Multiethnic Samples and Between Sexes

Assessment ◽

10.1177/1073191117719509 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 1001-1013 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

David C. Cicero ◽

Elizabeth A. Martin ◽

Alexander Krieg

Keyword(s):

Differential Item Functioning ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Self Report ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Modeling Framework ◽

Magical Ideation ◽

Item Functioning ◽

Multiple Indicator ◽

Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales ◽

Multiple Causes

The Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales, including their brief versions, are among the most commonly used self-report measures of schizotypy. Although they have been used extensively in many ethnic groups, few studies have examined their differential item functioning (DIF) across groups. The current study included 1,056 Asian, 408 White, 476 Multiethnic, and 372 Hispanic undergraduates. Unidimensional models of the brief Magical Ideation Scale and Perceptual Aberration Scales fit the data well. For both scales, global tests of measurement invariance provided mixed evidence, but few of the items displayed DIF across ethnicities or between sexes within a multiple indicator multiple causes model. For the full versions of the scales and the brief Revised Social Anhedonia Scale, multiple indicator multiple causes models within an exploratory structural equation modeling framework found that few of the items had DIF. These findings suggest that some of the items may have different psychometric properties across groups, but most items do not.

Download Full-text

Maltreatment, Coping, and Substance Use in Youth in Foster Care: Examination of Moderation Models

Child Maltreatment ◽

10.1177/1077559517741681 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 175-185 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Joy Gabrielli ◽

Yo Jackson ◽

Lindsay Huffhines ◽

Katie Stone

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Foster Care ◽

Coping Behavior ◽

Self Report ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Modeling Framework ◽

Behavior Outcomes ◽

And Coping ◽

Youth In Foster Care

Child maltreatment is associated with negative outcomes such as substance use (SU). This study tested relations among maltreatment history, coping behavior, and SU behavior in youth residing in foster care. Participants were 210 youth ( Mage = 12.71 years; SD = 2.95) in foster care who completed self-report measures through an audio computer-assisted self-interview program. Using a structural equation modeling framework and latent measurement constructs, positive associations were identified between maltreatment at baseline and coping behavior outcomes as well as SU behavior outcome approximately 4.5 months later. Specifically, greater severity and chronicity of maltreatment was associated with greater SU behavior as well as indirect action, prosocial, and asocial coping behavior. Maltreatment was not significantly related to direct action coping behavior. In moderation tests, only asocial coping provided a significant interaction effect for SU behavior outcomes; SU behavior did not moderate pathways between maltreatment and coping behavior. For youth in foster care, the coping approach may be varied and relate differentially to SU behavior outcomes, with asocial approaches to coping acting as a buffer for the maltreatment/SU relation. Additionally, SU remains an important target for intervention and prevention in youth residing in foster care.

Download Full-text

Screening for mood disorders after stroke: a systematic review of psychometric properties and clinical utility

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291714000336 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 29-49 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

L.-J. Burton ◽

S. Tyson

Keyword(s):

Psychometric Properties ◽

Clinical Utility ◽

Geriatric Depression Scale ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Self Report ◽

Screening Tools ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Communication Problems ◽

Wide Range ◽

Patient Health

BackgroundRoutine mood screening is recommended after stroke. However, clinicians report difficulty selecting appropriate tools from the wide range available. We aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties and clinical utility of mood screening tools for stroke survivors.MethodElectronic databases (AMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO) were searched to identify studies assessing the sensitivity and specificity of mood screening tools. Tools that demonstrated at least 80% sensitivity and 60% specificity with stroke survivors with identifiable cut-off scores indicating major and/or any mood disorder in at least one study were selected and clinical utility was assessed. Those with high clinical utility (against predefined criteria) were selected for recommendation.ResultsThirty papers examining 27 screening tools were identified and 16 tools met the psychometric and clinical utility criteria: 10 were verbal self-report tools, four were observational and two incorporated visual prompts for those with communication problems. Only the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire –Hospital version (SADQ-H) met all the psychometric and utility criteria. The nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) can detect major depression and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) can identify milder symptoms; both are feasible to use in clinical practice. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was the only tool able to identify anxiety accurately, but clinical utility was mixed.ConclusionsValid and clinically feasible mood screening tools for stroke have been identified but methodological inconsistency prevented recommendations about the optimal cut-off scores.

