A Text-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Sexual and Gender Minority Groups: Protocol for a Feasibility Trial

BACKGROUND

Smoking among sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups, which include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, has been reported to be highly prevalent. This is attributed to several factors, including minority-specific stress and targeted tobacco marketing. Therefore, this population is at an increased risk for tobacco-related diseases. SMS text messaging programs have been found to be effective for smoking cessation and appeal to traditionally hard-to-reach populations over other interventions. It has also been suggested that targeted and tailored interventions could be more effective among SGM smokers because they can be designed to assure a safe, validating health care environment that enhances receptivity to cessation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to develop SmokefreeSGM, a text-based smoking cessation program tailored to and tested among SGM smokers.

METHODS

The study consists of three phases, culminating in a feasibility trial. In Phase 1, our research team will collaborate with a Community Advisory Board to develop and pretest the design of SmokefreeSGM. In Phase 2, the tailored text messaging program will be beta tested among 16 SGM smokers. Our research team will use a mixed-methods approach to collect and analyze data from participants who will inform the refinement of SmokefreeSGM. In Phase 3, a feasibility trial will be conducted among 80 SGM smokers either enrolled in SmokefreeSGM or SmokefreeTXT, the original text-based program developed by the National Cancer Institute for the general population. Our research team will examine recruitment, retention, and smoking abstinence rates at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Additionally, a qualitative interview will be conducted among 32 participants to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the programs (SmokefreeSGM and SmokefreeTXT).

RESULTS

This study received approval from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects to begin research on August 21, 2020. Recruitment for the beta testing of SmokefreeSGM (Phase 2) began in January 2022. We estimate that the feasibility trial (Phase 3) will begin in September 2022 and that results will be available in December 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this research effort will help reduce tobacco-related health disparities among SGM smokers by determining the feasibility and acceptability of SmokefreeSGM, an SGM-tailored smoking cessation intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05029362; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05029362.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/42553.

Stomatal conductance, not biochemistry, drives low temperature acclimation of photosynthesis in Populus balsamifera, regardless of nitrogen availability

Low-temperature thermal acclimation may require adjustments to N and water use to sustain photosynthesis because of slow enzyme functioning and high water viscosity. However, understanding of photosynthetic acclimation to temperatures below 11 °C is limited. We acclimated Populus balsamifera to 6 °C and 10 °C (6A and 10A, respectively) and provided the trees with either high or low N fertilizer. We measured net CO₂ assimilation (A_net ), stomatal conductance (g_s ), maximum rates of Rubisco carboxylation (V_cmax ), electron transport (J_max ) and dark respiration (R_d ) at leaf temperatures of 2, 6, 10, 14 and 18 °C, along with leaf N concentrations. The 10A trees had higher A_net than the 6A trees at warmer leaf temperatures, which was correlated with higher g_s in the 10A trees. The instantaneous temperature responses of V_cmax , J_max and R_d were similar for trees from both acclimation temperatures. While soil N availability increased leaf N concentrations, this had no effect on acclimation of photosynthesis or respiration. Our results indicate that acclimation below 11 °C occurred primarily through changes in stomatal conductance, not photosynthetic biochemistry, and was unaffected by short-term N supply. Thermal acclimation of stomatal conductance should therefore be a priority for future carbon cycle model development.

John D. Robinson (1946-2021)

Memorializes John D. Robinson (1946-2021). John was the first African American psychologist to serve in both the United States Air Force (1973-1975) and Navy (1975-1983). He was also the first African American administrator at the University of Texas at Austin (1968-1969). His roles throughout his career included professor of Surgery and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Howard University until his retirement (1992-2016). At Howard University Hospital, John pioneered the field of transplant psychology, working hand in hand with surgeons and patients to both prepare patients-behaviorally and emotionally-for upcoming surgeries and ensure that patients were able to follow through with aftercare activities to ensure a successful transplant. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

A constraint on historic growth in global photosynthesis due to increasing CO2

The global terrestrial carbon sink is increasing^1-3, offsetting roughly a third of anthropogenic CO₂ released into the atmosphere each decade¹, and thus serving to slow⁴ the growth of atmospheric CO₂. It has been suggested that a CO₂-induced long-term increase in global photosynthesis, a process known as CO₂ fertilization, is responsible for a large proportion of the current terrestrial carbon sink^4-7. The estimated magnitude of the historic increase in photosynthesis as result of increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, however, differs by an order of magnitude between long-term proxies and terrestrial biosphere models^7-13. Here we quantify the historic effect of CO₂ on global photosynthesis by identifying an emergent constraint^14-16 that combines terrestrial biosphere models with global carbon budget estimates. Our analysis suggests that CO₂ fertilization increased global annual photosynthesis by 11.85 ± 1.4%, or 13.98 ± 1.63 petagrams carbon (mean ± 95% confidence interval) between 1981 and 2020. Our results help resolve conflicting estimates of the historic sensitivity of global photosynthesis to CO₂, and highlight the large impact anthropogenic emissions have had on ecosystems worldwide.

