Resilience to loss and chronic grief: A prospective study from preloss to 18-months postloss

The vast majority of bereavement research is conducted after a loss has occurred. Thus, knowledge of the divergent trajectories of grieving or their antecedent predictors is lacking. This study gathered prospective data on 205 individuals several years prior to the death of their spouse and at 6- and 18-months postloss. Five core bereavement patterns were identified: common grief, chronic grief, chronic depression, improvement during bereavement, and resilience. Common grief was relatively infrequent, and the resilient pattern most frequent. The authors tested key hypotheses in the literature pertaining to chronic grief and resilience by identifying the preloss predictors of each pattern. Chronic grief was associated with preloss dependency and resilience with preloss acceptance of death and belief in a just world. The death of a spouse is generally assumed to be one of the most stressful experiences that people encounter during the course of their lives (Holmes & Rahe, 1967). However, there are marked individual differences in how much and for how long people grieve (Bonanno & Kaltman, 1999, 2001; Wortman & Silver, 1989, 2001). In addition to what is assumed to be the typical or common reaction, an initial increase in depression that gradually subsides over time, several other patterns of grief have been discussed in the literature. These include prolonged or chronic grieving, the noticeable absence of grief symptoms, and delayed grief responses. Social and personality psychologists have become increasingly interested in these different trajectories, and how they compare with those observed for other marital transitions and othe

To check or not to check : a test of a cognitive theory of compulsive checking

The purpose of these studies was to provide the first experimental tests of a new cognitive theory of compulsive checking by Rachman (2002). The first part of this theory concerns the impact of hypothesized "multipliers" of checking, perceived responsibility, probability, and severity of harm. Study 1 assessed the impact of these multipliers on a variety of checking-related outcomes. Fifty undergraduate students, 31 participants with anxiety disorders other than obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and 29 participants with OCD responded to a series of vignettes describing situations that implied the possibility of harm. Participants provided ratings of their likely emotional and behavioural responses in these situations. It was hypothesized that the multipliers would make significant independent and combined contributions to checking-related outcomes. The findings of Study 1 offered strong support for part one of the theory and highlighted its explanatory power across the continuum of anxiety and checking behaviour. Study 2 provided the first exploratory test of the self-perpetuating mechanism described in part two of Rachman's theory as an explanation for repeated checking. It was hypothesized that repeated checking would be associated with increases in perceived responsibility, probability and severity of harm, and with decreased confidence in memory, consistent with the proposed self-perpetuating mechanism. Study 2 also explored the universality of this mechanism by testing both individuals who routinely check and those who do not, and by including both high and low relevance items. Forty-four undergraduate students and 20 individuals with OCD and primary checking compulsions completed a telephone checking experiment from their homes. Participants performed a series of four checking tasks under the telephone guidance of an experimenter. Two of the tasks involved a single check of the items (high relevance vs. low relevance) and two of the tasks involved repeated checking. Contrary to hypotheses, ratings of responsibility, probability and severityThe purpose of these studies was to provide the first experimental tests of a new cognitive theory of compulsive checking by Rachman (2002). The first part of this theory concerns the impact of hypothesized "multipliers" of checking, perceived responsibility, probability, and severity of harm. Study 1 assessed the impact of these multipliers on a variety of checking-related outcomes. Fifty undergraduate students, 31 participants with anxiety disorders other than obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and 29 participants with OCD responded to a series of vignettes describing situations that implied the possibility of harm. Participants provided ratings of their likely emotional and behavioural responses in these situations. It was hypothesized that the multipliers would make significant independent and combined contributions to checking-related outcomes. The findings of Study 1 offered strong support for part one of the theory and highlighted its explanatory power across the continuum of anxiety and checking behaviour. Study 2 provided the first exploratory test of the self-perpetuating mechanism described in part two of Rachman's theory as an explanation for repeated checking. It was hypothesized that repeated checking would be associated with increases in perceived responsibility, probability and severity of harm, and with decreased confidence in memory, consistent with the proposed self-perpetuating mechanism. Study 2 also explored the universality of this mechanism by testing both individuals who routinely check and those who do not, and by including both high and low relevance items. Forty-four undergraduate students and 20 individuals with OCD and primary checking compulsions completed a telephone checking experiment from their homes. Participants performed a series of four checking tasks under the telephone guidance of an experimenter. Two of the tasks involved a single check of the items (high relevance vs. low relevance) and two of the tasks involved repeated checking. Contrary to hypotheses, ratings of responsibility, probability and severity decreased significantly and memory confidence increased significantly from pre- to post-check across both the single and repeated check conditions and both samples. The findings of Study 2 were not consistent with the operation of a self-perpetuating mechanism. Implications of the findings of these studies for this new cognitive theory of compulsive checking are discussed.Arts, Faculty ofPsychology, Department ofGraduat