Download Full-text

Associations Between Psychopathy and the Trait Meta-Mood Scale in Incarcerated Males: A Combined Latent Variable- and Person-Centered Approach

Criminal Justice and Behavior ◽

10.1177/0093854819891460 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 331-351 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Carlo Garofalo ◽

Craig S. Neumann ◽

Daniel Mark

Keyword(s):

Latent Variable ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Latent Profile Analysis ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Profile Analysis ◽

Self Report ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Adult Males ◽

Interpersonal Traits ◽

Mood Scale

The present study sought to replicate and extend current knowledge on the relevance of emotion regulation (ER) for psychopathy. In a large sample of incarcerated adult males ( N = 578), latent profile analysis (LPA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to examine person- and variable-centered associations between self-reported ER and both self-report and clinical ratings of psychopathy. With LPA, participants were classified into three profiles corresponding to low, medium, and high ER. The low-ER profile displayed higher affective traits across psychopathy assessments compared with the other profiles. The same pattern of findings was evident for overt behavioral features of psychopathy, but not for interpersonal traits. SEM results were consistent with LPA findings: interpersonal (positively), affective, and lifestyle (negatively) facets had unique associations with a superordinate ER latent variable. Findings replicate and extend prior associations between psychopathy and ER and suggest differential links between ER and affective and interpersonal traits of psychopathy.

Download Full-text

Classification of probable online social networking addiction: A latent profile analysis from a large-scale survey among Chinese adolescents

Journal of Behavioral Addictions ◽

10.1556/2006.2020.00047 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 698-708

Author(s):

Ji-Bin Li ◽

Anise M.S. Wu ◽

Li-Fen Feng ◽

Yang Deng ◽

Jing-Hua Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Networking ◽

Large Scale ◽

Latent Profile Analysis ◽

Profile Analysis ◽

Chinese Adolescents ◽

Screening Tools ◽

Future Research ◽

Online Social Networking ◽

Average Risk ◽

Latent Profile

AbstractBackground and aimsProblematic online social networking use is prevalent among adolescents, but consensus about the instruments and their optimal cut-off points is lacking. This study derived an optimal cut-off point for the validated Online Social Networking Addiction (OSNA) scale to identify probable OSNA cases among Chinese adolescents.MethodsA survey recruited 4,951 adolescent online social networking users. Latent profile analysis (LPA) and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses were applied to the validated 8-item OSNA scale to determine its optimal cut-off point.ResultsThe 3-class model was selected by multiple criteria, and validated in a randomly split-half subsample. Accordingly, participants were categorized into the low risk (36.4%), average risk (50.4%), and high risk (13.2%) groups. The highest risk group was regarded as “cases” and the rest as “non-cases”, serving as the reference standard in ROC analysis, which identified an optimal cut-off point of 23 (sensitivity: 97.2%, specificity: 95.2%). The cut-off point was used to classify participants into positive (probable case: 17:0%) and negative groups according to their OSNA scores. The positive group (probable cases) reported significantly longer duration and higher intensity of online social networking use, and higher prevalence of Internet addiction than the negative group.ConclusionsThe classification strategy and results are potentially useful for future research that measure problematic online social networking use and its impact on health among adolescents. The approach can facilitate research that requires cut-off points of screening tools but gold standards are unavailable.

Download Full-text

Problematic Internet Use in Children and Adolescents: Associations with psychiatric disorders and impairment

10.21203/rs.2.17146/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anita Restrepo(Former Corresponding Author) ◽

Tohar Scheininger ◽

Jon Clucas ◽

Lindsay Alexander ◽

Giovanni Salum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Large Scale ◽

Internet Use ◽

Community Sample ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Brain Network ◽

Self Report ◽

Problematic Internet Use ◽

Wide Range

Abstract Background: Problematic internet use (PIU) is an increasingly worrisome issue, as youth population studies are establishing links with internalizing and externalizing problems. There is a need for a better understanding of psychiatric diagnostic profiles associated with this issue, as well as its unique contributions to impairment. Here, we leveraged the ongoing, large-scale Child Mind Institute Healthy Brain Network, a transdiagnostic self-referred, community sample of children and adolescents (ages 5-21), to examine the associations between PIU and psychopathology, general impairment, physical health and sleep disturbances.Methods: A total sample of 564 (190 female) participants between the ages of 7-15 (mean = 10.80, SD = 2.16), along with their parents/guardians, completed diagnostic interviews with clinicians, answered a wide range of self-report (SR) and parent-report (PR) questionnaires, including the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and underwent physical testing as part of the Healthy Brain Network protocol. Results: PIU was positively associated with depressive disorders (SR: aOR = 2.43, CI: 1.22-4.74, p = .01; PR: aOR = 2.56, CI: 1.31-5.05, p = .01), the combined presentation of ADHD (SR: aOR = 1.91, CI: 1.14-3.22, p = .01; PR: n.s.), Autism Spectrum Disorder (SR: n.s.; PR: aOR = 2.24, CI: 1.34-3.73, p < .001), greater levels of impairment (SR: Standardized Beta = 4.63, CI: 3.06-6.20, p < .001; PR: Standardized Beta = 5.05, CI: 3.67-6.42, p < .001) and increased sleep disturbances (SR: Standardized Beta = 3.15, CI: 0.71-5.59, p = .01; PR: Standardized Beta = 3.55, CI: 1.34-5.75, p < .001), even when accounting for demographic covariates and psychiatric comorbidity.Conclusions: The association between PIU and psychopathology, as well as its impact on impairment and sleep disturbances, highlight the urgent need to gain an understanding of mechanisms in order to inform public health recommendations on internet use in U.S. youth.

