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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2004.09.010 Byline: Cathy Humphreys (a), Stephen Joseph (b) Abstract: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has had a chequered history in relation to gender-based violence and specifically domestic violence. There is evidence that a significant proportion of women who are abused suffer from PTSD. However, there remains a controversy about whether this is a useful and progressive concept on which to base intervention. Mainstream mental health services in the UK have shown little 'take up,' while women's services supporting survivors also remain ambivalent, although for different reasons. Clinical psychology has been where the concept has been embraced. This paper highlights aspects of Judith Herman's (Herman, Judith (1992). Trauma and recovery. New York: Basic Books.) original intervention framework which have remained undeveloped, specifically the attention to social support and the need for an active social movement. These ideas have been marginalized in the development of professional and individualised approaches to survivors. It is suggested that reinvigorating these ideas would enhance the work with survivors and provide greater resonance with the underpinnings of work with women's services. Author Affiliation: (a) School of Health and Social Studies, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL United Kingdom (b) Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL United Kingdom

Biochar and modified biochar have gained wide attention for Cd-contaminated soil remediation. This study investigates the effects of rape straw biochar (RSB), sulfur-iron modified biochar (S–FeBC), and nitrogen-iron modified biochar (N–FeBC) on soil Fe oxide transformation and Cd immobilization. The mediated electrochemical analysis results showed that Fe modification effectively enhanced the electron exchange capacity (EEC) of biochar. After 40 days of anaerobic incubation, compared to the treatment without biochar (CK), the concentrations of CaCl 2 -extractable Cd in N–FeBC, S–FeBC, and RSB treatments decreased by 79%, 53%, and 23%, respectively. Compared with S–FeBC, N–FeBC significantly decreased the soil Eh and increased soil pH within the first 15 days, which could be attributed to its higher EEC and alkalinity. There is a negative correlation between the concentration of CaCl 2 -extractable Cd and soil pH (p < 0.01). The sequential extraction results showed that both N–FeBC and S–FeBC promoted Cd transfer from acid-soluble to Fe/Mn oxides bound fraction (Fe/Mn–Cd). N–FeBC significantly increased the concentration of amorphous Fe oxides (amFeox) from 4.0 g kg−1 in day 1 to 4.6 g kg−1 in day 15 by promoting the NO 3 −-reducing Fe(II) oxidation process, while S–FeBC significantly increased amFeox from 4.0 g kg−1 in day 15 to 4.8 g kg−1 in day 40 by promoting the Fe(II) recrystallization. There is a positive correlation between the concentration of amFeox and Fe/Mn–Cd (p < 0.01). The scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that Cd was bound to the amFeox coating on the surface of Fe-modified biochar. By acting as an electron shuttle, the active surface of Fe-modified biochar may serve as a hotspot for Fe transformation, which promotes amFeox formation and Cd immobilization. This study highlights the potential of Fe-modified biochar for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils and provides valuable insights into the development of effective remediation approaches for Cd-contaminated soils. [Display omitted] • Fe modification significantly increased the EEC of biochar, especially for N–FeBC. • Fe-modified biochar promoted the amFeox formation and thus enhanced Cd immobilization. • N–FeBC increased amFeox by promoting the NRFO process. • S–FeBC increased amFeox by promoting the Fe(II) recrystallization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract While biochar on metal immobilization was well understood, a small pool of dissolvable organic matter (DOM) from biochar was recently recognized as a bioactive agent for plant growth promotion. However, how the molecular composition and plant effects of this fraction and the performance for metal immobilization of the DOM-removed biochar could vary with pyrolysis temperature had been not well addressed. In this study, wheat straw biochar pyrolyzed at a temperature of 350 °C, 450 °C, 550 °C were extracted with hot water to separate the DOM fraction. The obtained biochar extracts (BE350, BE450, and BE550) were tested as foliar amendment to Chinese cabbage while the extracted (DOM-removed) biochars were tested for heavy metal immobilization in a contaminated soil. The results showed that BE350 was higher in organic matter content, abundance of organic molecules and mineral nutrients than BE450 and BE550. Compared to control, foliar application of BE350 significantly enhanced the shoot biomass (by 89%), increased leaf soluble sugar content (by 83%) but reduced leaf content of nitrate (by 34%) and of potential toxic metals (by 49% for Cd and by 30% for Pb). Moreover, BE350 treatment increased gene expression of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase enzyme activity of the tested plant. Meanwhile, soil amendment of DOM-extracted biochars significantly decreased soil CaCl 2 extractable pool of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in a range of 27%–78%. Thus, the performance of DOM extract of biochar on plant growth promotion was indeed dependent of pyrolysis temperature, being greater at 350 °C than at higher temperatures. In contrast, metal immobilizing capacity of biochar was regardless of pyrolysis temperature and DOM removal. Therefore, pyrolyzing wheat straw at low temperature could produce a biochar for valorized separation of a significant DOM pool for use in vegetable production, leaving the residual biochar for amendment to metal contaminated soil. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • DOM and nutrients content in BE was varied with the pyrolysis temperature. • Spraying BE350 showed greatest value for plant yield and quality promotion. • DOM may regulate gene expression and stimulate nitrogen assimilation in cabbage. • DOM-free biochar can be used for metal immobilization in soil. • Biochar can be recycled with value-added applications in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Developing bullying interventions and testing their success depends on the valid and reliable measurement of peer victimization. The objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale (MPVS, Mynard & Joseph, 2000). This systematic review examined 34 published studies demonstrating that the MPVS is a reliable, valid, and psychometrically sound measure for capturing multiple facets of peer victimization across a variety of samples. Results also highlighted that there are relatively stable sex differences in the rates and pattern of peer victimization, with males experiencing more direct forms of victimization and females experiencing more indirect forms of victimization. Recommendations for further research are discussed, alongside new ways to further advance the assessment of peer victimization. Highlights • Systematic review of the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale (MPVS) • MPVS is a widely used, reliable and valid tool to measure being bullied in young people • MPVS is used internationally with young people with a range of characteristics • Sex differences identified in the pattern of bullying with females experiencing more indirect forms of victimization • Recommendations for research include attention to electronic victimization and social rebuff [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adding biochar to Zn-contaminated soil can immobilize excess Zn and promote plant biomass growth. This was seen previously over the course of a 180-day planted pot trial involving two types of biochar (cattle manure, CM, and grain husk, GH) in a Zn-contaminated soil. Both biochars alleviated Zn-induced phytotoxicity to Ficus by immobilizing Zn and reducing its uptake by the plant, but to different extents. The aim of the current study was to delve into the in-soil mechanisms involved in biochar-mediated Zn immobilization. Biochar particles were excavated from the pot soils. Fresh and aged biochar particles were examined by high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), field-emission electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The physical and chemical properties of the biochars had changed over the 180 days. SEM-EDS and EPMA indicated that organo-mineral micro-agglomerates had formed on biochar surfaces and in pores. Some of the Zn immobilized by the biochars was bound in the organo-mineral complexes of these agglomerates. XPS and FTIR showed that the complexes had a high concentration of oxygenated functional groups which facilitated Zn binding and encapsulation. The micro-agglomerates were similar in structure and composition to those observed on biochars having resided for much longer times in soils, or having been subjected to accelerated aging. Overall, Zn immobilization by the CM biochar was greater than by the GH biochar, due to its higher alkalinity, higher concentration of available negatively charged groups, and greater accretion of organo-mineral layers. These findings are suggestive that biochar-assisted phytorestoration of heavy metal-contaminated soils can be optimized through selection of biochar having such traits. It is hypothesized that metals may be continually taken up in such micro-agglomerates, since they continue to form over the lifetime of the biochar in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of the nutrient status of biochar and soils prior to its inclusion in particular agricultural systems. Pre-treatment of nutrient-reactive biochar, where nutrients are loaded into pores and onto surfaces, gives improved yield outcomes compared to untreated biochar. In this study we have used a wide selection of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to investigate the mechanisms of nutrient retention in a high temperature wood biochar, which had negative effects on Chenopodium quinoa above ground biomass yield when applied to the system without prior nutrient loading, but positive effects when applied after composting. We have compared non-composted