The lateral habenula (LHb) in the brain is an important regulator of midbrain dopaminergic systems that are known to be involved in the reinforcing properties of cocaine. We have previously determined that activation of LHb neurons using Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drug (DREADD) technology decreased cocaine-induced locomotor activity and cocaine self-administration in rats. To determine if these effects were due to disruption in motor coordination, in this study, male Long-Evans rats underwent survival surgery and were injected with hM3Dq (2 microliters), which is an activating DREADD virus bilaterally into the LHb. They then went through a training period of 2 trials per day for 5 days to master the Rotarod, a test for motor co-ordination. The Rotarod test entails a rotating wheel in which rats must balance and walk, thus testing their coordination. The amount of time they remain on the wheel is recorded with the maximum time per trail being 120 seconds. After the training period is over they are subjected to testing days where the rats are then injected with 1 or 3 mg/kg i.p. clozapine-N-oxide, which is the inert ligand that activates DREADD receptors. Twenty minutes is elapsed before they are subjected to the test. The amount of time spent on the Rotarod is again collected. Interestingly, our results demonstrated that activating the LHb produced no change in the level of motor coordination. This is interesting because with our cocaine self-administration experiments, a decrease in lever pressing is observed. Our results tell us that inhibiting the LHb has no effect on coordination and thus the decreased lever pressing expressed in the cocaine self-administration rats is in fact not due to a decrease in coordination. These results helped us rule out a possibility as to why our self-administration rats decreased their lever pressing.

Public policy for families has shifted focus to population level evidence-based parenting interventions (EBPIs). EBPIs have been proven to reduce child maltreatment and improve emotional and behavioral health in research. As a result, there has been an increase in individuals trained in EBPIs, but this has not translated into successful implementation of EBPIs in the real world. One factor in the successful implementation of EBPIs is the practitioner’s perceived self-efficacy in delivering the intervention. One EBPI with the potential to saturate at the population level is Triple P. Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) is a multi-level parenting intervention designed within a public health framework that allows individuals to deliver the intervention within the communities they reside in. In this exploratory study, we hypothesize that individuals in certain work environments will report differential levels of self-efficacy in the delivery of Triple P post training. Our sample population was comprised of individuals from five different work environments, including social services, health, education, and youth offending. They completed surveys on self-efficacy across three time points: at baseline, immediately following training, and 6-8 weeks after training. Results of the study will attempt to seek if work sector may be an influencing factor on an individual’s self-efficacy following training in delivering Triple P. This is important because the qualities of Triple P training are highly generalizable to other EBPIs, thus this study increases knowledge about the role of promoting self-efficacy when supporting successful implementation. The consideration of work environment in implementation science can be used to determine what changes should be made for conducive implementation of interventions.

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used substances among young adults. Approximately 20% of college students at two major universities reported use in the past 30 days. Various methods of marijuana use are also becoming increasingly popular and may be perceived as less risky by young adults than smoking as a route of administration. Young adults are generally more aware of vaping (smoking vapor produced by an electronic device, e.g. vape pen or e-cig) than older individuals and the prevalence of vaping tobacco is highest among young adults. Dabbing (i.e., when an individual ingests heated butane hash oil) is another new method that young adults have reported using to consume marijuana. This research study investigated the behaviors and personal views of young adults (18-25 years old) regarding substance use and associated perceived health risks. Participants were recruited using online advertising and direct mailers within Washington State. Data was collected using an electronically delivered survey between April and August 2014 (n= 2,101) and June and November 2015 (n= 1,591). Results from the preliminary data on marijuana use suggest increased rates of new (vaping and dabbing; 5% in 2014, 10% in 2015) versus traditional (smoking and eating; 90% in 2014, 85% in 2015) methods (dabbing was added to the survey in 2015). The proposed research investigates whether there is a relationship between marijuana consumption methods and perceived physical, psychological, emotional, and cognitive risk. Considering the progression of relaxed policies on marijuana use and the lack of research on health risks associated with vaping and dabbing, significant results could influence and encourage further education of individuals, especially young adults, about the potential health risks of novel methods of marijuana use. 