Interpersonal dimensions of trait perfectionism, coping, and quality of intimate relationships

Perfectionism is a multidimensional trait, including both intra- and interpersonal dimensions. While many studies have linked perfectionism to a variety of intrapersonal problems, to date little work has addressed the interpersonal consequences of trait perfectionism. The present study examined the relationship between perfectionism, marital coping and marital functioning in a sample of 76 married or common-law couples. First, this study examined whether perfectionism was related to several indices of marital adjustment both for the self and for the partner. Second, the relationship between perfectionism and the types of coping strategies used in response to marital problems was explored. Next, the ability of perfectionism to predict marital coping and adjustment independent of its associations with depression and neuroticism was assessed. Finally, this study sought to clarify the how perfectionism is related to marital adjustment. With respect to this last question, two models of the relationship between perfectionism, coping and marital adjustment were tested. Based on Hewitt and Flett's (in press) conceptualization of the relationship between perfectionism and maladjustment, a model was tested in which negative coping efforts mediate the relationship between perfectionism and self and partner's marital adjustment. The second model tested was a moderational model in which perfectionism interacts with coping to produce marital difficulties. The results of this study suggest that one of the interpersonal dimensions of perfectionism, spouse-prescribed perfectionism, is strongly negatively associated with marital adjustment for both the self and the partner. This dimension also predicts the types of coping strategies used in response to marital difficulties. In addition, it was found that perfectionism predicted variance in marital functioning and marital coping above and beyond the effects of depression and neuroticism. While no evidence for a moderational model was found, the present study provided support for Hewitt and Flett's (in press) theoretical model. That is, the use of negative coping strategies mediated the relationship between spouse-prescribed perfectionism and poorer marital functioning for both the self and the partner. Overall, this study highlights the importance of perfectionism in the interpersonal domain.Arts, Faculty ofPsychology, Department ofGraduat

Mn^II/III Complexes as Promising Redox Mediators in Quantum-Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells

The advancement of quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) technology depends on optimizing directional charge transfer between light absorbing quantum dots, TiO₂, and a redox mediator. The nature of the redox mediator plays a pivotal role in determining the photocurrent and photovoltage from the solar cell. Kinetically, reduction of oxidized quantum dots by the redox mediator should be rapid and faster than the back electron transfer between TiO₂ and oxidized quantum dots to maintain photocurrent. Thermodynamically, the reduction potential of the redox mediator should be sufficiently positive to provide high photovoltages. To satisfy both criteria and enhance power conversion efficiencies, we introduced charge transfer spin-crossover Mn^II/III complexes as promising redox mediator alternatives in QDSSCs. High photovoltages ∼1 V were achieved by a series of Mn poly­(pyrazolyl)­borates, with reduction potentials ∼0.51 V vs Ag/AgCl. Back electron transfer (recombination) rates were slower than Co­(bpy)₃, where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, evidenced by electron lifetimes up to 4 orders of magnitude longer. This is indicative of a large barrier to electron transport imposed by spin-crossover in these complexes. Low solubility prevented the redox mediators from sustaining high photocurrent due to mass transport limits. However, with high fill factors (∼0.6) and photovoltages, they demonstrate competitive efficiencies with Co­(bpy)₃ redox mediator at the same concentration. More positive reduction potentials and slower recombination rates compared to current redox mediators establish the viability of Mn poly­(pyrazolyl)­borates as promising redox mediators. By capitalizing on these characteristics, efficient Mn^II/III-based QDSSCs can be achieved with more soluble Mn-complexes