Download Full-text

Problematic Internet Use in Children and Adolescents: Associations with psychiatric disorders and impairment

10.21203/rs.2.17146/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anita Restrepo ◽

Tohar Scheininger ◽

Jon Clucas ◽

Lindsay Alexander ◽

Giovanni Salum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Large Scale ◽

Internet Use ◽

Community Sample ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Brain Network ◽

Self Report ◽

Problematic Internet Use ◽

Wide Range

Abstract Background: Problematic internet use (PIU) is an increasingly worrisome issue, as youth population studies are establishing links with internalizing and externalizing problems. There is a need for a better understanding of psychiatric diagnostic profiles associated with this issue, as well as its unique contributions to impairment. Here, we leveraged the ongoing, large-scale Child Mind Institute Healthy Brain Network, a transdiagnostic self-referred, community sample of children and adolescents (ages 5-21), to examine the associations between PIU and psychopathology, general impairment, physical health and sleep disturbances. Methods: A total sample of 564 (190 female) participants between the ages of 7-15 (mean = 10.80, SD = 2.16), along with their parents/guardians, completed diagnostic interviews with clinicians, answered a wide range of self-report (SR) and parent-report (PR) questionnaires, including the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and underwent physical testing as part of the Healthy Brain Network protocol. Results: PIU was positively associated with depressive disorders (SR: aOR = 2.43, CI: 1.22-4.74, p = .01; PR: aOR = 2.56, CI: 1.31-5.05, p = .01), the combined presentation of ADHD (SR: aOR = 1.91, CI: 1.14-3.22, p = .01; PR: n.s.), Autism Spectrum Disorder (SR: n.s.; PR: aOR = 2.24, CI: 1.34-3.73, p < .001), greater levels of impairment (SR: Standardized Beta = 4.63, CI: 3.06-6.20, p < .001; PR: Standardized Beta = 5.05, CI: 3.67-6.42, p < .001) and increased sleep disturbances (SR: Standardized Beta = 3.15, CI: 0.71-5.59, p = .01; PR: Standardized Beta = 3.55, CI: 1.34-5.75, p < .001), even when accounting for demographic covariates and psychiatric comorbidity. Conclusions: The association between PIU and psychopathology, as well as its impact on impairment and sleep disturbances, highlight the urgent need to gain an understanding of mechanisms in order to inform public health recommendations on internet use in U.S. youth.

Download Full-text

A systematic review of self-report measures used in epidemiological studies to assess alcohol consumption among older adults

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0261292 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (12) ◽

pp. e0261292

Author(s):

Kjerstin Tevik ◽

Sverre Bergh ◽

Geir Selbæk ◽

Aud Johannessen ◽

Anne-S. Helvik

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Recall Period ◽

Heavy Episodic Drinking ◽

Self Report ◽

Screening Tools ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Drinking Patterns ◽

Wide Range

Background There is a lack of standardization regarding how to assess and categorize alcohol intake in older adults. The aim of this study was to systematically review methods used in epidemiological studies to define drinking patterns and measure alcohol consumption among older adults. Methods A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases for studies published from January 2009 to April 2021. Studies were included if they were observational studies with a quantitative design; the mean age of the participants was ≥ 65 years; questionnaires, screening tools, or diagnostic tools were used to define alcohol consumption; and alcohol consumption was self-reported. Results Of 492 studies considered, 105 were included. Among the 105 studies, we detected 19 different drinking patterns, and each drinking pattern had a wide range of definitions. The drinking patterns abstaining from alcohol, current drinking, and risk drinking had seven, 12 and 21 diverse definitions, respectively. The most used questionnaire and screening tools were the quantity-frequency questionnaire, with a recall period of 12 months, and the full and short versions of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, respectively. Conclusion No consensus was found regarding methods used to assess, define, and measure alcohol consumption in older adults. Identical assessments and definitions must be developed to make valid comparisons of alcohol consumption in older adults. We recommend that alcohol surveys for older adults define the following drinking patterns: lifetime abstainers, former drinkers, current drinkers, risk drinking, and heavy episodic drinking. Standardized and valid definitions of risk drinking, and heavy episodic drinking should be developed. The expanded quantity-frequency questionnaire including three questions focused on drinking frequency, drinking volume, and heavy episodic drinking, with a recall period of 12 months, could be used.

Download Full-text