The Mothers and Toddlers Program: Preliminary findings from an attachment-based parenting intervention for substance-abusing mothers.

The authors examined pilot data from an attachment-based parenting intervention for substance-abusing mothers of toddlers (ages 12-36 months). The Mothers and Toddlers Program (MTP) is a 20-week individual therapy intervention that aims to help mothers develop more balanced representations of their children and improve their capacity for reflective functioning (i.e., recognition of the intentional nature of children's behavior). The authors hypothesized that improvement in maternal representational balance and maternal capacity for reflective functioning would correspond with improvements in maternal behavior with toddlers (e.g., sensitivity to cues, responsiveness to distress, and social-emotional growth fostering) and reduction in maternal psychiatric distress and substance abuse. Eight mothers who completed MTP showed moderate improvements in representational balance and reflective functioning, and these changes corresponded with significant improvements in maternal behaviors with toddlers. The authors also compared MTP completers and noncompleters on sociodemographic and psychosocial indexes and examined the validity of the intervention's proposed mechanisms of change. Preliminary findings support the importance of attachment mechanisms and indicate that attachment-based interventions may strengthen substance-abusing mothers' capacities to foster their toddlers' socioemotional development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recollection- and familiarity-based memory in healthy aging and amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Little is known about the cognitive mechanisms of the memory impairment associated with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). We explored recollection and familiarity in 27 healthy young adults, 45 healthy older adults, and 17 individuals with aMCI. Relative to the younger adults, recollection was reduced in the older adults, especially among those with aMCI. Familiarity did not differ among groups. In the healthy younger and older adults, better performance on a set of clinical memory measures that are sensitive to medial temporal lobe functioning was associated with greater recollection. In addition, among the healthy older adults better executive functioning was also associated with greater recollection. These results are consistent with the notion that recollection is a product of strategic processes mediated by the prefrontal cortex that suppport the retrieval of context-dependent memories from the hippocampus. Hippocampal atrophy associated with aMCI may disrupt this brain network, and thereby interfere with recollection. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Three-dimensional SU-8 sub-micrometer structuring by electron beam lithography

We demonstrate electron beam lithography on the negative tone electron resist SU-8 to fabricate self-supporting three-dimensional structures in sub-micrometer range. Applying SU-8 thin films spin cast on glass substrates and forming layers of 1 μm thickness, the structuring is performed in a two step process. First, the SU-8 film is exposed for supporting structures down to the substrate, a second exposure step with accordingly modified parameters leads to elevated structures. Applications as microscale shadow masks for evaporation based deposition processes and microfluidics are discussed.     

Mass‐produced graphene—HDPE nanocomposites: Thermal,rheological, electrical,and mechanical properties

Economically viable high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/graphene nanocomposites were produced using mass produced graphene powder and an industrial twin‐screw melt‐compounding machine. Rheological and electrical properties were investigated and scanning electron microscopy was carried out to investigate graphene dispersion and its network formation in the matrix. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated using tensile, flexural and impact tests. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that the crystalline structure of the polymer might be affected by high loadings of graphene. SEM evaluation revealed reasonable graphene dispersion in the matrix. In addition, the amount of graphene required to form a percolated network was similar for both rheological and electrical networks. The nanocomposites exhibited a significant increase in Young's and flexural moduli without a notable reduction in impact strength up to 14 wt% graphene loading. In these experiments, compounding graphene powder with HDPE produced a clear and distinct improvement in mechanical properties at an industrially suitable low cost. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:675–682, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Electronic and Steric Control of n→π* Interactions: Stabilization of the α-Helix Conformation without a Hydrogen Bond

The preferred conformations of peptides and proteins are dependent on local interactions that bias the conformational ensemble. The n→π* interaction between consecutive carbonyls promotes compact conformations, including the α-helix and polyproline II helix. In order to further understand the n→π* interaction and to develop methods to promote defined conformational preferences through acyl N-capping motifs, a series of peptides was synthesized in which the electronic and steric properties of the acyl group were modified. Using NMR spectroscopy, van't Hoff analysis of enthalpies, X-ray crystallography, and computational investigations, we observed that more electron-rich donor carbonyls (pivaloyl, iso-butyryl, propionyl) promote stronger n→π* interactions and more compact conformations than acetyl or less electron-rich donor carbonyls (methoxyacetyl, fluoroacetyl, formyl). X-ray crystallography indicates a strong, electronically tunable preference for the α-helix conformation, as observed directly on the φ and ψ torsion angles. Electron-donating acyl groups promote the α-helical conformation, even in the absence of the hydrogen bonding that stabilizes the α-helix. In contrast, electron-withdrawing acyl groups led to more extended conformations. More sterically demanding groups can promote trans amide bonds independent of the electronic effect on n→π* interactions. Chloroacetyl groups additionally promote n→π* interactions through the interaction of the chlorine lone pair with the proximal carbonyl π*. These data provide additional support for an important role of n→π* interactions in the conformational ensemble of disordered or unfolded proteins. Moreover, this work suggests that readily incorporated acyl N-capping motifs that modulate n→π* interactions may be employed rationally to promote conformational biases in peptides, with potential applications in molecular design and medicinal chemistry.     

