Novel Electrophilic and Photoaffinity Covalent Probes for Mapping the Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Allosteric Site(s)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants DA027113 and EY024717 to G.A.T. and DA09158 to A.M. A portion of this work was submitted in 2011 by A. Kulkarni in partial fulfillment of M.S. degree requirements from Northeastern University, Boston, MA.Peer reviewe

Developing autonomous learning in first year university students using perspectives from positive psychology

Autonomous learning is a commonly occurring learning outcome from university study, and it is argued that students require confidence in their own abilities to achieve this. Using approaches from positive psychology, this study aimed to develop confidence in first‐year university students to facilitate autonomous learning. Psychological character strengths were assessed in 214 students on day one at university. Two weeks later their top three strengths were given to them in study skills modules as part of a psycho‐educational intervention designed to increase their self‐efficacy and self‐esteem. The impact of the intervention was assessed against a control group of 40 students who had not received the intervention. The results suggested that students were more confident after the intervention, and that levels of autonomous learning increased significantly compared to the controls. Character strengths were found to be associated with self‐efficacy, self‐esteem and autonomous learning in ways that were theoretically meaningful

The Mechanisms of Codon Reassignments in Mitochondrial Genetic Codes

Many cases of non-standard genetic codes are known in mitochondrial genomes. We carry out analysis of phylogeny and codon usage of organisms for which the complete mitochondrial genome is available, and we determine the most likely mechanism for codon reassignment in each case. Reassignment events can be classified according to the gain-loss framework. The gain represents the appearance of a new tRNA for the reassigned codon or the change of an existing tRNA such that it gains the ability to pair with the codon. The loss represents the deletion of a tRNA or the change in a tRNA so that it no longer translates the codon. One possible mechanism is Codon Disappearance, where the codon disappears from the genome prior to the gain and loss events. In the alternative mechanisms the codon does not disappear. In the Unassigned Codon mechanism, the loss occurs first, whereas in the Ambiguous Intermediate mechanism, the gain occurs first. Codon usage analysis gives clear evidence of cases where the codon disappeared at the point of the reassignment and also cases where it did not disappear. Codon disappearance is the probable explanation for stop to sense reassignments and a small number of reassignments of sense codons. However, the majority of sense to sense reassignments cannot be explained by codon disappearance. In the latter cases, by analysis of the presence or absence of tRNAs in the genome and of the changes in tRNA sequences, it is sometimes possible to distinguish between the Unassigned Codon and Ambiguous Intermediate mechanisms. We emphasize that not all reassignments follow the same scenario and that it is necessary to consider the details of each case carefully.Comment: 53 pages (45 pages, including 4 figures + 8 pages of supplementary information). To appear in J.Mol.Evo

Examining the degree to which paranormal belief and conspiracy endorsement influence meaning in life: sequential mediating effects of creativity and self-esteem

Via a shared link with schizotypy, paranormal belief (PB) and conspiracy theory endorsement (CT) influence meaning in life (presence and search). This association is important because meaning in life (particularly presence) is a significant prognosticator of positive wellbeing. Despite this, previous research in this domain remains limited. Major restrictions being the assumption that belief is homogeneous and the failure to consider how factors related to positive wellbeing (i.e., creativity and self-esteem) explain links between belief, schizotypy and psychological health. Accordingly, based on PB, CT, and schizotypy, this study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify belief subgroups. Analysis then employed sequential mediation to assess whether creativity and self-esteem mediated the relationship between belief and meaning in life. A sample of 647 completed measures at four time points 2 months apart. At baseline, LPA identified two subgroups: Lower (Profile 1) vs. Higher (Profile 2) belief Ideation. Path analysis revealed that Profile 2 (vs. Profile 1) predicted greater search over time. Moreover, Profile 2 predicted creativity (self-efficacy and personal identity), which in combination with self-esteem, sequentially mediated the belief-meaning in life relationship. Explicitly, creative self-efficacy prognosticated greater self-esteem, which aligned with greater presence and lower search. Creative personal identity demonstrated a negative link with self-esteem but predicted presence and search. Overall, higher scorers in PB, CT, and schizotypy were less driven to search and more likely to possess presence as a function of possessing confidence in their ability to find solutions to problems and self-esteem