biochar (BC) with composted biochar (BCC) to elucidate the differences which may have led to these results. The results of our investigation provide evidence for a complex series of reactions during composting, where dissolved nutrients are first taken up into biochar pores along a concentration gradient and through capillary action, followed by surface sorption and retention processes which block biochar pores and result in deposition of a nutrient-rich organomineral (plaque) layer. The lack of such pretreatment in the BC samples would render it reactive towards nutrients in a soil-fertilizer system, making it a competitor for, rather than provider of, nutrients for plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biochar in agricultural soils has received increasing attention over the last decade and enhancing biochar through chemical modification offers a strategy to reduce the amount of biochar required for improving soil productivity. However there is limited knowledge on how mineral enhanced biochars alone, or in combination with conventional fertilisers impact on microbial processes and edaphic parameters of soil or the root, and how this influences agricultural yield in the long-term. To investigate this we assessed crop yield, edaphic parameters and microbial communities within the bulk soil and on roots at the end of the third crop-cycle from a long-term agricultural trial where pre-existing enhanced biochar applications (from previous crop-cycles) totalled between 0 and 5.5 t ha −1 and were then supplemented with fresh enhanced biochar (0.1 t ha −1 ) and traditional N fertiliser (50 kg ha −1 ) in a crossed design. We found an array of effects associated with existing and new enhanced biochar applications in conjunction with N fertiliser on plant yield, soil nutrients and microbial communities. Yield decreased up to 27% with any soil amendment and was greatest in the unamended control. Soil nitrate increased from 30.4 to 59.6 mg kg −1 due to N fertiliser with little effect of the enhanced biochar. Soil pH increased from 4.59 to 4.86 due to previously applied enhanced biochar and was associated with applications of at least 1 t ha −1 . There were differing responses in the microbial communities between bulk soil (294 taxa changes) and roots (383 taxa changes) to the fertilisation regimes, which were unrelated to the nitrate content in the soil and appeared to be driven by pH changes, especially for communities associated with plant roots. This has important implications on which soil compartments should be investigated in future studies of microbial communities. The short- and long-term effects of enhanced biochar observed here question the relevance of studies examining once-off applications of biochar and their extrapolation to real world scenarios i.e. where sequential application of biochar might occur. It is likely that responses of agricultural systems may depend on the historical use of biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown that the pyrolysis of biomass combined with clay can result in both lower cost and increase in plant yields. One of the major sources of nutrients for pasture growth, as well as fuel and building materials in Tibet is yak dung. This paper reports on the initial field testing in a pasture setting in Tibet using yak dung, biochar, and attapulgite clay/yak dung biochars produced at ratios of 10/90 and 50/50 clay to dung. We found that the treatment with attapulgite clay/yak dung (50/50) biochar resulted in the highest pasture yields and grass nutrition quality. We also measured the properties and yields of mixtures of clay/yak dung biochar used in the field trials produced at 400 °C and 500 °C to help determine a possible optimum final pyrolysis temperature and dung/clay ratio. It was observed that increasing clay content increased carbon stability, overall biochar yield, pore size, carboxyl and ketone/aldehyde functional groups, hematite and ferrous/ferric sulphate/thiosulphate concentration, surface area and magnetic moment. Decreasing clay content resulted in higher pH, CEC, N content and an enhanced ability to accept and donate electrons. The resulting properties were a complex function of both processing temperature and the percentage of clay for the biochars processed at both 400 °C and 500 °C. It is possible that the increase in yield and nutrient uptake in the field trial is related to the higher concentration of C/O functional groups, higher surface area and pore volume and higher content of Fe/O/S nanoparticles of multiple oxidation state in the 50/50 clay/dung. These properties have been found to significantly increase the abundance of beneficial microorganisms and hence improve the nutrient cycling and availability in soil. Further field trials are required to determine the optimum pyrolysis production conditions and application rate on the abundance of beneficial microorganisms, yields and nutrient quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the recent advent of high-density (HD) 3-dimensional (3D) mapping, the utility of entrainment is uncertain. However, the limitations of visual representation and interpretation of these high-resolution 3D maps are unclear.