An empirical approach to estimating detection limits using collocated data

Measurements of trace species generally become less certain as concentrations decrease. Data analysts need guidance on the ranges in which particular measurements are meaningful. This guidance is normally stated in the form of detection limits. The International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) has defined several parameters to characterize measurement detection limits (Currie, L. A. Pure Appl. Chem. 1995, 67, 1699). The published guidelines envision an ability to prepare reference materials with concentrations close to the detection limits using the same methods as for normal samples. For multianalyte methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), multiple reference materials may be required for each analyte to characterize the effects of interferences. The creation and characterization of such complex reference materials atthe detection limits of modern XRF systems represents a considerable technical challenge. This paper describes an observational approach to estimating the detection limits defined by IUPAC. Our empirical approach takes advantage of collocated (duplicate) measurements that are routinely collected by the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) network and Speciation Trends Network (STN). The analysis is successfully demonstrated by deriving detection limits at the measurement system level for six elements measured on PM2.5 samples by XRF in both networks. The two networks' detection limits are found to be similar in terms of loading (areal density, ng cm(-2)) on the filters as measured by the XRF instruments despite many differences in sample collection, handling, and analysis. IMPROVE detection limits are an order of magnitude lowerthan STN's in terms of atmospheric concentrations (ng m(-3)), because IMPROVE uses smaller fitters and higher flow rates which lead to more concentrated sample deposits.     

Catalytic Nanomotors: Self‐Propelled Sphere Dimers

Experimental and theoretical studies of the self‐propelled motional dynamics of a new genre of catalytic sphere dimer, which comprises a non‐catalytic silica sphere connected to a catalytic platinum sphere, are reported for the first time. Using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the fuel to effect catalytic propulsion of the sphere dimers, both quasi‐linear and quasi‐circular trajectories are observed in the solution phase and analyzed for different dimensions of the platinum component. In addition, well‐defined rotational motion of these sphere dimers is observed at the solution–substrate interface. The nature of the interaction between the sphere dimer and the substrate in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide phase is discussed. In computer simulations of the sphere dimer in solution and the solution–substrate interface, sphere‐dimer dynamics are simulated using molecular‐dynamics methods and solvent dynamics are modeled by mesoscopic multiparticle collision methods taking hydrodynamic interactions into account. The rotational and translational dynamics of the sphere dimer are found to be in good accord with the predictions of computer simulations.     

Initial construction and validation of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory.

The construct of narcissism is inconsistently defined across clinical theory, social-personality psychology, and psychiatric diagnosis. Two problems were identified that impede integration of research and clinical findings regarding narcissistic personality pathology: (a) ambiguity regarding the assessment of pathological narcissism vs. normal narcissism and (b) insufficient scope of existing narcissism measures. Four studies are presented documenting the initial derivation and validation of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI). The PNI is a 52-item self-report measure assessing 7 dimensions of pathological narcissism spanning problems with narcissistic grandiosity (Entitlement Rage, Exploitativeness, Grandiose Fantasy, Self-sacrificing Self-enhancement) and narcissistic vulnerability (Contingent Self-esteem, Hiding the Self, Devaluing). The PNI structure was validated via confirmatory factor analysis. The PNI correlated negatively with self-esteem and empathy, and positively with shame, interpersonal distress, aggression, and borderline personality organization. Grandiose PNI scales were associated with vindictive, domineering, intrusive, and overly-nurturant interpersonal problems, and vulnerable PNI scales were associated with cold, socially avoidant, and exploitable interpersonal problems. In a small clinical sample, PNI scales exhibited significant associations with parasuicidal behavior, suicide attempts, homicidal ideation, and several aspects of psychotherapy utilization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Implementation of a school-based prevention program: Effects of counselor and school characteristics.

The authors explore 2 broad categories of factors that could influence the intervention dissemination process: individual interventionist characteristics and school-level characteristics. Counselors from 32 schools received training in the Coping Power youth violence prevention intervention. Interventionist characteristics found to affect the implementation process included counselors’ agreeableness and conscientiousness. Counselor agreeableness was positively associated with completion of session objectives, the number of sessions scheduled, and engagement with parents. Counselor conscientiousness was associated with engagement with children. In terms of school-level characteristics, counselors who were cynical about organizational change had poorer quality of engagement with children and parents if they worked in schools with environments that allowed staff limited autonomy and with greater managerial control. These findings have implications for screening of practitioners for training of evidence-based programs and for providing education during intervention training about practitioner and setting characteristics that are related to optimal intervention implementation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)