Though researchers have been studying marijuana for decades, little attention has been given to the role marijuana may play in an individual’s self-concept. Previous research has shown that drinking identity (the extent to which an individual views alcohol as part of his/her identity), as measured by the Alcohol Self-Concept Scale (ASCS), predicts alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. The current study sought to explore whether a similar pattern of results would be found for marijuana. Drawing from the ASCS, the newly developed Marijuana Self-Concept Scale (MSCS) seeks to evaluate how strongly individuals identify with marijuana. Stronger marijuana identity was predicted to be associated with more use and use-related problems. Men and non-college individuals were predicted to identify with marijuana more strongly than women and college students. Individuals of legal age (>21) were also hypothesized to be more likely to identify with marijuana. To test these hypotheses, participants (N=380, 54.8% female, ages 18-24) from the Seattle area completed a lab-based survey, which was a part of a larger study assessing the young adults’ developmental transitions and how those transitions relate to substance use. The MSCS and measures of marijuana use and problems were included in the survey. As expected, people who identified with marijuana tended to use more frequently and report more related problems. Men were more likely to identify with marijuana than women. However, we found no significant differences between non-college individuals and college students. In addition, being of legal age to use marijuana did not reveal a significance in identity. Findings suggest the MSCS may be a useful screening tool in future research and/or clinical application. By examining the relationship between marijuana identity and its subsequent use, we may also have the potential to develop more effective therapies and interventions for those who are at risk.

The psychology literature delves into understanding the role of men's self perception of masculinity in help-seeking behavior as well as help-seeking behavior in men with cancer. Help-seeking behavior is behavior that explains the utilization of healthcare of a population or group. What is the role of self perceptions of masculinity in help-seeking behavior of men with prostate cancer? This literature review focuses on understanding this role in men specifically with prostate cancer. The resources used for the review are MedLine, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, PubMed, and references within articles. The majority of the literature used were qualitative studies due to the availability in the literature. The literature suggests that men believe that prostate cancer affects their masculinity in both physical and emotional ways such as their physical aspects like strength, ability to provide for and protect their families, reaction to physical pain through peer pressure and social norms, and being viewed as unmanly. There are men that efficiently seek help from healthcare professionals for this disease to preserve their masculinity. Men also inefficiently seek help due to the potential embarrassment of those qualities being diminished by the disease. The limitations to writing the review included small sample sizes, support group participants, and participants that were already diagnosed. The review is also limited because there was no research on men that focused on how masculinity may have contributed to their help-seeking in the initial stages. Healthcare services, such as interventions or programs, should focus on the following indicators when promoting help-seeking behavior to men with prostate cancer: stoicism, privacy, family providing and protection, and being viewed as unmanly due to the physical effects on a man's body. If the healthcare system can overcome these barriers, it will be able to reach men more efficiently and prevent further advancement of diseases like prostate cancer. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that includes impairments in social interaction, communication skills and presence of repetitive behaviors. The CDC estimates that rates of autism are almost five times higher in boys than among girls. ASD children demonstrate less social involvement, such as fewer reciprocal relationships with friends, in comparison to typical children. This may be due to lower social communication skills in children with ASD. In a study of typically developing children, girls scored higher in non-verbal skills such as pretend play, compared to boys, suggesting that girls may be more likely to communicate socially than boys. This study will investigate if boys and girls with autism differ in their social communications abilities when matched for non- verbal intelligence. Forty children (20 girls and 20 boys) with ASD between the ages of 8 and 17 participated in this study. Social communication was measured using a child-clinical diagnostic interaction (Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule) and non-social communication skills were measured using the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (which measures verbal response to visual stimuli). Additionally, parents reported on their child’s social interactions using the Autism Diagnostic Interview. We hypothesized that ASD girls will have higher scores on both social and non-social forms of communication than ASD boys. To date, no study has included equivalent numbers of boys and girls in analyses. The results of this study will provide insight into gender differences in autism.

