Mark Anthony Ruiz | Touro College (original) (raw)

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Papers by Mark Anthony Ruiz

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of corticotropin releasing factor on the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone by leukocyte populations

British Poultry Science, 1998

1. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a neuropeptide with immunomodulating properties, is know... more 1. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a neuropeptide with immunomodulating properties, is known to stimulate avian splenic leukocytes to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). 2. The present study was to determine which avian splenic leukocyte subpopulation(s) produce ACTH in response to CRF stimulation. 3. Splenic leukocytes from 8-week-old male chickens were isolated on Histopaque 1077 and macrophages were separated from lymphocytes by adherence to a polystyrene surface. 4. Different concentrations of CRF (0, 5, 50, 500 or 1000 ng/m) were incubated with the different leukocyte populations, supernatants were collected and ACTH was measured using a radioimmunoassay. 5. Isolated macrophages, stimulated with CRF, produced significantly more ACTH than either unstimulated macrophages or CRF-stimulated lymphocytes, suggesting that ACTH may be produced by a particular subset of leukocytes, the macrophages (and monocytes), in response to CRF stimulation.

Research paper thumbnail of Using the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) to Differentiate Young Adults with Borderline Personality Disorder Features

Journal of Personality Disorders, 1999

Research paper thumbnail of Validity of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems for Predicting Treatment Outcome: An Investigation With The Pennsylvania Practice Research Network

Journal of Personality Assessment, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Risk Factors for Institutional Misconduct Among Incarcerated Women: An Examination of the Criterion-Related Validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory

Journal of Personality Assessment, 2007

Although widely researched in male offender samples, relatively little is known about the clinica... more Although widely researched in male offender samples, relatively little is known about the clinical utility of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991) among female prisoners. In this study, we examined the utility of various theoretically relevant PAI scales to predict 3 types of institutional misconduct (general, aggressive/defiant, and covert infractions) in a sample of 113 female inmates incarcerated for at least 1 year. The Antisocial Features (ANT) scale was the most consistent and effective predictor of misbehavior, with limited evidence to suggest that other PAI scales could demonstrate any incremental validity beyond this measure. More important, ANT continued to be associated with institutional misconduct even after controlling for criminal background variables such as prior convictions and a history of violence.

Research paper thumbnail of NEO PI-R Predictors of Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Related Problems

Journal of Personality Assessment, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Taxometric analyses of borderline personality features in a large-scale male and female offender sample

Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2008

Few studies to date have examined the extent to which borderline personality features are best co... more Few studies to date have examined the extent to which borderline personality features are best construed as representing an underlying dimension or a discrete class or taxon. The authors conducted taxometric analyses using a large-scale sample of male (n ϭ 787) and female (n ϭ 368) prison inmates who had completed the Personality Assessment Inventory (L. C. Morey, 2007). Analyses based on the 4 subscales of the Borderline Features Scale offered compelling support for a dimensional structure in both the full sample and the female subsample-even after controlling for the potentially confounding effects of negative response distortion. Theoretical and pragmatic implications of these findings are reviewed.

Research paper thumbnail of Predicting Institutional Aggression by Defensive Prison Inmates: An Examination of the Personality Assessment Inventory Treatment Consideration Scales

International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, 2009

Although the Antisocial Features scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 2007)... more Although the Antisocial Features scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 2007) is a robust predictor of institutional aggression, recent research (Edens & Ruiz, 2005, 2006) suggests its efficacy is limited among offenders who engage in positive impression management. In this follow-up study, we explored other PAI variables that might predict aggression among 134 prison inmates who Edens and

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric Properties of the Mental Health Screening Form Iii Within a Metropolitan Jail

Criminal Justice and Behavior, 2009

This study evaluated the psychometric performance and convergent validity of a screening instrume... more This study evaluated the psychometric performance and convergent validity of a screening instrument for mental health disorders, the Mental Health Screening Form III (MHSF-III), among inmates in a large metropolitan jail. The study examined item functioning, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the MHSF-III among 332 inmates enrolled in a jail addiction treatment program. Results indicated that the items were internally consistent and that the majority had acceptable item-total correlations and endorsement frequencies. The MHSF-III total score was significantly correlated with self-reported trauma history and self-reported mental health symptoms. Most items demonstrated strong convergence with similar constructs measured by the Personality Assessment Inventory (Morey, 2007). The instrument appears to be a promising mental health screen for jail settings. Clinical applications of the MHSF-III and possibilities for redesigning the instrument are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of The Pennsylvania Practice Research Network and Future Possibilities for Clinically Meaningful and Scientifically Rigorous Psychotherapy Effectiveness Research

Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 2006

... professional psychology. NOTES: 1 PRN Task Force members included ThomasBorkovec, Thomas DeWa... more ... professional psychology. NOTES: 1 PRN Task Force members included ThomasBorkovec, Thomas DeWall, Ruben Echemendia, Peter Keller, Janet Kelley, Peter Montminy, Samuel Knapp, Stephen Ragusea, and Ronald Voigt. 2 ...