Combining Global Positioning System (GPS) with saliva collection among sexual minority adults: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND

This is the first study, of which we are aware, to evaluate the feasibility and accessibility of simultaneous use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and saliva collection for biomarker assessment as an objective measure of stress physiology among sexual minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and other non-heterosexual identities) individuals. The principal motivation for pairing GPS and saliva collection was to investigate how characteristics of the built and social environments along with participants' daily activity paths affect stress. This can contribute to a better understanding of health and health behaviors in the sexual minority community.

METHODS

A convenience sample of enrolled participants (N = 124) from Houston, Texas was asked to complete questionnaires, carry with them a GPS unit daily, and collect and store 6 samples of saliva at specific times across the span of a day prior to a second visit around one week later.

RESULTS

Of 124 participants, 16 participants (12.90%) provided no useable GPS data and 98 (79.03%) provided at least 4 days of data. More than three-fourths (n = 98, 79.03%) also provided complete saliva samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the simultaneous use of GPS and saliva collection to assess sexual minority individuals' activity paths and stress level is feasible.

Interactions between blending and identity concealment: Effects on non-binary people's distress and experiences of victimization

Identity concealment (whether or not a person is open with others about their transgender status) and passing/blending (how much a transgender person can, or chooses to, blend into the binary social environment) have been shown to impact transgender people's experiences in various ways, but few studies examine these constructs in the lives of non-binary individuals (those whose gender identity does not fall exclusively into the categories of man or woman). This study analyzed the non-binary subset of the nationwide sample from the 2015 United States Transgender Survey (9,769 participants) to examine the effects of blending/passing and identity concealment on distress and victimization. When ethnicity and income were controlled for, low concealers reported higher distress and more victimization experiences than high concealers, and blenders reported more distress and fewer victimization experiences than non-blenders. Not concealing may put non-binary people at higher risk for victimization, but blending into the binary-gendered environment may increase distress through identity erasure. Implications are discussed and future research directions are suggested.

The Association of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Facets With Smoking Dependence Motives

Introduction

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults have higher rates of smoking than heterosexual adults. LGB individuals face unique stressors, including challenges associated with having a LGB identity. The extent to which these unique stressors are related to dependence motives in LGB adult smokers, however, has not been previously explored. The current study was conducted to redress these gaps.

Methods

Participants (N = 52; Mage = 42.8; 55.8% Black/African American) were recruited from the local community. Identity facets were measured by the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS). Dependence motives were measured by the Brief Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives. Linear multiple regressions were calculated with the predictors of seven LGBIS subscales for primary and secondary dependence motives, respectively.

Results

Primary dependence motives (core nicotine dependence features) were predicted by affirmation of LGB identity (β = 0.44). Secondary dependence motives (eg, taste, cognitive/affective enhancement) were predicted by uncertainty of LGB identity (β = 0.43).

Conclusions

LGB identity affirmation was associated with primary dependence motives, suggesting that a positive view of one's sexual orientation is a risk factor for dependence. It may be that identity affirmation is related to stronger involvement with the LGB community, which has smoking-friendly norms. Identity uncertainty was associated with secondary dependence motives; this unique identity challenge may represent a stressor contributing to smoking dependence. Findings can help explain the higher rate of smoking in LGB populations and offer avenues to better tailor smoking cessation interventions.

Implications

The current study is the first to examine multidimensional aspects of LGB identity in explaining smoking dependence motives among LGB adults. Results reveal that LGB identity challenges are associated with dependence motives, suggesting that interventions targeting these challenges may be help reduce LGB smoking disparities. Specifically, reducing identity uncertainty may help reduce smoking dependence. Though identity affirmation was a smoking dependence correlate, it is counterproductive to reduce affirmation, given its association with other positive health outcomes. Rather, interventions to change LGB community norms around smoking appear warranted, given the documented high overlap between affirmation and community affiliation.