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the strengths and limitations of both HD 3D mapping and entrainment mapping during mapping of right atrial macroreentry.Methods: Fifteen patients were studied. The number and type of circuits accounting for ≥90% of the tachycardia cycle length using HD 3D mapping were verified using systematic entrainment mapping. Entrainment sites with an unexpectedly long postpacing interval despite proximity to the active circuit were evaluated.Results: Based on HD 3D mapping, 27 circuits were observed: 12 peritricuspid, 2 upper loop reentry, 10 lower loop reentry, and 3 lateral wall circuits. With entrainment, 17 of the 27 circuits were active: all 12 peritricuspid and 2 upper loop reentry. However, lower loop reentry was confirmed in only 3 of 10, and none of the 3 lateral wall circuits were present. Mean percentage of tachycardia cycle length covered by active circuits was 98% ± 1% vs 97% ± 2% for passive circuits (P = .09). None of the 345 entrainment runs terminated tachycardia or changed tachycardia mechanism. In 8 of 15 patients, 13 examples of unexpectedly long postpacing interval were observed at entrainment sites located distal to localized zones of slow conduction seen on HD 3D mapping.Conclusion: Using HD 3D mapping, "visual reentry" may be due to passive circuitous propagation rather than a critical reentrant circuit. HD 3D mapping provides new insights into regional conduction and helps explain unusual entrainment phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-technique analysis was performed on a range of biochar materials derived from secondary organic resources and aimed at sustainable recovery and re-use of wastewater phosphorus (P). Our purpose was to identify mechanisms of P capture in biochar and thereby inform its future optimisation as a sustainable P fertiliser. The biochar feedstock comprised pellets of anaerobically digested sewage sludge (PAD) or pellets of the same blended in the ratio 9:1 with ochre sourced from minewater treatment (POCAD), components which have limited alternative economic value. In the present study the feedstocks were pyrolysed at two highest treatment temperatures of 450 and 550 °C. Each of the resulting biochars were repeatedly exposed to a 20 mg l −1 PO 4 -P solution, to produce a parallel set of P-exposed biochars. Biochar exterior and/or interior surfaces were quantitatively characterised using laser-ablation (LA)-ICP-MS, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray. The results highlighted the general importance of Fe minerals in P capture. XPS analysis of POCAD550 indicated lower oxidation state Fe2p3 bonding compared to POCAD450, and LA-ICP-MS indicated stronger covariation of Fe and S, even after P exposure. This suggests that low-solubility Fe/S compounds are formed during pyrolysis, are affected by process parameters and impact on P capture. Other data suggested capture roles for aluminium, calcium and silicon. Overall, our analyses suggest that a range of mechanisms for P capture are concurrently active in biochar. We highlighted the potential to manipulate these through choice of form and composition of feedstock as well as pyrolysis processing, so that biochar may be increasingly tailored towards specific functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood victimization impacts on the well-being of children and young people, particularly those experiencing an extreme amount of different types of victimization (i.e., poly-victims). However, limited attention has been given to the impact of different categories of extrafamilial victimization (experienced outside of the family), particularly in the UK. The intricacies of the significant detrimental impact poly-victimization has on victims are also poorly understood. In this study, 730 young people, aged 13 to 16 years (mean 13.8 years), from one county in the UK, were surveyed about their lifetime and past year experiences of extrafamilial victimization, the locations in which these occurred, and current trauma symptoms. The results showed that interpersonal forms of extrafamilial victimization (e.g., sexual victimization) were significant predictors of trauma, whilst more indirect forms of extrafamilial victimization (e.g., witnessing the victimization of others) were not. When extrafamilial poly-victimization and number of extrafamilial victim locations were accounted for within regression models, however, this impact was reduced. Poly-victimization within the past year was the strongest predictor of trauma symptoms. Number of victim locations did not significantly predict trauma symptoms above and beyond the impact of poly-victimization, although it was a contributory predictor. These findings suggest that a holistic exploration of a young person's extrafamilial victim experiences is needed in any clinical assessment or research into its psychological impact. Specifically, attention should be given to the experiencing of extreme levels of victimization (e.g., poly-victimization). Further longitudinal research is needed to understand why poly-victimization has the greatest impact on psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the carbon