The Explanatory Generalized Graded Unfolding Model: Incorporating Collateral Information to Improve the Latent Trait Estimation Accuracy

Collateral information has been used to address subpopulation heterogeneity and increase estimation accuracy in some large-scale cognitive assessments. The methodology that takes collateral information into account has not been developed and explored in published research with models designed specifically for noncognitive measurement. Because the accurate noncognitive measurement is becoming increasingly important, we sought to examine the benefits of using collateral information in latent trait estimation with an item response theory model that has proven valuable for noncognitive testing, namely, the generalized graded unfolding model (GGUM). Our presentation introduces an extension of the GGUM that incorporates collateral information, henceforth called Explanatory GGUM. We then present a simulation study that examined Explanatory GGUM latent trait estimation as a function of sample size, test length, number of background covariates, and correlation between the covariates and the latent trait. Results indicated the Explanatory GGUM approach provides scoring accuracy and precision superior to traditional expected a posteriori (EAP) and full Bayesian (FB) methods. Implications and recommendations are discussed.

Feelings of Contrast at Test Reduce False Memory in the Deese/Roediger-McDermott Paradigm

False memories in the Deese/Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm are explained in terms of the interplay between error-inflating and error-editing (e.g., monitoring) mechanisms. In this study, we focused on disqualifying monitoring, a decision process that helps to reject false memories through the recollection of collateral information (i.e., recall-to-reject strategies). Participants engage in recall-to-reject strategies using one or two metacognitive processes: (1) applying the logic of mutual exclusivity or (2) experiencing feelings of contrast between studied items and unstudied lures. We aimed to provide, for the first time in the DRM literature, evidence favorable to the existence of a recall-to-reject strategy based on the experience of feelings of contrast. One hundred and forty participants studied six-word DRM lists (e.g., spy, hell, fist, fight, abduction, mortal), simultaneously associated with three critical lures (e.g., WAR, BAD, FEAR). Lists differed in their ease to identify their critical lures (extremely low-BAS lists vs. high-BAS lists). At recognition test, participants saw either one or the three critical lures of the lists. Participants in the three-critical-lure condition were expected to increase their monitoring, as they would experience stronger feelings of contrast than the participants in the one-critical-lure condition. Results supported our hypothesis, showing lower false recognition in the three-critical-lure condition than in the one-critical-lure condition. Critically, in the three-critical-lure condition, participants reduced even more false memory when they could also resort to another monitoring strategy (i.e., identify-to-reject). These findings suggest that, in the DRM context, disqualifying monitoring could be guided by experiencing feelings of contrast between different types of words.

Novel case of Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia: challenges in the management

Coexistence of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (iPD) and schizophrenia can pose great diagnostic and therapeutic challenges because of their pathophysiology. Our case highlights such challenges in management. We present a case of 73-year-old man who had parkinsonism for last several years and was also diagnosed with schizophrenia. Due to lack of collateral information about the onset of symptoms and clinical course, it was difficult to distinguish iPD from neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism. Even though, certain clinical findings may help to differentiate between the two conditions, single positron emission computerized tomography/DatScan was used to confirm the diagnosis of iPD. Treatment of coexisting iPD and schizophrenia can be challenging, and a delicate pharmacologic balance must be maintained to ensure adequate symptomatic control. Current evidence suggests that clozapine is a better choice for managing psychosis in these patients due to its unique receptor profile and better safety data.

Measuring and Quantifying Collateral Information in Psychiatry: Feasibility study of the McLean Collateral Information and Clinical Actionability scale (M-CICAS) (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The review of collateral information is an essential component of patient care. Though this is standard practice, minimal research has been devoted to quantifying collateral information collection and to understanding how collateral information translates to clinical decision-making. To address this, we developed and piloted a novel measure (the McLean collateral information and clinical actionability scale (M-CICAS)) to evaluate the types and number of collateral sources viewed and resulting actions made in a psychiatric setting. OBJECTIVE Study aims included: 1) feasibility testing of the M-CICAS measure, 2) validating this measure against clinician notes via medical records, and 3) evaluating whether reviewing a higher volume of collateral sources is associated with more clinical actions taken. METHODS For the M-CICAS measure, we developed a three-part instrument, focusing on measuring collateral sources reviewed, clinical actions taken, and shared decision-making between clinician and patient. We recruited clinicians providing psychotherapy services at McLean hospital (N = 7) to complete the M-CICAS measure after individual clinical sessions. We also independently completed the M-CICAS using only the clinician’s corresponding note from that session, in order to validate the reported measure against the electronic health record which served as the objective point of comparison. Based on this, we estimated inter-rater reliability, reporting validity and whether significant variance in clinical actions taken could be attributed to inter-clinician differences. RESULTS Study staff had high interrater reliability on the M-CICAS for the sources reviewed (r=0.98, P<.001) and actions taken (r=0.97, P <.001). Clinician and study staff ratings were moderately correlated and statistically significant on the M-CICAS summary scores for the sources viewed (r’s=0.24 and 0.25, P=.02202 and P=.0188, respectively). Univariate regression modelling demonstrated a significant association between collateral sources and clinical actions taken when clinicians completed the M-CICAS (B=.27, t=2.47, P =.015). Multilevel fixed slopes random intercepts model confirmed a significant association even when accounting for clinician differences (B=.23, t=2.13, P =.037). CONCLUSIONS This pilot study establishes feasibility and preliminary validity for the M-CICAS measure in assessing collateral sources and clinical decision-making in psychiatry. This study also indicated that reviewing more collateral sources may lead to an increased number of clinical actions following a session.