Evolution and comparative analysis of the bat MHC-I region

10.1038/srep21256Scientific Reports62125

Association of Later-Life Weight Changes With Survival to Ages 90, 95, and 100: The Women\u27s Health Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Associations of weight changes and intentionality of weight loss with longevity are not well described. METHODS: Using longitudinal data from the Women\u27s Health Initiative (N = 54 437; 61-81 years), we examined associations of weight changes and intentionality of weight loss with survival to ages 90, 95, and 100. Weight was measured at baseline, year 3, and year 10, and participants were classified as having weight loss (≥5% decrease from baseline), weight gain (≥5% increase from baseline), or stable weight ( RESULTS: A total of 30 647 (56.3%) women survived to ≥90 years. After adjustment for relevant covariates, 3-year weight loss of ≥5% vs stable weight was associated with lower odds of survival to ages 90 (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.64-0.71), 95 (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.60-0.71), and 100 (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.49-0.78). Compared to intentional weight loss, unintentional weight loss was more strongly associated with lower odds of survival to age 90 (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74-0.94 and OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.44-0.55, respectively). Three-year weight gain of ≥5% vs stable weight was not associated with survival to age 90, 95, or 100. The pattern of results was similar among normal weight, overweight, and obese women in body mass index (BMI)-stratified analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss of ≥5% vs stable weight was associated with lower odds of longevity, more strongly for unintentional weight loss than for intentional weight loss. Potential inaccuracy of self-reported intentionality of weight loss and residual confounding were limitations

Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients With Advanced Laryngeal Cancer Undergoing Bioselection

ObjectiveBioselection to assess tumor response after induction chemotherapy has been introduced as an alternative treatment strategy to total laryngectomy for patients with advanced larynx squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have proven to serve as prognostic biomarkers in head and neck cancer but have not been evaluated as a way to select patients for treatment paradigms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of pretreatment TILs in patients with advanced LSCC undergoing the bioselection paradigm.Study designRetrospective study.SettingTertiary care hospital.MethodsPatients with advanced LSCC treated with bioselection and available tissue were included (N = 76). Patients were stratified into CD8-low and CD8-high cohorts by using the median TIL count. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate cox regression were performed with SPSS version 26 (IBM).ResultsAfter controlling for tobacco use, tumor site, and stage, a high CD8 TIL count was an independent predictor of improved 5-year disease-specific survival (hazard ratio, 0.17 [95% CI, 0.03-0.84]; P = .03). CD8 TIL counts did not predict response to induction chemotherapy; however, subgroup analysis of patients treated with chemoradiation therapy revealed that CD8 TIL count was significantly associated with degree of response (P = .012).ConclusionThese findings support prior data published by our group showing that TILs are predictive of disease-specific survival in patients with head and neck cancer. CD8 TIL counts were significantly associated with degree of clinical response after induction chemotherapy. These results suggest that pretreatment assessment of tumor-infiltrating CD8 cells could be useful in selecting patients

Loss of tonic T-cell receptor signals alters the generation but not the persistence of CD8+ memory T cells

The requirements for tonic T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling in CD8+ memory T-cell generation and homeostasis are poorly defined. The SRC homology 2 (SH2)-domain–containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa (SLP-76) is critical for proximal TCR-generated signaling. We used temporally mediated deletion of SLP-76 to interrupt tonic and activating TCR signals after clearance of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). SLP-76–dependent signals are required during the contraction phase of the immune response for the normal generation of CD8 memory precursor cells. Conversely, LCMV-specific memory CD8 T cells generated in the presence of SLP-76 and then acutely deprived of TCR-mediated signals persist in vivo in normal numbers for more than 40 weeks. Tonic TCR signals are not required for the transition of the memory pool toward a central memory phenotype, but the absence of SLP-76 during memory homeostasis substantially alters the kinetics. Our data are consistent with a model in which tonic TCR signals are required at multiple stages of differentiation, but are dispensable for memory CD8 T-cell persistence

Control of T helper cell differentiation through cytokine receptor inclusion in the immunological synapse

The antigen recognition interface formed by T helper precursors (Thps) and antigen-presenting cells (APCs), called the immunological synapse (IS), includes receptors and signaling molecules necessary for Thp activation and differentiation. We have recently shown that recruitment of the interferon-{gamma} receptor (IFNGR) into the IS correlates with the capacity of Thps to differentiate into Th1 effector cells, an event regulated by signaling through the functionally opposing receptor to interleukin-4 (IL4R). Here, we show that, similar to IFN-{gamma} ligation, TCR stimuli induce the translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) to IFNGR1-rich regions of the membrane. Unexpectedly, STAT1 is preferentially expressed, is constitutively serine (727) phosphorylated in Thp, and is recruited to the IS and the nucleus upon TCR signaling. IL4R engagement controls this process by interfering with both STAT1 recruitment and nuclear translocation. We also show that in cells with deficient Th1 or constitutive Th2 differentiation, the IL4R is recruited to the IS. This observation suggest that the IL4R is retained outside the IS, similar to the exclusion of IFNGR from the IS during IL4R signaling. This study provides new mechanistic cues for the regulation of lineage commitment by mutual immobilization of functionally antagonistic membrane receptors