Acculturation Experiences Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Immigrants in Canada

In the current study, we used a grounded theory methodology to understand the acculturation process of LGBT immigrants in Canada. Results revealed two parallel themes: Cultural Identity Development and Sexual and Gender Identity Development. Heterosexism and cissexism in the culture of origin was a central phenomenon in the development of the cultural, sexual, and gender aspects of LGBT immigrant identity. Moreover, LGBT immigrants’ culture of origin and Canadian culture influenced their sexual and gender identity development before and after immigration. Results suggest that many LGBT immigrants assume a Western orientation as a coping response to heterosexism and cissexism in their culture of origin, even before immigration occurs. The current study identified the perceived challenges and advantages that LGBT immigrants experience during the acculturation process as well as various acculturation outcomes. We discuss clinical implications and future research directions in light of the results.

Career Indecision Among LGB College Students

Although several studies have examined the ways in which lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience difficulties with career decision-making, little is known about the impact of minority stressors on this integral process. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between minority stressors, LGB community connectedness, social support, and four facets of career indecision among LGB college students. Participants ( N = 270) were predominately White (53.7%), bisexual (57.8%), single (42.2%), and female (59.6%). Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that social support was protective against lack of readiness (β = −.39, p < .001) and interpersonal conflict (IPC; β = −.30, p < .001). Moreover, an interactive effect of internalized homonegativity and community affiliation was protective against IPC (β = −.22, p < .05). Implications for researchers and career counselors are discussed.

Perceived distress tolerance accounts for the covariance between discrimination experiences and anxiety symptoms among sexual minority adults

Sexual orientation-related discrimination experiences have been implicated in elevated rates of anxiety symptoms within sexual minority groups. Theory suggests that chronic discrimination experiences may dampen the ability to tolerate distress, increasing vulnerability for anxiety. This study examined the role of distress tolerance, or the capacity to withstand negative emotions, as a construct underlying associations between discriminatory experiences and anxiety among sexual minority adults. Participants (N=119;M_age=36.4±14.8; 50% cisgender male, 31% cisgender female, 19% transgender; 37% non-Latino white) were recruited from Houston, Texas. Measures administered included the Heterosexist Harassment, Rejection, and Discrimination Scale (discrimination experiences), Distress Tolerance Scale (distress tolerance), and the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (anxiety). The association of discrimination experiences and anxiety through distress tolerance was assessed using covariate-adjusted mediation modeling. Results indicated that sexual orientation-related discrimination experiences were significantly and positively associated with anxiety and that this association was mediated through lower distress tolerance. Significant indirect effects were specific to cognitive (versus somatic) anxiety symptoms. Results suggest that distress tolerance may be an explanatory mechanism in the association between discriminatory experiences and cognitive symptoms of anxiety and a potentially relevant target within clinical interventions to address anxiety-related health disparities among sexual minority adults. However, more sophisticated designs are needed to delineate causal associations.

Adjustment among People who have Experienced Aids-Related Multiple Loss: The Role of Unsupportive Social Interactions, Social Support, and Coping

This study examined psychosocial factors that might explain individual differences in depression among people who have experienced AIDS-related multiple bereavement. We hypothesized that unsupportive responses received from others about the bereavement experience would be associated with increased depression. In a sample of 90 people who had lost two or more family members, lovers, spouses, or friends to AIDS-related death, bereavement-related unsupportive social interactions accounted for a significant amount of the variance in depression beyond the variance explained by the level of present grief. Moreover, unsupportive social interactions and positive social support made independent contributions to the level of depression, with unsupportive social interactions being significantly associated with increased depression and positive support being significantly related to decreased depression. Results also indicated that the level of bereavement-related unsupportive social interactions was positively associated with the use of avoidant coping, which, in turn, was associated with increased depression.

Methodological and Content Review of Lesbian-, Gay-, and Bisexual-Related Articles in Counseling Journals: 1990-1999

Despite the reduction of overt heterosexist biases in the psychological literature, questions exist about the content and methodology of articles on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues in the counseling literature. This study provides a content and methodological analysis of 119 LGB-related articles that were published in eight major counseling journals from 1990-1999 and extends past reviews by examining issues related to bisexuality. Increasing integration of LGB issues in the counseling literature was apparent, as were methodological improvements in empirical research. Various limitations also emerged, such as the need for more theory-based research, instrument development, and attention to within-group differences (e.g., bisexual people and LGB people of color). Findings are discussed against the backdrop of the sociopolitical context of American psychology, with an emphasis on implications for future LGB-related research, practice, and training.