footprint of two different biochar production systems for application to paddy fields. The impacts of using rice straw-derived biochar in raw form (System A) were compared with those arising from using rice straw biochar enriched with lime, clay, ash and manure (System B). The GHG abatement of the management of one Mg of rice straw in Systems A and B was estimated at 0.27 and 0.61 Mg CO 2 -eq, respectively, in spring season, and 0.30 and 1.22 Mg CO 2 -eq in summer. The difference is mainly due to greater reduction of soil CH 4 emissions by enriched biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advanced atrial remodeling predicts poor clinical outcomes in human atrial fibrillation (AF).Objective: The purpose of this study was to define the magnitude and predictors of change in left atrial (LA) structural remodeling over 12 months of AF.Methods: Thirty-eight patients with paroxysmal AF managed medically (group 1), 20 undergoing AF ablation (group 2), and 25 control patients with no AF history (group 3) prospectively underwent echocardiographic assessment of strain variables of LA reservoir function at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 months. In addition, P-wave duration (Pmax,, Pmean) and dispersion (Pdis) were measured. AF burden was quantified by implanted recorders. Twenty patients undergoing ablation underwent electroanatomic mapping (mean 333 ± 40 points) for correlation with LA strain.Result: Group 1 demonstrated significant deterioration in total LA strain (26.3% ± 1.2% to 21.7% ± 1.2%, P < .05) and increases in Pmax (132 ± 3 ms to 138 ± 3 ms, P < .05) and Pdis (37 ± 2 ms to 42 ± 2 ms, P < .05). AF burden ≥10% was specifically associated with decline in strain and with P-wave prolongation. Conversely, group 2 manifest improvement in total LA strain (21.3% ± 1.7% to 28.6% ± 1.7%, P <.05) and reductions in Pmax (136 ± 4 ms to 119 ± 4 ms, P < .05) and Pdis (47 ± 3 ms to 32 ± 3 ms, P < .05). Change was not significant in group 3. LA mean voltage (r = 0.71, P = .0005), percent low voltage electrograms (r = -0.59, P = .006), percent complex electrograms (r = -0.68, P = .0009), and LA activation time (r = -0.69, P = .001) correlated with total strain as a measure of LA reservoir function.Conclusion: High-burden AF is associated with progressive LA structural remodeling. In contrast, AF ablation results in significant reverse remodeling. These data may have implications for timing of ablative intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have a high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). A unique risk factor may be a longer interval between HD sessions (interdialytic period). Inherent in conventional HD (thrice-weekly) are two 48-hour short breaks (SIDP) and one 72-hour long break (LIDP) between HD sessions.Objective: We used an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) to define the incidence and timing of significant arrhythmias in an HD population.Methods: Fifty CKD patients undergoing HD with left ventricular ejection fraction >35% had an ICM inserted, with intensive follow-up to record SCD events and predefined bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias.Results: Mean age of the patients was 67 ± 11 years; 72% were male, and the mean follow-up was 18 ± 4 months. There were 8 unexpected SCDs (16%), all during the LIDP. The terminal event was severe bradycardia with asystole in each recorded case. No episodes of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurred. A total of 7686 arrhythmia events were recorded in 43 patients (86%), including bradycardia in 15 patients (30%), sinus arrest in 14 (28%), second-degree atrioventricular block in 4 (8%), nonsustained VT in 10 (20%), and new-onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 14 (28%). The LIDP was the highest-risk period for all arrhythmias (P < .001). The arrhythmia event rate per hour was greatest during the first pre-HD period of the week compared with any other peri-HD period (P < .001).Conclusion: Risk of SCD and significant arrhythmias is greatest during the LIDP. SCD was attributable to severe bradycardia and asystole. Interventions to prevent this type of SCD or shorten the LIDP deserve further evaluation.Clinical Trial Registration Information: URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au (Unique identifier: ACTRN12613001326785). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Positive psychology has led to an increasing emphasis on the promotion of positive functioning in clinical psychology research and practice, raising issues of how to assess the positive in clinical setting. Three key considerations are presented. First, existing clinical measures may already be assessing positive functioning, if positive and negative functioning exist on a single continuum (such as on bipolar dimensions from happiness to depression, and from anxiety to relaxation). Second, specific measures of positive functioning (e.g., eudemonic well-being) could be used in conjunction with existing clinical scales. Third, completely different measures would be needed depending on whether well-being is defined as emotional or medical functioning, or as humanistically orientated growth (e.g., authenticity). It is important that clinical psychologists introduce positive functioning into their research and practice in order to widen their armoury of therapeutic interventions, but in doing so researchers and practitioners need also to be aware that they are shifting the agenda of clinical psychology. As such, progress in clinical psychology moving toward the adoption of positive functioning requires reflection on epistemological foundations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Previous research in psychiatry has focused on how negative personality traits and impaired well-being form risk factors for depression. This study presents the first longitudinal test of whether the absence of positive well-being forms an additional unique risk factor for depression. Methods: A large cohort of 5566 people completed a survey at two time points, aged 51–56 at Time 1 and 63–67 at Time 2. Positive psychological well-being included measures self-acceptance, autonomy, purpose in life, positive relationships with others, environmental mastery, and personal growth. Personality was measured as extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. Depression was measured with the CES-D scale. Results: People with low positive well-being were 7.16 times more likely to be depressed 10-years later. After controlling for personality, negative functioning, prior depression, demographic, economic, and physical heath variables, people with low positive well-being were still over twice as likely to be depressed. Limitations: All measures were self-report, rather than based on peer-report or physician diagnosis. An aging population was studied; replication is needed in younger populations. Conclusions: The absence of positive well-being forms a substantial risk factor for depression, independent of the presence of negative functioning and impaired physical health. Older people with low PWB are very likely to become depressed over 10 years, and preventative intervention and monitoring of these individuals are indicated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study tests whether gratitude predicts psychological well-being above both the domains and facets of the five factor model. Participants (N =201) completed the NEO PI-R measure of the 30 facets of the Big Five, the GQ-6 measure of trait gratitude, and the scales of psychological well-being. Gratitude had small correlations with autonomy (r =.17), and medium to large correlations with environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationships, purpose in life, and self-acceptance (rs ranged from .28 to .61). After controlling for the 30 facets of the Big Five, gratitude explained a substantial amount of a unique variance in most aspects of psychological well-being (requivalent =.14 to .25). Gratitude is concluded to be uniquely important to psychological well-being, beyond the effect of the Big Five facets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To test whether individual differences in gratitude are related to sleep after controlling for neuroticism and other traits. To test whether pre-sleep cognitions are the mechanism underlying this relationship. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted with a large (186 males, 215 females) community sample (ages=18–68 years, mean=24.89, S.D.=9.02), including 161 people (40%) scoring above 5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, indicating clinically impaired sleep. Measures included gratitude, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), self-statement test of pre-sleep cognitions, the Mini-IPIP scales of Big Five personality traits, and the Social Desirability Scale. Results: Gratitude predicted greater subjective sleep quality and sleep duration, and less sleep latency and daytime dysfunction. The relationship between gratitude and each of the sleep variables was mediated by more positive pre-sleep cognitions and less negative pre-sleep cognitions. All of the results were independent of the effect of the Big Five personality traits (including neuroticism) and social desirability. Conclusion: This is the first study to show that a positive trait is related to good sleep quality above the effect of other personality traits, and to test whether pre-sleep cognitions are the mechanism underlying the relationship between any personality trait and sleep. The study is also the first to show that trait gratitude is related to sleep and to explain why this occurs, suggesting future directions for research, and novel clinical implications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The authors tested whether gratitude could explain variance in satisfaction with life (SWL) after controlling for both the domains and the facets of the Big Five. The GQ6 measure of gratitude, the NEO-PI-R measure of the Big Five, and the SWL scale were completed by 389 adults. Gratitude was correlated with each of the Big Five domains, and at the facet level showed a distinctive profile whereby gratitude was most strongly correlated with the facets representing well-being and social functioning. Gratitude explained an additional 9% of the variance in SWL after controlling for the Big