Studies examining longitudinal change in white matter tracts are limited, especially those including modifiers of change.  We examined 4 year change in white matter tract diffusivity- (linked to degradation), over 3 occasions on participants of the Seattle Longitudinal Study.  Fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were measured in 5 association tracts: superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), uncinate fasciculus (UNC), fornix (FNX), and cingulum (CING).  Multivariate multilevel models using a stepwise modeling procedure estimated longitudinal change. Participants were scanned on same 3T Philips Achieva MRI.  Data processed with FSL software (eddy correction, skull stripping, tensor computation).  Probtrackx was used for probabilistic fiber tracking.  A baseline model of change in the previously mentioned tracts was used to predict cross-sectional age differences (AGE) and individual differences in rate of change (TIME) in WM integrity.  This model was followed by the full model examining not only cross-sectional and longitudinal effects, but also moderator variables: APOE genotype and hypertension (HBP).  Cross-sectional AGE effects were found for all 5 tracts for FA and RD.  No AGE effect for AD was found for ILF or CING.  Longitudinal TIME effects were found for all tracts, but only AD and RD.  RD effects were found for all 5 tracts, supporting the importance of myelin-specific damage in association tract fibers.  Loss of white matter integrity was greater for older than middle age adults for ILF and SLF.  Almost no moderation of longitudinal change in tracts occured due to APOE or HBP, possibly due to the homogeneity of the participants.  Given the limited longitudinal research in old age on white matter integrity, the study findings are important in showing longitudinal change in a relatively brief period (six years), and suggesting the importance of AD and particularly RD for examination in future longitudinal studies.

Previous research has found that risky sexual behavior, including not using a condom, is associated with alcohol use prior to the sexual experience. However, little is known about whether these relations differ by prototype favorability (defined as the perceived favorability of the typical person who engages in a risk behavior) of individuals who do not use condoms. The present study investigated whether prototype favorability moderates the relationship between prior alcohol consumption and condom use during sex. We hypothesized that prior alcohol consumption is positively associated with not using a condom. Additionally, we hypothesized that this association is stronger for those who have higher prototype favorability for individuals who do not use condoms during sex. To test these hypotheses, the current study (n=1002) used data from a national sample of young adults, ages 18-20, who completed a one-time online survey about health and risk behaviors, including sexual behavior and alcohol use. Participants were asked to report the frequency that they engaged in any type of sex after or while drinking alcohol during the past 3 months and the number of times they used a condom when having sex after or while drinking. Participants were also asked to report on a scale from 1 (not at all) to 7 (extremely) how much the following words: "smart", "popular", "mature", "careless", "attractive", and "risky", describe their image of a typical male or female their age who has sex without a condom with a casual partner after having 4/5 or more drinks (prototype favorability). Regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between alcohol use and condom use, and if prototype favorability moderates the association. Results from this study will help interventions focus on specific beliefs, such as prototype favorabilty, and how they relate to alcohol-related risk behaviors.

Nearly all psychiatry residents in the United States take the Psychiatry Resident-In-Training Examination (PRITE).  The PRITE is a 300-question examination administered annually to psychiatry residents that covers a variety of important topics related to general psychiatry training. After each test administration, residency programs receive a detailed computer analysis of the test performance of their residents. The computer-generated analysis provides details for comparing residents across different training programs with a similar level of training. In recent years, the University of Washington Psychiatry Residency Program has consistently ranked below the 50th percentile on the PRITE in the area of forensic psychiatry across all years of residency training. In this study, the authors reviewed PRITE questions over multiple years that were categorized as focusing on forensic psychiatry. Each question was then coded for a specific sub-topic within forensic psychiatry. This research reveals the sub-topics identified as important in the PRITE. The authors, using the data collected, also identify areas in need of further instruction or emphasis in the psychiatry residency didactic curriculum and provide recommendations for psychiatry training to cover the identified sub-topics. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder showing persistent deficits in social communication, social interaction across context and communication deficits (DSM-5, 2013). Research suggests that pre- and perinatal conditions such as low birth weight, small gestational age and intrapartum hypoxia (Briston et al., 1996) could be considered as potential risk factors for the development of ASD. Children with lower birth weight are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with autism (Lampi et al., 2012). The goal of this study is to extend the research on these risk factors by examining pre- and perinatal risk factors in a population of high functioning children, and between genders. Participants included children with ASD (n=20) and children with typical development (n=20) between the ages of 8 to 17 years. Parents of participants completed a medical history interview including information about pregnancy conditions and birth related problems. We compared birth weight, gestational age and other perinatal complications in children diagnosed with autism to our control group. We expect to find a lower average birth weight, an overall smaller gestational age, and a higher number of other related pregnancy complications in children diagnosed with ASD compared to our control group. We will then examine how pre- and perinatal conditions might differ for male and females who develop autism. Male children are nearly five times more likely than females to be diagnosed with ASD (CDC, 2014), and so this study, will also explore whether the rates of obstetric complications occur significantly higher in ASD males as well. The results of this study will add to our understanding of these potential risk factors, which may emphasize the importance of early screening and monitoring.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. There is also variability in intellectual ability, such that about 46% of those individuals on the spectrum have average or above average intellectual abilities. Additionally, males are almost 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than females are: 1 in 42 males are identified as being on the spectrum compared to the 1 in 189 females. It is hypothesized that females with ASD may be under-diagnosed or be diagnosed at a later age due to their greater socio-communication ability and less repetitive behaviors compared to males. To test this, this study will investigate the possible relationship between autism severity and IQ, and then to further explore the role of gender within this correlation. The participants of this study were 20 males and 20 females ages 8 through 17 with a diagnosis of ASD. Autism severity was measured through clinician and child interaction using the Autistic Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). Each participant’s verbal IQ was also identified through the Differential Abilities Scale 2 (DAS II). I predict that lower verbal IQ, for both sexes, will be associated with more severe autism behaviors. Second, females on average will have a higher mean verbal IQ in comparison to the males when matching on age and severity of ASD. This study identifies the complex and varying patterns of ASD by testing for relationships between severity of ASD, intellectual ability, and gender.