Research paper thumbnail of Concurrent Validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory Alcohol Problems (ALC) Scale in a College Student Sample

Assessment, 2002

The concurrent validity of the Alcohol Problems scale (ALC) was investigated in a college student... more The concurrent validity of the Alcohol Problems scale (ALC) was investigated in a college student sample (N = 200). The relationships between the ALC and associated features of alcohol problems (e.g., consumption patterns, expectancies, maladaptive coping, and stress) were examined. The validity of the ALC for identifying clinically significant alcohol problems (assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ) was also examined. The ALC was related to the associated features and was a valid indicator of alcohol problems. T scores of 80, 85, and 90 had superior hit rates for alcohol abuse; and scores of 80, 85, and 90 had superior hit rates for alcohol dependence.

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-cultural study comparing the association of familism with burden and depressive symptoms in two samples of Hispanic dementia caregivers

Aging & Mental Health, 2006

Familism has been pointed out as a key value in Hispanic culture that may or may not be associate... more Familism has been pointed out as a key value in Hispanic culture that may or may not be associated with caregiver distress. Although groups included in the Hispanic identity have many common features, differences between Hispanic sub-groups in the relationship of familism with burden and depressive symptoms remain unexplored. The association of familism with burden and depressive symptomatology was examined in 48 Hispanic dementia caregivers from Los Angeles (CA, USA) and 60 from Madrid (Spain) through path analyses. Burden and depressive symptomatology were positively and significantly related in both samples. Familism was significantly correlated with lesser burden in the USA Hispanic caregiver sample, but with higher levels of depressive symptoms in the Spanish sample. Significant differences between Hispanic samples were found in the relationship between familism, burden, and depression, denoting the importance of specific cultural contexts influencing dementia caregiving in Hispanics.

Research paper thumbnail of Initial development of pathological personality trait domain measures using the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)

Personality disorders, Jan 25, 2018

This study set out to create measures of the five personality disorder trait domains outlined in ... more This study set out to create measures of the five personality disorder trait domains outlined in Section III of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) from the Personality Assessment Inventory items (Morey, 2007). Rasch rating scale model analyses and classical test theory analyses were applied to existing data sets (N = 3,877; community, clinical, offender, college) to identify relevant items. Five scales were created that had acceptable unidimensionality and generally conformed to Rasch model expectations. The ability of the items to cover the underlying construct and their differential item function by sex were acceptable, though a few of the proposed scales had weaknesses in these areas. Internal consistency was acceptable for all scales and the factor structure was generally consistent with expectations, but some scales had concerning cross-loadings. Preliminary analyses demonstrated validity of the scal...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of corticotropin releasing factor on the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone by leukocyte populations

British Poultry Science, 1998

1. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a neuropeptide with immunomodulating properties, is know... more 1. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a neuropeptide with immunomodulating properties, is known to stimulate avian splenic leukocytes to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). 2. The present study was to determine which avian splenic leukocyte subpopulation(s) produce ACTH in response to CRF stimulation. 3. Splenic leukocytes from 8-week-old male chickens were isolated on Histopaque 1077 and macrophages were separated from lymphocytes by adherence to a polystyrene surface. 4. Different concentrations of CRF (0, 5, 50, 500 or 1000 ng/m) were incubated with the different leukocyte populations, supernatants were collected and ACTH was measured using a radioimmunoassay. 5. Isolated macrophages, stimulated with CRF, produced significantly more ACTH than either unstimulated macrophages or CRF-stimulated lymphocytes, suggesting that ACTH may be produced by a particular subset of leukocytes, the macrophages (and monocytes), in response to CRF stimulation.

Research paper thumbnail of Using the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) to Differentiate Young Adults with Borderline Personality Disorder Features

Journal of Personality Disorders, 1999

Research paper thumbnail of Validity of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems for Predicting Treatment Outcome: An Investigation With The Pennsylvania Practice Research Network

Journal of Personality Assessment, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Risk Factors for Institutional Misconduct Among Incarcerated Women: An Examination of the Criterion-Related Validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory

Journal of Personality Assessment, 2007

Although widely researched in male offender samples, relatively little is known about the clinica... more Although widely researched in male offender samples, relatively little is known about the clinical utility of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991) among female prisoners. In this study, we examined the utility of various theoretically relevant PAI scales to predict 3 types of institutional misconduct (general, aggressive/defiant, and covert infractions) in a sample of 113 female inmates incarcerated for at least 1 year. The Antisocial Features (ANT) scale was the most consistent and effective predictor of misbehavior, with limited evidence to suggest that other PAI scales could demonstrate any incremental validity beyond this measure. More important, ANT continued to be associated with institutional misconduct even after controlling for criminal background variables such as prior convictions and a history of violence.