Five domains (r =.30), and an additional 8% after controlling for the facets (r =.28). The results support perspectives suggesting that gratitude has a unique relationship with SWL, and clarifies how gratitude relates to personality at the facet level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cardiovascular disease is among the world''s leading causes of death, and nearly 80% of deaths occur in developing countries. Cardiovascular disease is becoming a major health problem in India, where life expectancy has increased with decreases in infectious disease and childhood mortality. It is well established that this population experiences coronary artery disease at a younger age than other populations. With infectious diseases still endemic, noncommunicable diseases are a lower priority for the governments of developing countries. There is a clear progression to degenerative and lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease as a result of current social and economic change. The lack of a public response to the increasing risk for cardiovascular disease thus far is due mostly to a perception among policy makers and the public that cardiovascular disease is largely a problem of the urban rich. In conclusion, this review addresses the imminent threats and ways to tackle the epidemic in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Humanistic psychology emerged in the middle of the 20th century as a reaction against what was seen as the overly deterministic approaches of psychoanalysis and behaviourism. A range of therapeutic approaches was developed under the umbrella of humanistic psychology, such as Gestalt therapy, transactional analysis, and client-centred therapy. The most widely known of these and subject to the greatest scientific evaluation is client-centred therapy. Client-centred therapy is seen as the exemplar of the humanistic approach. It is founded on the meta-theoretical assumption that human beings have an inherent tendency toward growth, development, and optimal functioning. This article provides an overview of client-centred therapy today, discusses the range of integrative approaches founded on its humanistic principles, and then briefly reviews the current scientific evidence in support of person-centred and humanistic approaches. Recent empirical and theoretical work in positive psychology has provided renewed interest in and support for humanistic psychology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A number of literatures and philosophies throughout human history have conveyed the idea that there is personal gain to be found in suffering, and it is an idea central to the existential-humanistic tradition of psychology. However, it is only relatively recently that the topic of growth following adversity has become the focus for empirical and theoretical work. In this paper, we review theoretical models of growth, and discuss the implications of growth for clinical practice. Three main theoretical perspectives are reviewed, the functional-descriptive model, the meta-theoretical person-centered perspective, and the biopsychosocial-evolutionary view. It is proposed that these three approaches to theory offer different but complementary levels of analysis, and that theoretical integration between them is possible. We then go on to explore the implications of this theoretical integration for clinical practice, and conclude with a consideration of the role of therapy in facilitating growth following adversity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent studies into the underlying factor structure of posttraumatic stress symptoms often report factor structures that do not replicate the three symptom cluster of re-experiencing, avoidance and arousal symptoms as classified within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 1994, 2000). Data from 485 emergency service personnel who had experienced an occupational trauma were submitted to confirmatory factor analysis to test seven alternative factor models of posttraumatic stress symptoms. This study is one of the most comprehensive structural analyses of posttrauma symptoms to date. The model of best fit comprised four first-order factors including intrusion, avoidance, numbing and arousal alongside a general PTSD factor. This study highlighted the difference between the current DSM symptom groupings and those derived empirically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The goal of this study was to determine if novel porphyrins protect cultured cortical neurons from excitotoxic NMDA exposure or oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), which model key aspects of cerebral ischemia. Porphyrins were chosen based on conventional and unconventional criteria. Metalloporphyrin catalytic antioxidants possessing a redox-sensitive metal core can exhibit potent and wide-ranging catalytic antioxidant abilities, which are conventionally believed to underlie neuroprotection. We report here that a recent-generation potent peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst, FP-15, protected a majority of neurons against OGD and NMDA toxicity, without suppressing NMDA-mediated intracellular Ca2+ (Cai 2+) elevations