Previous research has established a link between social media and risky drinking behavior, indicating that social networking sites provide exposure to drinking norms that predict attitudes and willingness towards alcohol use. However, despite the growing usage of social media, there is little research on the effects of social networks (other than Facebook) on risky sexual behaviors. Risky sexual behaviors have been previously defined as behaviors that increase the risk of negative outcomes associated with sexual contact such as unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections. The purpose of the current study is to describe the relationship between having an account with various social networking platforms and risky sexual behavior among young adults. For the present study, risky sexual behavior was defined as having sex with casual partners, having multiple sexual partners, and the lack of condom usage. We hypothesize that being a member of currently popular social media platforms will be positively associated with the aforementioned risky behaviors, while this relationship will be mediated by positive attitudes held towards risky sex. To test our hypotheses, a national sample of 1002 young adults aged 18-20 (53.6% female) were asked to complete a one-time online survey on social media use, health behaviors and risk behaviors, including sexual behavior. Participants reported which social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat) they have accounts with and their attitudes regarding casual sexual behavior, multiple sexual partners, and condom use. Additionally, participants reported on their sexual behaviors within the past 3 months, including: number of casual sexual partners, number of total sexual partners, and the frequency of condom use during sexual encounters. Results of this study may provide a better understanding of the nature and dangers of social media usage, and can help shape protective actions or interventions for reducing sexual behavioral risk.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulty responding appropriately to new environments with appropriate social behavior. Electroencephalography (EEG) is an electrophysiological test used to record brain activity. EEG is a noninvasive option for understanding abnormal neurological activity in ASD. Among the frequencies associated with observable cognitive processes is the mid-range alpha frequency (8-12Hz). The alpha band band reflects neural preparatory activity in resting, awake individuals, and plays a role in top-down processing in sensorimotor control, especially in limiting inappropriate responses. Studies using resting state EEG indicate a pattern of abnormality in alpha power in ASD, with decreased alpha power compared to individuals with typical development. However, more research is needed to elucidate consistent ASD patterns in larger sample sizes with clear diagnostic criteria, gender diversity, and a large number of electrodes. This study will compare EEG alpha power between larger groups of ASD and TD individuals and between male and female subgroups. Participants include children with typical development (n=30) or a diagnosis of ASD (n=30), between the ages of 8 and 18, with 15 boys and 15 girls in each group. High-density EEG data was collected while subjects viewed three sets of four 16-second videos, in which participants were reminded to keep still and limit blinking. We expect lower alpha band power in ASD individuals than in TD individuals. We will then compare alpha power between males and females in each group, in order to explore the possibility of gender differences in autism, with gender differences in TD as a comparison. This study will contribute to the body of research on biological, physical components of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Although smoking has decreased dramatically in the general US population, the prevalence of smoking among homeless individuals has not. Further, severe smoking-related illnesses, such as lung cancer and emphysema, disproportionately affect homeless smokers. Unfortunately, current smoking treatment options, which focus primarily on supporting smoking cessation, yield low quit rates for homeless smokers. Understanding homeless smokers’ experience with and perceptions of these treatment options may provide insight into ways to improve them and help decrease smoking-related harm in this severely affected population. Homeless individuals who were former or current smokers (N = 24) participated in semi-structured interviews that ascertained their prior experience with existing smoking treatment and cessation methods. Conventional content analysis was used to code and categorize participants’ responses. Findings indicated that participants had mixed to negative perceptions of existing smoking treatment and cessation methods. Specifically, participants had concerns about providers not prioritizing smoking treatment, the expense of smoking cessation aids (e.g., nicotine replacement therapy), and potential side effects of medication for smoking cessation (e.g. varenicline). Additionally, when consulting with treatment providers, many participants preferred personalized feedback (e.g. showing a picture of their own lungs) over general information on health risks or advice to stop smoking. Homeless individuals who were former and current smokers had mixed to negative perceptions of existing smoking cessation methods. Instead, they expressed interest in more personally tailored advice and methods. Further research is necessary to explore alternatives to smoking cessation treatments and methods that are more patient versus provider driven.