Interpreting and reporting 40Ar/39Ar geochronologic data

The 40Ar/39Ar dating method is among the most versatile of geochronometers, having the potential to date a broad variety of K-bearing materials spanning from the time of Earth’s formation into the historical realm. Measurements using modern noble-gas mass spectrometers are now producing 40Ar/39Ar dates with analytical uncertainties of ∼0.1%, thereby providing precise time constraints for a wide range of geologic and extraterrestrial processes. Analyses of increasingly smaller subsamples have revealed age dispersion in many materials, including some minerals used as neutron fluence monitors. Accordingly, interpretive strategies are evolving to address observed dispersion in dates from a single sample. Moreover, inferring a geologically meaningful “age” from a measured “date” or set of dates is dependent on the geological problem being addressed and the salient assumptions associated with each set of data. We highlight requirements for collateral information that will better constrain the interpretation of 40Ar/39Ar data sets, including those associated with single-crystal fusion analyses, incremental heating experiments, and in situ analyses of microsampled domains. To ensure the utility and viability of published results, we emphasize previous recommendations for reporting 40Ar/39Ar data and the related essential metadata, with the amendment that data conform to evolving standards of being findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) by both humans and computers. Our examples provide guidance for the presentation and interpretation of 40Ar/39Ar dates to maximize their interdisciplinary usage, reproducibility, and longevity.

Ergonomic Guidelines of Head-Up Display User Interface during Semi-Automated Driving

Self-driving vehicles are emerging as a result of technological advances, and the range of human behavior is expanding. The collateral information on driving is increasing, and head-up displays (HUDs) can be coupled with augmented reality displays to convey additional information to drivers in innovative ways. Interference between the actual driving environment and the displayed information can cause distractions. Research is required to find out what information should be displayed and how to properly display it considering the number of information, as well as the location and arrangement of the HUD. This study aims to examine the types of HUD information presentation that enhance the driver’s intuitive understanding. The first experiment identified which information affects drivers more in self-driving conditions in terms of error rate and importance. As a result, information that the drivers consider to be of greater importance or more relevant to their safety was selected. The level of HUD information complexity was assessed in the second experiment. The independent variables were the number of symbols, location of the HUD, and arrangement of the HUD. The results showed that the number of symbols was most affected and that fewer than six should be displayed. Besides, the arrangement of contents was more intuitive when a vertical alignment was used, and the main content should be placed in the center of the windshield area. Finally, ergonomic design guidelines of the information presentation type are proposed in this study.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common and thoroughly researched neuropsychiatric disorder affecting children and adolescents. The prevalence of ADHD ranges from 8 to 12% in school-age children, and 70% of these individuals continue to meet DSM-5 criteria for the disorder in adolescence. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys compared with girls. ADHD is chronic, with prominent symptoms and impairment in family, social, and academic functioning. ADHD is often associated with comorbid disorders, including disruptive, mood, and anxiety disorders, and can increase the risk of developing substance use disorders. The diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive clinical assessment, including a detailed history, clinical interview, and collateral information, and is clinically established by review of symptoms and impairment and having established a developmental history of the symptoms. The biological underpinning of the disorder is supported by genetic, neuroimaging, neurochemistry, and neuropsychological data. Treatment should attend to developmental milestones of the child and include family and individual psychosocial interventions. Psychosocial interventions in combination with medication are helpful for ADHD and comorbid problems. Pharmacotherapy, including psychostimulants, noradrenergic agents, alpha agonists, and antidepressants, plays a fundamental role in the treatment and management of ADHD. This review contains 2 figures, 9 tables, and 114 references. Key words: attention, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, comorbidity, hyperactivity, impulsivity, learning, nonstimulants, psychosocial, psychostimulants, treatment

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common and thoroughly researched neuropsychiatric disorder affecting children and adolescents. The prevalence of ADHD ranges from 8 to 12% in school-age children, and 70% of these individuals continue to meet DSM-5 criteria for the disorder in adolescence. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys compared with girls. ADHD is chronic, with prominent symptoms and impairment in family, social, and academic functioning. ADHD is often associated with comorbid disorders, including disruptive, mood, and anxiety disorders, and can increase the risk of developing substance use disorders. The diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive clinical assessment, including a detailed history, clinical interview, and collateral information, and is clinically established by review of symptoms and impairment and having established a developmental history of the symptoms. The biological underpinning of the disorder is supported by genetic, neuroimaging, neurochemistry, and neuropsychological data. Treatment should attend to developmental milestones of the child and include family and individual psychosocial interventions. Psychosocial interventions in combination with medication are helpful for ADHD and comorbid problems. Pharmacotherapy, including psychostimulants, noradrenergic agents, alpha agonists, and antidepressants, plays a fundamental role in the treatment and management of ADHD. This review contains 2 figures, 9 tables, and 114 references. Key words: attention, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, comorbidity, hyperactivity, impulsivity, learning, nonstimulants, psychosocial, psychostimulants, treatment