or whole-cell currents. We have previously shown that neuroprotection against OGD and NMDA toxicity correlated with an ability to suppress neurotoxic Cai 2+ elevations and not antioxidant ability. We now evaluate if this unconventional mechanism extends to inert metal-free porphyrins. Neuron cultures were completely protected against OGD and NMDA toxicity by H2-meso-tetrakis(3-benzoic acid)porphyrin (H2-TBAP(3)) or H2-meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (H2-TPPS(4)), although only H2-TPPS(4) suppressed (completely) NMDA-induced Cai 2+ rises. H2-meso-tetrakis(3,3′-benzoic acid)porphyrin (H2-TBAP(3,3′)) or H2-meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridynium-4-yl)porphyrin (H2-TM-PyP(4)) provided at least partial protection against OGD and NMDA toxicity and partially suppressed NMDA-induced Cai 2+ elevations. Despite the complexity of Ca2+-independent and -dependent based mechanisms, the inventory of porphyrins demonstrating neuroprotection in ischemia-relevant insults is now expanded to include FP-15 and inert metal-free compounds, although with no apparent advantage gained by using FP-15. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two studies are reported in which the aim was to develop a short self-report scale to assess Motivation for Smoking Cessation in Teenagers (MSCT). An initial pool of 29 items was developed from previous work and through interviews with 50 teenagers in an attempt to assess the constructs of autonomous and controlled regulation. Using responses from a further 198 teenagers, Principal Component Analysis provided evidence for a two component structure, reflecting autonomous and controlled regulation. On the basis of these results, 12 items were selected on the basis of their component loadings in order to compose the final revised scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of the present study was to explore the component structure of Maltby and Day’s (1998) amended version of the 12-item Quest Religious Orientation Scale. The scale was administered to 286 churchgoers in the UK. Items were then subjected to a principal components analysis followed by oblimin rotation. Inspection of the scree plot showed three components above the elbow. A three component solution was consistent with that proposed by Maltby and Day (1998). The components were conceptualised as complexity, doubt and tentativeness. Results suggest that research into the quest construct should take into account the distinct nature of these three components, and investigate their separate associations with other variables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examined the component structure of impulsivity, by Principal Components Analysis of 12 subscales, from four widely used self-report measures of impulsivity. Two hundred and forty five subjects from the UK general population completed the Eysenck Impulsiveness Scale (), the Dickman Impulsiveness Scale (), Barratt''s Impulsiveness Scale () and the BIS/BAS scales (). Analysis of the subscales provided evidence in support of a three-component structure of impulsivity. Components were labelled Non-Planning Dysfunctional, Functional Venturesomeness and Drive/Reward Responsiveness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two studies are described which investigated the association between personality and smoking motivation. In the first study, 167 cigarette smokers completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire—Revised, the Self-Administered Nicotine Dependency Scale, and the Smoking Motivation Questionnaire. Personality was associated with smoking motivation, with more neurotic individuals smoking for negative affect control, and more introverted individuals smoking for social skills enhancement. Results of the first study also show that smoking motivation is associated with self-efficacy to quit, with low self-efficacy being associated with automatic habitual smoking, negative affect control, and social skills deficit. In the second study, 100 cigarette smokers completed the Schizotypal Traits Questionnaire, Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Smoking Motivation Questionnaire. Depression was specifically associated with smoking for negative affect control whereas schizotypy was associated with smoking for intellectual and sensory stimulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One hundred and eleven individuals completed the NEO Five Factor Inventory along with three measures of subjective well-being, the Oxford Happiness Inventory, the Depression–Happiness Scale, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Regression analysis showed that although Extraversion and Neuroticism best predicted scores on the Oxford Happiness Inventory, it was Neuroticism and Conscientiousness that best predicted scores on the Satisfaction with Life Scale. These results provide further evidence that Neuroticism and Extraversion are dimensions of personality related to subjective well-being. However, the results also suggest that Conscientiousness is an additional dimension of personality relevant to understanding subjective well-being. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]