Sexual orientation modulates endocrine stress reactivity

BACKGROUND

Biological sex differences and sociocultural gender diversity influence endocrine stress reactivity. Although numerous studies have shown that men typically activate stronger stress responses than women when exposed to laboratory-based psychosocial stressors, it is unclear whether sexual orientation further modulates stress reactivity. Given that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals frequently report heightened distress secondary to stigma-related stressors, we investigated whether cortisol stress reactivity differs between LGB individuals and heterosexual individuals in response to a well-validated psychosocial stressor.

METHODS

The study population comprised 87 healthy adults (mean age, 25 years) who were grouped according to their biological sex and their gendered sexual orientation: lesbian/bisexual women (n = 20), heterosexual women (n = 21), gay/bisexual men (n = 26), and heterosexual men (n = 20). Investigators collected 10 salivary cortisol samples throughout a 2-hour afternoon visit involving exposure to the Trier Social Stress Test modified to maximize between-sex differences.

RESULTS

Relative to heterosexual women, lesbian/bisexual women showed higher cortisol stress reactivity 40 min after exposure to the stressor. In contrast, gay/bisexual men displayed lower overall cortisol concentrations throughout testing compared with heterosexual men. Main findings were significant while adjusting for sex hormones (estradiol-to-progesterone ratio in women and testosterone in men), age, self-esteem, and disclosure status (whether LGB participants had completed their "coming out").

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide novel evidence for gender-based modulation of cortisol stress reactivity based on sexual orientation that goes beyond well-established between-sex differences. This study raises several important avenues for future research related to the physiologic functioning of LGB populations and gender diversity more broadly.

A Pilot Study of Meaning-Based Group Counseling for Bereavement

Scientific studies demonstrating either the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions for uncomplicated bereavement are lacking. This study reports the results of a novel meaning-based group counseling (MBGC) intervention developed for bereaved adults. MBGC was built on previous scholarly critiques using a formative evaluation methodology within a group of bereaved adults ( n = 11). The primary research questions were as follows: (a) How do bereft individuals respond to MBGC? and (b) What refinements are needed to MBGC to ensure feasibility? A secondary research question was: (c) Is collection of quantitative outcome measures at baseline and postintervention feasible? Analysis of multiple qualitative data sources resulted in numerous refinements to MBGC. Results indicate that the majority of participants found the meaning-based intervention beneficial. Limitations included concurrent external therapies and a small sample size that was largely homogenous. There were no major counterindications to proceeding with a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Reconstructing Meaning with Others in Loss: A Feasibility Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Bereavement Group

More effective psychosocial interventions that target uncomplicated bereavement are needed for those actively seeking support. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of evaluating a unique meaning-based group counseling (MBGC) intervention with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Twenty-six bereft individuals were randomly assigned to either MBGC or a control bereavement support group. Twenty participants (11 experimental, nine control) completed all aspects of the study including self-report measures at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up of meaning in life, anxiety, depression, and grief. Results support the feasibility of an RCT with MBGC.

Easing the transition for queer student teachers from program to field: implications for teacher education

Tensions exist between what some queer student teachers experience in the university setting, their lives in schools during field placements, and upon graduation. We describe a series of workshops designed for queer student teachers and their allies that were conducted prior to field placement. Participants revealed high degrees of satisfaction with the program and increased feelings of personal and professional self-efficacy. Participants reported high levels of experienced homophobia in their academic programs; as such, the workshops were a valuable "safe space." These workshops appear to fill a significant gap for queer students and their allies in teacher preparation programs.

Meaning-based group counseling for bereavement: bridging theory with emerging trends in intervention research

A growing body of scholarship has evaluated the usefulness of meaning-based theories in the context of bereavement counseling. Although scholars have discussed the application of meaning-based theories for individual practice, there is a lack of inquiry regarding its implications when conducting bereavement support groups. The objective of this article is to bridge meaning-based theories with bereavement group practice, leading to a novel intervention and laying the foundation for future efficacy studies. Building on recommendations specified in the literature, this article outlines the theoretical paradigms and structure of a short-term meaning-based group counseling intervention for uncomplicated bereavement.