In the US, the prevalence of smoking is over five times higher in the homeless population than in the general population, which precipitates disproportionately high rates of smoking-related mortality among homeless smokers. Despite the high levels of smoking-related harm experienced in this population, few homeless smokers are ready, willing, or able to successfully quit smoking. The current study’s aim was to document homeless smokers’ perceptions of smoking—both the advantages and disadvantages—to better understand why they persisted in smoking and why it has been difficult to stop. Participants in this study were 24 individuals with the lived experience of homelessness and smoking who were staying at a shelter in Seattle, Washington. Semi-structured interviews were used to assess the reported role of smoking in participants' lives, including participants' understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of their current smoking. Interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis, which is a systematic means of coding and classifying participants’ open-ended interview responses. The most frequently discussed advantages of smoking included social benefits (e.g., using shared experience of smoking as an ice breaker or a social bond), stress relief, and alleviation of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The most frequently cited disadvantages included health concerns (e.g., associated cancer risk and respiratory problems), negative impact on family (e.g., setting a bad example for children, exposing relatives to smoke), and the financial cost of smoking. By documenting the perceived advantages and disadvantages of smoking among individuals with the lived experience of homelessness and smoking, this study provides information that service providers may use to better develop treatment services and alternative smoking treatment pathways to align with this population's needs and interests.

Smoking prevalence among homeless people is nearly 4 times that of the general US population. Homeless people are also disproportionately affected by tobacco-related mortality, which is 3 to 5 times higher than in the general US population. Smoking cessation treatment studies to date have yielded very low quit rates in the homeless population, ranging from 9% to 16%. It has been found that current smoking treatments have not been effective due to their lack of practicality and desirability among homeless individuals. Considering the principles of patient-centered care, we asked homeless smokers what smoking treatment goals and strategies—including and beyond smoking cessation—have been or would be desirable, feasible and effective based on their own lived experience. Participants (N=24) were homeless and were either current or former smokers. Semi-structured interviews included questions on smokers’ interest in smoking treatment and reducing smoking-related harm as well as acceptable means to achieve these ends. We analyzed interview transcripts using conventional content analysis, a method of interpreting qualitative data through a systematic process of coding and classification. Participants reported wanting to continue using nicotine (e.g., vaping and electronic cigarettes) without having to smoke cigarettes or replacing some or all cigarette smoking with other substances, such as marijuana. Engaging in activities to alleviate boredom and stress (e.g., writing, painting and eating) represented further alternative strategies. Former or current smokers with the lived experience of homelessness were interested in learning about safer ways to use nicotine. Participants also had creative ideas about alternative smoking treatment pathways. These findings will be used to better tailor smoking treatment to homeless smokers’ needs and goals.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication deficits as well as restrictive/repetitive behaviors and interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The broader autism phenotype (BAP) is a set of subclinical characteristics that are milder, but qualitatively similar to the defining features of ASDs and are most notably seen in first- and second-degree relatives of individuals with autism (Gerdts, Bernier, Dawson, & Estes, 2013; Ingersoll, Hopwood, Wainer, & Donnellan, 2011). The broader autism phenotype is thought to display the genetic liability to autism, and as BAP characteristics are only part of the total set of autistic deficits, they are thought to represent simpler components that may more easily be tied to underlying genetic causes. While comparisons of BAP traits in parents of simplex (one affected child) and multiplex (multiple affected children) families have potentially suggested different underlying genetic liabilities, there is no research to date comparing these traits in families with identified genetic events. Using the Simon Simplex Collection (SSC), this study looks to explore differences in phenotypic presentation of ASD-related traits by examining the rates of BAP characteristics within simplex families whose autism has been linked to either a de novo (spontaneous) CNV (large structural chromosomal change), a de novo SNV (single base pair change), an inherited event, or has been deemed idiopathic (unknown cause). Parent BAP levels are assessed via two measures, the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ; Hurley, Losh, Parlier, Reznick, & Piven, 2007) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS; Constantino & Gruber, 2005). Mothers and fathers within the four groups are compared on each of the five SRS subscales, the SRS total score, the three BAPQ subscales, and the BAPQ total score. Given the multiple independent and dependent variables, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) is used to compare scores across groups.

