Neurocognitive profiles in autism spectrum disorder

textThe current research project examines the performance of a group of high functioning young adult males with autism spectrum disorders on standardized measures of neurocognitive functioning to determine whether distinct cognitive profiles of strengths and weaknesses emerge. Neuropsychological test data across various domains: general cognitive ability, visuospatial processing, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, working memory, reasoning, cognitive flexibility, attention, receptive language, expressive language, social and emotional processing, and fine motor skills was examined. Data were analyzed using cluster analysis to assess for the presence and nature of unique clusters/subgroups based on neuropsychological test performance. Three unique clusters were derived from the analyses. This study highlights the well-documented heterogeneity across the spectrum of autism and suggests a method for parsing a heterogeneous sample of ASD subjects into smaller and more meaningful homogeneous groups using standardized neuropsychological assessments.Educational Psycholog

The Student-Leader Voice in Restorative Justice Practices

As more and more schools work to develop equitable and effective discipline strategies many are turning to restorative practices. However, there is no one correct way to implement a successful restorative justice program so schools are left to experiment with different practices and procedures to determine what works best for their school community. Research suggests that there are numerous benefits to developing a restorative program at a school but studies largely exclude the student perspective. Since students are a central part of a meaningful restorative justice program, it is important to hear their voices and experiences. The purpose of this research project is to better understand how student-leaders at a suburban middle school perceive their newly implemented restorative justice program and learn what their experiences can teach administrators and staff about how to improve the program. This research study focuses data collection on the student experience. Research methods include a focus group with student-leaders, interviews with administrators, and anonymous online surveys with the same student-leaders from the focus group. Findings suggest that restorative programs are most successful with students and teachers involved in the program understand and maintain their distinct roles in the restorative process. When roles are correctly implemented, student-leaders experience empowerment and leadership in their school community. As demonstrated in the findings, a lack of maintaining these roles leads to disempowerment of students. Additionally, it is crucial that the greater student body and school community understanding the purpose and process of a restorative program in order for the program to be successful

Synthesis and Characterization of Hyaluronic Acid Based Biomaterials for Drug Delivery and Virus Modification

In this thesis, hyaluronic acid based biomaterials are studied. The properties and potential applications of these polymers are characterized and discussed. In Chapter 1, biomaterials are introduced as well as hydrogels and nanogels. Hyaluronic acid is highlighted as a remarkable bio-polymer. The overall objectives of my research are also discussed. Chapter 2 is focused around trials for utilizing graphene oxide as a nanomaterial for controlling the drug release of an aromatic compound. Hyaluronic acid based hydrogels were synthesized as a delivery vessel. The results of the drug release profiles are examined and discussed. A different direction is taken in Chapter 3. A nanogel is formed using hyaluronic acid and a thermoresponsive polymer. The synthesis of the grafted polymer itself as well as the nanogel are outlined and the characterization of each are discussed. In Chapter 4, two methods for surface modification of virus particles are discussed. In one approach, a boronic acid grafted hyaluronic acid polymer is synthesized and characterized. In another approach, “click” chemistry is utilized as an alkyne-terminated polymer is synthesized and characterized for conjugation with an azide-modified virus

Patterns of brain functional connectivity within neurocognitive subtypes of autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. There have been increased efforts to identify meaningful subtypes of ASD based on a variety of measures (e.g., behavioral symptoms, genetic information, etc.). Elucidation of homogenous subtypes may lead to clearer understanding of underlying brain functioning and etiology of ASD. A recent exploratory study aimed to determine whether neuropsychological test data could be used to parse a group of individuals with high-functioning ASD into homogenous “subtypes” based on unique neurocognitive profiles (Wagner, 2014). Results of that study were promising and suggested the emergence of 3 clusters. This subset of individuals with ASD was successfully parsed into smaller more homogenous subgroups based on unique neurocognitive profiles driven by performance on measures of reasoning, receptive language, and learning/memory. Thus, corresponding brain regions were selected for further study in order to explore potential underlying differences in brain functioning across identified clusters. Resting state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fcMRI) is an emerging neuroimaging tool used to examine functional correlations among spatially distinct brain regions. Previous rs-fcMRI studies examining individuals with ASD have found evidence for altered connectivity; however, results have been inconsistent. Inconsistencies may be related to the heterogeneous nature of ASD and underlying differences in potential neurocognitive subtypes within ASD samples. The current study aimed to extend preliminary research by comparing patterns of functional connectivity of frontal brain regions, Wernicke’s area, and hippocampal regions across previously identified clusters to examine potential differences in underlying brain function. Results indicated The ASD subgroup with above average reasoning and language skills had increased frontal functional connectivity in comparison to other ASD subjects and controls, as well as increased posterior superior temporal gyrus connectivity in comparison to other ASD subjects. The ASD subgroup with below average learning and memory had decreased hippocampal functional connectivity in comparison to controls. However, when ASD subgroups were combined, there were no differences in functional connectivity between ASD and controls. Thus, ASD may be related to unique alterations in functional connectivity networks, however meaningful subgroup differences are easily masked by sample heterogeneity. Identification of neurocognitive profiles may provide diagnostic utility both within the spectrum and between ASD and other disorders. Diagnostic clarification in the form of a “neurocognitive subtype” could provide useful information about cognitive strengths and weaknesses and directions for treatment and intervention planning. Further delineation of the ASD spectrum, including variations in cognitive profiles and related underlying brain networks, may reveal important differences in underlying etiology and response to treatment.Educational Psycholog

Beyond the Three “Bs” How American Christians Approach Faith and Politics

While it is well known that religiosity measures inform modern political alignments and voting behavior, less is known about how people of various religious orthodoxies think about the role of religion in society. To learn more about this veritable “black box” with respect to whether and why people connect their spiritual life to the political world, we conducted several focus groups in randomly selected Christian congregations in a mid-sized Midwestern city. Our analysis offers confirmatory, amplifying, and challenging evidence with respect to the “Three Bs” (believing, behaving, and belonging) perspective on how religion affects politics. Specifically, we show that while contemporary measures of religious traditionalism accurately reflect individuals’ partisan, ideological, and issue preferences, attitudes regarding the broad intersection of faith and politics are perhaps best understood via the presence (or absence) of denominational guidance on questions of the role of religion in society. We conclude by offering suggestions for future survey research seeking to explain the relationship between religion and politics

Utah Visual Farm Guide: What is Healthy Soil?

The Utah Visual Farm Guide uses a pictorial format to teach farming basics. This fact sheet illustrates the components of soil and the difference between healthy and unhealthy soils in Utah

Utah Visual Farm Guide: Year-round Soil Care

The Utah Visual Farm Guide uses a pictorial format to teach farming basics. This fact sheet illustrates soil management practices for each season