Locus of control, minority stress, and psychological distress among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals

Within the framework of minority stress theory, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals are conceptualized as members of a minority group defined by sexual orientation. Two of the component processes of minority stress hypothesized by Meyer (2003), internalized heterosexism and the experience of prejudice events, were examined in the current study. Both internalized heterosexism and the experience of prejudice events have been associated with increased psychological distress in LGB populations. Researchers have also observed a relationship between external locus of control and increased psychological distress in general population samples. The current study explored whether locus of control served as a moderator in the relationship between the overall psychological distress of LGB individuals and both internalized heterosexism and the experience of workplace-based prejudice events (n = 165). Results indicated that locus of control served as a moderator in the relationship between experience of workplace-based prejudice events and overall psychological distress but not for the relationship between internalized heterosexism and distress.

Suicide protective factors among trans adults

A recent study indicated a suicide attempt rate of 41 % among trans (e.g., trans, transgender, transexual/transsexual, genderqueer, two-spirit) individuals. Although this rate is alarming, there is a dearth of literature regarding suicide prevention for trans individuals. A vital step in developing suicide prevention models is the identification of protective factors. It was hypothesized that social support from friends, social support from family, optimism, reasons for living, and suicide resilience, which are known to protect cis (non-trans) individuals, also protect trans individuals. A sample of self-identified trans Canadian adults (N = 133) was recruited from LGBT and trans LISTSERVs. Data were collected online using a secure survey platform. A three block hierarchical multiple regression model was used to predict suicidal behavior from protective factors. Social support from friends, social support from family, and optimism significantly and negatively predicted 33 % of variance in participants' suicidal behavior after controlling for age. Reasons for living and suicide resilience accounted for an additional 19 % of the variance in participants' suicidal behavior after controlling for age, social support from friends, social support from family, and optimism. Of the factors mentioned above, perceived social support from family, one of three suicide resilience factors (emotional stability), and one of six reasons for living (child-related concerns) significantly and negatively predicted participants' suicidal behavior. Overall, these findings can be used to inform the practices of mental health workers, medical doctors, and suicide prevention workers working with trans clients.

Nonsuicidal self-injury, coping strategies, and sexual orientation

OBJECTIVES

The current study sought to investigate the relationship between sexual orientation and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). This study also includes an examination of coping styles, both maladaptive and adaptive, based on sexual orientation.

METHOD

Participants included 207 young adults who identified as lesbian/gay, bisexual, or questioning (50.2% female) and a heterosexual comparison group.

RESULTS

A hierarchical logistic regression showed that bisexual and questioning individuals were more likely to report having engaged in NSSI in their lifetime. A chi-square yielded no difference between groups on frequency of NSSI. Multivariate analyses of variance examining maladaptive and adaptive coping strategies demonstrated that bisexual and questioning individuals reported greater use of maladaptive strategies than the heterosexual group; however, there was little difference between groups on adaptive coping.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between sexual orientation and coping appears to be a complex one, suggesting that bisexual and questioning individuals attempt to use a wide range of coping mechanisms, possibly due to increased stress.

Means to Meaning in Cancer-Related Bereavement

The search for meaning in bereavement is a topic of increasing scholarly interest. Nonetheless, literature has not yet appeared that examines the intersections of diverse theories of meaning, corresponding empirical findings, and clinical implications for counseling psychologists engaged in cancer-related bereavement psychotherapy. Meaning theories drawn from several domains of scholarship including existential, spirituality, stress, and bereavement are surveyed followed by a review of related empirical trends in the scholarship. A hypothetical case vignette is then presented to highlight potential strategies for counseling psychologists to integrate a broadened meaning-based approach to bereavement psychotherapy related to the loss of a loved one from cancer. The article concludes by identifying limitations of a meaning-based approach, as well as directions for further research.

Privilege and Belonging

In this rejoinder, we advance the dialogue stimulated by our major contribution (Smith et al., 2012) in which we present the findings from a survey of early career professionals (ECPs) in Division 17, the Society of Counseling Psychology. We respond to the reactants’ concerns and observations using the lenses of privilege and belonging to guide our response. Building from the premise that the Society needs to continue to create and sustain efforts to attract and retain burgeoning counseling psychologists—including faculty members, practitioners, and those whose careers have combined or unique foci—we offer additional suggestions toward meeting the goal of expanding the richness of membership to include a wide array of those who identify with the premises of the Society and the specialty of counseling psychology. The importance of mentoring for advanced students and ECPs with an array of career trajectories is particularly emphasized.

