A Precision Functional Atlas of Network Probabilities and Individual-Specific Network Topography

The brain is organized into a broad set of functional neural networks. These networks and their various characteristics have been described and scrutinized through in vivo resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). While the basic properties of networks are generally similar between healthy individuals, there is vast variability in the precise topography across the population. These individual differences are often lost in population studies due to population averaging which assumes topographical uniformity. We leveraged precision brain mapping methods to establish a new open-source, method-flexible set of probabilistic functional network atlases: the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) Precision Atlas. Using participants from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, single subject precision maps were generated with two supervised network-matching procedures (template matching and non-negative matrix factorization), as well as an unsupervised community detection algorithm (Infomap). We demonstrate that probabilistic network maps generated for two demographically-matched groups of n~3000 each were nearly identical, both between groups (Pearson r >0.999) and between methods (r=0.96), revealing both regions of high invariance and high variability. Compared to using parcellations based on groups averages, the MIDB Precision Atlases allowed us to derive a set of brain regions that are largely invariant in network topography and provide more reproducible statistical maps of executive function brain-wide associations. We explore an example use case for probabilistic maps, highlighting their potential for use in targeted neuromodulation. The MIDB Precision Atlas is expandable to alternative datasets and methods and is provided open-source with an online web interface to encourage the scientific community to experiment with probabilistic atlases and individual-specific topographies to more precisely relate network phenomenon to functional organization of the human brain.

The Effectiveness of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Paradigms as Treatment Options for Recovery of Language Deficits in Chronic Poststroke Aphasia

Background. In an effort to boost aphasia recovery, modern rehabilitation, in addition to speech and language therapy (SALT), is increasingly incorporating noninvasive methods of brain stimulation. The present study is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of two paradigms of neuronavigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): (i) 1 Hz rTMS and (ii) continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) each as a standalone treatment for chronic aphasia poststroke. Methods. A single subject experimental design (SSED) trial was carried out in which six people with aphasia (PWA) were recruited, following a single left hemispheric stroke more than six months prior to the study. Three individuals were treated with 1 Hz rTMS, and the remaining three were treated with cTBS. In all cases, TMS was applied over the right pars triangularis (pTr). Language assessment, with standardized and functional measures, and cognitive evaluations were carried out at four time points: twice prior to treatment (baseline), one day immediately posttreatment, and at follow-up two months after treatment was terminated. Quality of life (QoL) was also assessed at baseline and two months posttreatment. In addition, one of the participants with severe global aphasia was followed up again one and two years posttherapy. Results. For all participants, both rTMS paradigms (1 Hz rTMS and cTBS) generated trends towards improvement in several language skills (i.e., verbal receptive language, expressive language, and naming and reading) one day after treatment and/or two months after therapy. Rated QoL remained stable in three individuals, but for the other three, the communication scores of the QoL were reduced, while two of them also showed a decline in the psychological scores. The participant that was treated with cTBS and followed for up to two years showed that the significant improvement she had initially exhibited in comprehension and reading skills two months after TMS (1st follow-up) was sustained for at least up to two years. Conclusion. From the current findings, it is suggested that inhibitory TMS over the right pTr has the potential to drive neuroplastic changes as a standalone treatment that facilitates language recovery in poststroke aphasia.

Efektifitas Teknik Anger Management dalam Mengelola Emosi Marah yang dilakukan melalui e-counseling di SMP Islam Al Azhar 12 Rawamangun