Using exploratory structural equation modelling to examine the psychometric properties of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale

Investigators frequently use the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to evaluate the extent to which external demands exceed perceived capacity to manage pressure. Analysts utilizing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assert that a bifactor model best fits PSS-10 data, though support exists for a two-factor conceptualisation. Since theorists contend that CFA has limitations, this paper assessed whether exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) provided a superior factorial solution. Accordingly, this research assessed the adequacy of two-factor vs. bifactor models using CFA and ESEM. Additionally, analyses tested convergent validity, invariance, and predictive validity in relation to well-being outcomes (Life Satisfaction and Somatic Complaints). In Study 1, 1556 (802 males, 754 females) UK-based participants completed the PSS-10 at time points six months apart. In Study 2, 1630 (838 males, 784 females, eight non-binary) UK-based participants completed the PSS-10 alongside measures of Life Satisfaction and Somatic Complaints. Study 1, using latent modelling, found that the two-factor ESEM model (containing Distress and Counter-Stress factors) produced superior fit (vs. CFA and bifactor solutions). In Study 2, structural equation modelling revealed acceptable predictive validity for the two-factor solution; Distress predicted Somatic Complaints and Counter-Stress predicted Life Satisfaction. Gender (Study 1 and 2) and time (Study 1) demonstrated measurement invariance. Latent means across studies indicated that females (vs. males) scored higher on Distress. Overall, ESEM estimated the PSS-10 more accurately. Findings supported the utility of Distress and Counter-Stress factors for predicting well-being indicators. Future research is necessary to consider this distinction in relation to allied health outcomes

Assessing psychological health : the contribution of psychological strengths

Balanced assessment of mental health involves assessing wellbeing and strengths as well as psychopathology. The character strengths of curiosity, gratitude, hope, optimism and forgiveness, are assessed in 214 new undergraduates and their relationships to mental health, subjective wellbeing and self-esteem explored. Scoring the mental health scale for psychiatric caseness, case and non-case students did not differ in character strengths, positive affect or life satisfaction, supporting a dual-factor model. Hope pathways and gratitude predicted mental health. Gratitude, hope agency and exploratory curiosity predicted positive affect. Gratitude and hope agency predicted life satisfaction. Hope agency, hope pathways, exploratory curiosity and gratitude predicted self-esteem, with absorption curiosity a negative predictor. The benefits of assessing strengths are discussed and interventions designed to develop them. Keywords: character strengths; mental health; subjective wellbeing; dual-factor mental health model; self-estee

Using exploratory structural equation modelling to examine the psychometric properties of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale

Investigators frequently use the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to evaluate the extent to which external demands exceed perceived capacity to manage pressure. Analysts utilizing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assert that a bifactor model best fits PSS-10 data, though support exists for a two-factor conceptualisation. Since theorists contend that CFA has limitations, this paper assessed whether exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) provided a superior factorial solution. Accordingly, this research assessed the adequacy of two-factor vs. bifactor models using CFA and ESEM. Additionally, analyses tested convergent validity, invariance, and predictive validity in relation to well-being outcomes (Life Satisfaction and Somatic Complaints). In Study 1, 1556 (802 males, 754 females) UK-based participants completed the PSS-10 at time points six months apart. In Study 2, 1630 (838 males, 784 females, eight non-binary) UK-based participants completed the PSS-10 alongside measures of Life Satisfaction and Somatic Complaints. Study 1, using latent modelling, found that the two-factor ESEM model (containing Distress and Counter-Stress factors) produced superior fit (vs. CFA and bifactor solutions). In Study 2, structural equation modelling revealed acceptable predictive validity for the two-factor solution; Distress predicted Somatic Complaints and Counter-Stress predicted Life Satisfaction. Gender (Study 1 and 2) and time (Study 1) demonstrated measurement invariance. Latent means across studies indicated that females (vs. males) scored higher on Distress. Overall, ESEM estimated the PSS-10 more accurately. Findings supported the utility of Distress and Counter-Stress factors for predicting well-being indicators. Future research is necessary to consider this distinction in relation to allied health outcomes