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an electrochemical method that measures and identifies in vivo brain analytes during behavioral tasks in rats. FSCV identifies analytes through a chemical fingerprint called a cyclic voltammogram (CV). When an unknown sample is collected, it is important to verify that the analyte being measured is the analyte of interest. To this end, five criteria have been proposed to identify an unknown analyte being measured in the brain, namely: electrochemical, anatomical, physiological, pharmacological, and independent chemical analysis. The brain analyte dopamine has been established under these five criteria, except for independent chemical analysis. We hypothesize that the reason for failing to establish independent chemical analysis is that tissue impedance leads to a discrepancy between in vitro calibrations (independent chemical analysis) and in vivo FSCV measurements. Indeed, recent work in our lab has demonstrated a 50 kOhm difference between the reference and working electrode, in vivo vs in vitro. This difference may cause a shift in the CV for dopamine, making it difficult to use for analyte verification. In order to test whether this 50 kOhm differential can explain the discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro dopamine, we added a 50 kOhm resistor to the circuitry between the reference and working electrode. We then measured a range of in vitro dopamine concentrations in the absence and presence of the 50 kOhm resistor. The CVs generated from these measurements are then statistically compared to in vivo dopamine CVs in terms of qualitative and quantitative agreement. Subsequently, dopamine along with pH measurements at zero and/or 50 kOhm resistance will be used to test the performance of a statistical calibration method known as chemometrics. 

Telehealth is expanding at a rapid pace and gaining acceptance with both health providers and patients, in large part thanks to convenience. Video conferencing in particular has been used in a number of research studies with cancer patients. This study adapted an existing in-person cognitive training intervention into a video-conference intervention for cancer survivors with cognitive or ‘chemo-brain’ concerns. Cancer survivors frequently report cognitive dysfunction symptoms as a top concern. Cognitive training interventions can be an effective method for improving function and decreasing frequency of symptoms. Participants were cancer survivors with cognitive dysfunction symptoms who completed treatment at least six months or more in the past and live 25 miles or more from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. After undergoing a phone screening, informed consent and baseline testing, subjects participated in seven, weekly, one-hour long video-conference education sessions followed by post testing. Pre and post evaluations included mood, quality of life, and symptom measures of cognition as well as objective measures of cognitive functioning. Five participants with mean age of 56 (9.0) and 1.4 (0.45) years since treatment with breast, ovarian, and prostate were enrolled for the video conferencing workshop. Average instructor and topic ratings for both in-person and video conferencing workshops were compared. Data collection was also focused on collecting feasibility and efficacy results. Given the novel nature of video conferencing, results will give insight to the practicality, advantages, and disadvantages of using video conferencing to implement a behavioral intervention.