Voices of Early Career Psychologists in Division 17, the Society of Counseling Psychology

This article reports on a survey of early career members of the Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP). Seventy early career psychologists completed a survey assessing the usefulness and climate of SCP, barriers to and facilitative factors for involvement in SCP, inclusiveness of SCP regarding cultural diversity and professional interests, degree of involvement in various aspects of SCP, and their areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with SCP membership. In general, participants were split on the degree to which they were satisfied with SCP, with participants in faculty positions reporting significantly more positive views of SCP than their practitioner counterparts did. Faculty members viewed SCP as more useful to their careers and reported more positive social interactions within SCP than did non–faculty members. Open-ended responses suggested that satisfaction with SCP was related to availability of mentorship and opportunities for involvement in SCP. Suggestions for engaging new professionals in SCP are offered.

"Spshing noise": biological significance of its attraction and nonattraction by birds

Many New World passerine birds, especially migrants which join mixed flocks of local species in the Neotropics, are attracted to a noise termed "spshing" used by humans to attract birds into view. The noise is effective because it mimics the vocalizations of certain bird species which play a central bonding role in mixed species flocks. Migrants join these flocks to gain local expertise about food sources and/or potential enemies in unfamiliar environments. Old World passerine migrants do not react to "spshing." In Africa, they do not join mixed flocks of local species because of more favorable environmental conditions negating the need to do so. In tropical Asia, many migrants join mixed flocks but the local bonding species give vocalizations unlike those of their counterparts in the Neotropics, and thus not like "spshing."

Gender differences in HIV-related coping and depression

Our study examined differences in HIV-related coping in relation to depression in men and women. Ethnically diverse participants (n = 247, 46% women) were recruited in Dallas/Fort Worth and completed medical and demographic information, the Coping with HIV Scale (CHIV), and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale (CES-D). Multiple regression analyses revealed that in men, depression was associated with symptoms, higher use of distraction, blame, expression and lower use of positive growth. In women, depression was associated with symptoms and higher use of blame. These results shed light on the ways in which each gender copes with HIV and may help researchers develop interventions tailored to the needs of the HIV-positive population.

Productivity in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Scholarship in Counseling Psychology: Institutional and Individual Ratings for 1990 Through 2008

This study examined individual and institutional productivity in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) scholarship published in counseling psychology—oriented journals for the years 1990 through 2008. Eight journals were included in the analyses. An author-weighted score was calculated for each scholar, using a formula developed by Howard, Cole, and Maxwell. To determine the impact of authors’ work, h indices were calculated for the most productive scholars. Finally, institutions publishing LGBT scholarship were proportionally ranked, consistent with the work of Tinsley and Tinsley. Twenty-nine authors and 13 institutions emerged as leaders in LGBT scholarship. Data on percentage of articles published in each journal, as well as trends over time, are presented. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Coping mediates outcome following a randomized group intervention for HIV-positive bereaved individuals

The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial psychological effects of a coping-focused group intervention for HIV-positive individuals who had lost loved ones to AIDS. Data from 235 HIV-positive men and women enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial testing a coping-focused group intervention were analyzed using a multiple-indicator-multiple-cause (MIMIC) structural equation model. Results revealed that the effects of the intervention on decreases in depression and grief were mediated by decreases in avoidant coping. Specifically, participants in the intervention condition decreased their use of avoidant coping. Decreases in avoidant coping, in turn, were related to decreased depression and grief. The results of this study help to validate the use of coping-focused interventions for HIV-positive bereaved individuals.

Evaluation of novel injectable hydrogels for nucleus pulposus replacement

Branched copolymers composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are being investigated as an in situ forming replacement for the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. A family of copolymers was synthesized by varying the molecular weight of the PEG blocks and molar ratio of NIPAAm monomer units to PEG branches. Gel swelling, dissolution, and compressive mechanical properties were characterized over 90 days and stress relaxation behavior over 30 days immersion in vitro. It was found that the NIPAAm to PEG molar ratio did not affect the equilibrium swelling and compressive mechanical properties. However, gel elasticity exhibited a dependency on both the PEG block molecular weight and content. The equilibrium gel water content increased and compressive modulus decreased with increasing PEG block size. While all of the branched copolymers showed significant increases in stress relaxation time constant compared to the homopolymer (p < 0.05), the high PEG content PNIPAAm-PEG (4600 and 8000 g/mol) exhibited the maximum elasticity. Because of its high water content, requisite stiffness and high elastic response, PNIPAAm-PEG (4600 g/mol) will be further evaluated as a candidate material for nucleus pulposus replacement.