Research paper thumbnail of NEO PI-R Predictors of Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Related Problems

Journal of Personality Assessment, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Taxometric analyses of borderline personality features in a large-scale male and female offender sample

Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2008

Few studies to date have examined the extent to which borderline personality features are best co... more Few studies to date have examined the extent to which borderline personality features are best construed as representing an underlying dimension or a discrete class or taxon. The authors conducted taxometric analyses using a large-scale sample of male (n ϭ 787) and female (n ϭ 368) prison inmates who had completed the Personality Assessment Inventory (L. C. Morey, 2007). Analyses based on the 4 subscales of the Borderline Features Scale offered compelling support for a dimensional structure in both the full sample and the female subsample-even after controlling for the potentially confounding effects of negative response distortion. Theoretical and pragmatic implications of these findings are reviewed.

Research paper thumbnail of Predicting Institutional Aggression by Defensive Prison Inmates: An Examination of the Personality Assessment Inventory Treatment Consideration Scales

International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, 2009

Although the Antisocial Features scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 2007)... more Although the Antisocial Features scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 2007) is a robust predictor of institutional aggression, recent research (Edens & Ruiz, 2005, 2006) suggests its efficacy is limited among offenders who engage in positive impression management. In this follow-up study, we explored other PAI variables that might predict aggression among 134 prison inmates who Edens and

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric Properties of the Mental Health Screening Form Iii Within a Metropolitan Jail

Criminal Justice and Behavior, 2009

This study evaluated the psychometric performance and convergent validity of a screening instrume... more This study evaluated the psychometric performance and convergent validity of a screening instrument for mental health disorders, the Mental Health Screening Form III (MHSF-III), among inmates in a large metropolitan jail. The study examined item functioning, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the MHSF-III among 332 inmates enrolled in a jail addiction treatment program. Results indicated that the items were internally consistent and that the majority had acceptable item-total correlations and endorsement frequencies. The MHSF-III total score was significantly correlated with self-reported trauma history and self-reported mental health symptoms. Most items demonstrated strong convergence with similar constructs measured by the Personality Assessment Inventory (Morey, 2007). The instrument appears to be a promising mental health screen for jail settings. Clinical applications of the MHSF-III and possibilities for redesigning the instrument are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of The Pennsylvania Practice Research Network and Future Possibilities for Clinically Meaningful and Scientifically Rigorous Psychotherapy Effectiveness Research

Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 2006

... professional psychology. NOTES: 1 PRN Task Force members included ThomasBorkovec, Thomas DeWa... more ... professional psychology. NOTES: 1 PRN Task Force members included ThomasBorkovec, Thomas DeWall, Ruben Echemendia, Peter Keller, Janet Kelley, Peter Montminy, Samuel Knapp, Stephen Ragusea, and Ronald Voigt. 2 ...

Research paper thumbnail of Concurrent Validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory Alcohol Problems (ALC) Scale in a College Student Sample

Assessment, 2002

The concurrent validity of the Alcohol Problems scale (ALC) was investigated in a college student... more The concurrent validity of the Alcohol Problems scale (ALC) was investigated in a college student sample (N = 200). The relationships between the ALC and associated features of alcohol problems (e.g., consumption patterns, expectancies, maladaptive coping, and stress) were examined. The validity of the ALC for identifying clinically significant alcohol problems (assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ) was also examined. The ALC was related to the associated features and was a valid indicator of alcohol problems. T scores of 80, 85, and 90 had superior hit rates for alcohol abuse; and scores of 80, 85, and 90 had superior hit rates for alcohol dependence.

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-cultural study comparing the association of familism with burden and depressive symptoms in two samples of Hispanic dementia caregivers

Aging & Mental Health, 2006

Familism has been pointed out as a key value in Hispanic culture that may or may not be associate... more Familism has been pointed out as a key value in Hispanic culture that may or may not be associated with caregiver distress. Although groups included in the Hispanic identity have many common features, differences between Hispanic sub-groups in the relationship of familism with burden and depressive symptoms remain unexplored. The association of familism with burden and depressive symptomatology was examined in 48 Hispanic dementia caregivers from Los Angeles (CA, USA) and 60 from Madrid (Spain) through path analyses. Burden and depressive symptomatology were positively and significantly related in both samples. Familism was significantly correlated with lesser burden in the USA Hispanic caregiver sample, but with higher levels of depressive symptoms in the Spanish sample. Significant differences between Hispanic samples were found in the relationship between familism, burden, and depression, denoting the importance of specific cultural contexts influencing dementia caregiving in Hispanics.

Research paper thumbnail of Initial development of pathological personality trait domain measures using the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)

Personality disorders, Jan 25, 2018

This study set out to create measures of the five personality disorder trait domains outlined in ... more This study set out to create measures of the five personality disorder trait domains outlined in Section III of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) from the Personality Assessment Inventory items (Morey, 2007). Rasch rating scale model analyses and classical test theory analyses were applied to existing data sets (N = 3,877; community, clinical, offender, college) to identify relevant items. Five scales were created that had acceptable unidimensionality and generally conformed to Rasch model expectations. The ability of the items to cover the underlying construct and their differential item function by sex were acceptable, though a few of the proposed scales had weaknesses in these areas. Internal consistency was acceptable for all scales and the factor structure was generally consistent with expectations, but some scales had concerning cross-loadings. Preliminary analyses demonstrated validity of the scal...