The serotonin receptor subtype 5-HT6, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is a target of pharmacological agents that has been shown to have promising therapies to enhance cognitive function. Unfortunately, the mechanism by which drugs that activate 5-HT6 receptor signaling activity has on neuronal function is not well understood. Activation of 5-HT6 receptor activity induces a response in both canonical (ACIII) and non-canonical signaling pathways (Cdk5). Interestingly, endogenous 5-HT6 receptors are found solely on the neuronal primary cilia, a small organelle projecting from the cell body like an antenna. Primary cilia dysfunction has been correlated with several brain disorders, such as Meckel Syndrome and Joubert Syndrome. This study examines the role of the 5-HT6 receptors in the primary cilia in order to gain a better understanding of the receptor’s importance in neuronal morphology and cognitive processes. Using primary neuronal cultures from 5-HT6 receptor knockout mice, we rescued expression of 5-HT6 receptors using transgenic expression of wildtype receptors and mutant receptors deficient in a specific signaling pathway (Gs-DEAD-5-HT6 and Fyn/Cdk5-DEAD-5HT6). After the 5-HT6 receptor expression was restored, immunohistochemistry was used to determine the effect of rescuing 5-HT6 receptor expression on cilia morphology. Expression of a fluorescently-tagged dendritic arbor (Map2B-RFP) was used to measure the effect 5-HT6 receptor expression has on dendritic arborization. Preliminary results show that rescue of 5-HT6 receptor expression enhances dendritic outgrowth, and that this increase is dependent on Fyn-signaling pathway. Cilia length was only mildly affected by rescue of 5-HT6 receptor expression, and the 5-HT6 mutants only mildly affected cilia length.

Alcohol consumption among college students has long been a serious concern. Previous studies of college students have consistently found an association between heavy alcohol use and academic performance. This study examined the peak past month alcohol use as a function of sex, academic major, and academic performance among college students. 3003 participants completed a paid screening survey as part of a larger study evaluating the efficacy of a web-based intervention for heavy drinking and depressed college students. Measures included birth sex, academic major (STEM versus non-STEM; Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), grade point average (GPA), and the peak number of drinks consumed on one occasion in the previous month. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses evaluated impact of sex, academic major, and GPA on peak alcohol consumption among college students. Significant main effects indicated that males, those with non-STEM majors, and those with lower GPAs drank more than other students. No two-way interactions were found. However, a significant three-way interaction indicated that males who are in STEM majors with high GPAs drank significantly less than those who have lower GPAs, while this relationship is not true for females, or for males who are in non-STEM majors. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed. Future interventions on alcohol consumption among college students can be targeted to specific groups. Future studies using longitudinal designs to determine causality of the relationship between academic performance (attendance, activity involvement, etc., besides GPA) and alcohol consumption among college students are warranted.

Women who experienced sexual assault are 2 - 3 times more likely to experience sexual revictimization (SR). Factors that predict risk of SR include emotion dysregulation, guilt, and lower heart rate reactivity when facing sexual threats. These factors overlap with tonic immobility (TI), which is characterized by victim's diminished or absent physical or vocal response during sexual assault ("freeze" response). Post-traumatic maladaptive cognitions also may increase risk for SR, either directly or through increasing risk of TI. Based on prior literature, my hypotheses are: 1. Higher TI will predict higher SV risk; 2. More severe maladaptive cognitions will predict higher SV risk; 3. TI will be predicted by maladaptive cognitions. Participants were female college students reporting prior child sexual abuse or adult sexual assault and high risk alcohol use (n=162) assessed at baseline and 1-month later. Relevant measures were Tonic Immobility Scale (TIS-A), Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory, and Sexual Experiences Scale (SES). Thirty-seven women reported SR 1-month following the initial assessment (22.3%). In logistic regression analysis, after controlling for prior adult and child sexual victimization, SR was predicted by TI (p<0.05). Maladaptive cognitions and prior fear response during trauma, an aspect of TI, did not predict SR. Based on multiple regression analysis, TI was predicted by maladaptive cognitions about self but not by cognitions about the world or self-blame, after controlling for prior trauma history (p<0.01). Results suggest TI in women during prior trauma may increase risk of future SR. In addition, more negative beliefs about self, but not self-blame, predicts TI. Findings suggest that prevention efforts may want to target women who experienced prior TI as a means of preventing future revictimization. These prevention efforts may be more effective if they include cognitive interventions.