Gay and Straight Possible Selves: Goals, Identity, Subjective Well-Being, and Personality Development

This study examined the relations of the salience and elaboration of gay and straight possible selves to subjective well-being (SWB) and ego development (ED) in a sample of 107 gay men and lesbians, who wrote narrative descriptions of their straight and gay best possible selves and rated the salience of these narratives (i.e., the clarity of the mental image, how easy it was to imagine). Independent raters coded the narratives for amount of elaboration (i.e., vivid detail). The salience of the gay possible self was positively related to SWB and outness, while the salience of the straight possible self was negatively related to SWB and being out. Furthermore, the possible self variables mediated the relationship of outness to well-being. Straight self-elaboration predicted personality development concurrently and prospectively, over 2 years. Results are interpreted as indicating that, while happiness may require us to focus upon our current life goals, personality development might require an exploration of the potential sacrifices of identity.

Why are translationally sub-optimal synonymous codons used in Escherichia coli?

Natural selection favors certain synonymous codons which aid translation in Escherichia coli, yet codons not favored by translational selection persist. We use the frequency distributions of synonymous polymorphisms to test three hypotheses for the existence of translationally sub-optimal codons: (1) selection is a relatively weak force, so there is a balance between mutation, selection, and drift; (2) at some sites there is no selection on codon usage, so some synonymous sites are unaffected by translational selection; and (3) translationally sub-optimal codons are favored by alternative selection pressures at certain synonymous sites. We find that when all the data is considered, model 1 is supported and both models 2 and 3 are rejected as sole explanations for the existence of translationally sub-optimal codons. However, we find evidence in favor of both models 2 and 3 when the data is partitioned between groups of amino acids and between regions of the genes. Thus, all three mechanisms appear to contribute to the existence of translationally sub-optimal codons in E. coli.

Synonymous codon bias is not caused by mutation bias in G+C-rich genes in humans

It is has been suggested that synonymous codon bias is a consequence of mutation bias in mammals. We tested this hypothesis in humans using single-nucleotide polymorphism data. We found a pattern of polymorphism which was inconsistent with the mutation bias hypothesis in G+C-rich genes. However, the data were consistent with the action of natural selection or biased gene conversion. Similar patterns of polymorphism were also observed in noncoding DNA, suggesting that natural selection or biased gene conversion may affect large tracts of the human genome.

A test of amino acid reversibility

In studies of molecular evolution, the assumption that protein evolution is reversible has often been made, but rarely tested. Here we use a large set of orthologous murid protein coding sequences to perform a simple test of reversibility, and find no evidence to reject the assumption of reversibility in protein evolution.

In-depth morphological changes and embrittlement near the wear surface of UHMWPE inserts from uncemented hip systems

Polyethylene hip cups were examined with optical and electron microscopy after permanganic etching, a technique that allows in-depth examination from the articulating surface downward. In addition to wear features present on the surface, novel defects were revealed in implants after retrieval from the body but not in as-manufactured controls. They were incipient cracks that indicated the existence of an embrittled layer extending 10 microm or more into the implant from the wear surface after exposure to the body environment. The lengths of the cracks, which were perpendicular to the tensile stresses responsible for their formation, were mostly more or less parallel to the wear surface. The embrittlement and cracking revealed are probably major contributors to the wear of polyethylene implants in the body. Poor particle consolidation may be a contributory factor, but it was not observed to be the primary cause of implant wear within the body.

The evolution of haplodiploidy under inbreeding

Although haplodiploid organisms tend to be inbred, previous models of the evolution of haplodiploidy have assumed outbred populations. Here a model for the evolution of haplodiploidy is developed which incorporates sib mating, deleterious mutations generated by mutation, and fitness differences between haploids and diploids. Simulations of the model allow an assessment of the effect of inbreeding on the deleterious mutation and maternal transmission theories for the evolution of haplodiploidy. As expected from intuitive arguments, inbreeding favours haplodiploidy under the deleterious mutation hypothesis but disfavours haplodiploidy under the maternal transmission hypothesis. It appears that the effect of inbreeding is greater on the maternal transmission theory, and thus inbreeding may restrict the evolution of haplodiploidy.