EFEKTIFITAS TEKNIK ANGER MANAGEMENT DALAM MENGELOLA EMOSI MARAH YANG DILAKUKAN MELALUI E-COUNSELING DI SMP ISLAM AL AZHAR 12 RAWAMANGUN EFEKTIFITAS TEKNIK ANGER MANAGEMENT DALAM MENGELOLA EMOSI MARAH YANG DILAKUKAN MELALUI E-COUNSELING DI SMP ISLAM AL AZHAR 12 RAWAMANGUN Ayu Lestari ABSTRAK Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh teknik anger management dalam mengelola emosi marah pada satu siswa kelas IX di SMPI Al Azhar 12 Rawamangun. Metode penelitian adalah Single Subject Research dengan desain penelitian A-B. Pengumpulan data menggunakan instrumen observasi yang dikembangkan melalui indikator pengekspresian kemarahan oleh Spielberger yaitu Anger In, Anger Out, dan Anger Control. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis dalam kondisi dan analisis antar kondisi. Hasil yang diperoleh dari penelitian ini adalah pada indikator Anger In mengalami penurunan dari kondisi baseline 13,7(sangat rendah) dan kondisi intervensi sebesar 13,6 (sangat rendah) hal yang sama terjadi pada indikator Anger Out mengalami penurunan sebesar pada baseline sebesar 30 (sangat tinggi) dan setelah intervensi menjadi 17,4 ( sedang) sesedangkan pada indikator Anger Control menunjukkan peningkatan, pada baseline diperoleh rata-rata sebesar 9 ( sangat rendah) dan setelah intervensi menjadi 23 (tinggi) . kenaikan dan penurunan pada anger out dan anger control tidak harus sama , bisa lebih besar pada kenaikan di anger in dan lebih kecil penurunan di anger out maupun sebaliknya. Adanya penurunan pada Anger Out dan adanya peningkatan pada Anger Control menunjukkan bahwa anger management berpengaruh dalam membantu anak dalam mengelola ekspresi emosi marahnya. The research aims to find out the influence of anger management techniques in managing angry emotions in one grade IX student at SMPI Al Azhar 12 Rawamangun. The research method is Single Subject Research with A-B research design. Data collection uses observation instruments developed through Spielberger's anger expression indicators Anger In, Anger Out, and Anger Control. Data analysis techniques use analysis in conditions and analysis between conditions. The results obtained from this study are in anger in indicators decreased from baseline conditions of 13.7 (very low) and intervention conditions of 13.6 (very low) the same thing occurred in anger out indicator decreased by 30 (very high) baseline and after intervention to 17.4 ( moderate) as in anger control indicator showed improvement, on the baseline obtained an average of 9 ( very low) and after intervention to 23 (high) . increase and decrease in anger out and anger control does not have to be the same, it can be greater on the increase in anger in and smaller decrease in anger out or vice versa. The decrease in Anger Out and the increase in Anger Control shows that anger management has an effect in helping children manage their expressions of angry emotions. . Keywords: Anger, Anger Expression, Anger In, Anger Out, Anger Control, behavior, cognitive, Individual counseling, Anger Management

A single-subject case study of twice exceptionality

Twice exceptional (2e) individuals are defined as exceptionally talented persons in one or more areas including academic skills, creativity, leadership, and visual arts accompanied by challenges in one or more areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics. This study aimed to present the views on the academic and social-emotional development of a gifted student with learning disabilities. This research was conducted as a case study by using qualitative research methods. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with the mother, elementary school teacher, special education teacher, and the 2e student himself. The study concluded that the participants emphasized the adaptations that were made in schools for 2e students and the need for support from parents, peers, and teachers for 2e students as well as the necessity for cooperation between school and family.

Does Right-Hemispheric Anodal tDCS Enhance the Impact of Script Training in Chronic Aphasia? A Single-Subject Experimental Study

Background: Script training is an aphasia treatment approach that has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on communication of individuals with aphasia; however, it is time intensive as a therapeutic modality. To augment therapy-induced neuroplasticity, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be implemented. tDCS has been paired with other speech-language treatments, however, has not been investigated with script training.Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine if tDCS improves communication proficiency when paired with script training, compared to script training alone.Methods and Procedures: A single-subject experimental design was implemented with a participant with non-fluent aphasia, using two scripts across treatment conditions: script training with sham-tDCS, and script training with anodal-tDCS. Treatment sessions were 75 min long, administered three times weekly. Anodal tDCS was implemented for 20 min with a current of 1.5 mA over the right inferior frontal gyrus.Results: Large effect sizes were obtained on script mastery for both stimulation conditions (anodal d2 = 9.94; sham d2 = 11.93). tDCS did not improve script accuracy, however, there was a significant improvement in the rate of change of script pace relative to baseline (3.99 seconds/day, p < 0.001) in the anodal tDCS condition.Conclusion: Despite a null tDCS result on accuracy, the script training protocol increased script performance to a near-fluent level of communication. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that tDCS may alter the rate of script acquisition, however, further research to corroborate this finding is required. Implications for future studies are discussed.

Using a 3D Simulation for Teaching Functional Skills to Students with Learning, Attentional, Behavioral, and Emotional Disabilities

The study presents results from the use of a 3D simulation for teaching functional skills to students with learning, attentional, behavioral, and emotional disabilities, attending regular schools. An A-B single-subject study design was applied. The participating students (eight eight-to-nine years old) explored the simulation (a virtual school), encountered situations in which they observed how they are expected to behave, and had to demonstrate what they have learned. Each student attended a total of four two-hour sessions. Data were collected by means of observations and semi-structured interviews. All students demonstrated improved functional skills both in terms of the number of behaviors they acquired and in terms of those that were retained and manifested in the real school environment. On the basis of the results, it can be argued that 3D simulations are a promising tool for teaching functional skills to students with disabilities.