An independent evaluation of the Routes into AHP Careers resource

People interested in a career in the Allied Health Professions (AHP), and those seeking occupational development, require effective online resources that provide up-to-date accessible information about related vocations. The Routes into Allied Health Professions (AHP) Careers Resource, which delivers this essential function launched on AHP Day, 14th October 2019. This report evaluates the effectiveness of the Resource from the perspective of the user/client. The Evaluation centres on three key domains: visibility, usability, and impact: Visibility refers to the ease with which respondents can locate the Resource on the web. This includes quality and quantity of promotional links and search engine results. Usability, in the context of web design, denotes user ‘friendliness’. Primary features include content layout, site interface, appearance, visual design and structure, ease of navigation, intuitiveness, search facilities, and readability/comprehension/clarity. Hence, key components of usability from the user/client perspective are Resource look and feel. In the present evaluation, usability relates also to accessibility, which indexes availability and responsiveness of the site. Explicitly, the expectation that the Resource provides users with current data/information in a rapid and effective manner. Finally, impact refers to the influence that the Resource has on the user/client. Particularly, the degree to which the resource elicits a favourable reaction and positively influences user/client feelings. Concomitantly, impact indexes whether users/clients perceive that the resource is beneficial to them

Examining what Mental Toughness, Ego Resiliency, Self-efficacy, and Grit measure: An exploratory structural equation modelling bifactor approach

Despite conceptual similarities among the established non-cognitive constructs of Mental Toughness, Ego Resiliency, Self-efficacy, and Grit, preceding research typically considered these as adversary rather than complementary and potentially additive. Subsequently, comparatively few studies have examined these together. This paper, via two independent studies, examined commonality within Mental Toughness, Ego Resiliency, Self-efficacy, and Grit. This identified key elements that contribute to a broad, non-cognitive, resource-based construct. Study 1 (N = 2137) assessed shared variance among the non-cognitive constructs relative to a general factor. Study 2 (N = 1148) evaluated the replicability of the results from Study 1 and examined measurement invariance. Respondents completed established self-report measures indexing the study variables. Exploratory structural equation modelling bifactor analyses consistently revealed that Mental Toughness, the Ego-Resiliency Optimal Regulation subscale, and Self-efficacy loaded highly on a general factor, which the authors labelled as Non-Cognitive Adaptive Resourcefulness (NCAR). Invariance analyses supported the stability of this model across study context. This paper advanced conceptual understanding of the core shared features of independent non-cognitive constructs. The authors discuss the potential of NCAR and advocate the need for further research

The influence of potassium on the removal of 137Cs by live Chlorella from low level radioactive wastes

The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of stable potassium that must be present in a radioactive waste solution to maximize the uptake of radiocesium by algae without a substantial reduction in algal growth. Laboratory cultures of Chlorella pyrenoidosa were grown under continuous culture conditions, and the accumulation of 137Cs by the algae was measured. Potassium ion concentrations below 15 mg/l reduced the growth of C. pyrenoidosa but increased the accumulation multiples for 137Cs. The removal efficiencies, which represent the combined effects of algal growth and accumulation multiples, obtained for 137Cs ranged between 88 and 83 per cent for potassium concentrations between 2 and 15 mg/l but were reduced to less than 20 per cent when the potassium ion concentration was greater than 15 mg/l or less than 2 mg/l.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/22371/1/0000820.pd