On‐the‐Spot Immobilization of Quantum Dots,Graphene Oxide,and Proteins via Hydrophobins

Class I hydrophobin Vmh2, a peculiar surface active and versatile fungal protein, is known to self‐assemble into chemically stable amphiphilic films, to be able to change wettability of surfaces, and to strongly adsorb other proteins. Herein, a fast, highly homogeneous and efficient glass functionalization by spontaneous self‐assembling of Vmh2 at liquid–solid interfaces is achieved (in 2 min). The Vmh2‐coated glass slides are proven to immobilize not only proteins but also nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO) and quantum dots (QDs). As models, bovine serum albumin labeled with Alexa 555 fluorophore, anti‐immunoglobulin G antibodies, and cadmium telluride QDs are patterned in a microarray fashion in order to demonstrate functionality, reproducibility, and versatility of the proposed substrate. Additionally, a GO layer is effectively and homogeneously self‐assembled onto the studied functionalized surface. This approach offers a quick and simple alternative to immobilize nanomaterials and proteins, which is appealing for new bioanalytical and nanobioenabled applications.     

Discovery of Affinity-Based Probes for Btk Occupancy Assays

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) is an attractive target for the treatment of a wide array of B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Small-molecule covalent irreversible Btk inhibitors targeting Cys481 have been developed for the treatment of such diseases. In clinical trials, probe molecules are required in occupancy studies to measure the level of engagement of the protein by these covalent irreversible inhibitors. The result of this pharmacodynamic (PD) activity provides guidance for appropriate dosage selection to optimize inhibition of the drug target and correlation of target inhibition with disease treatment efficacy. This information is crucial for successful evaluation of drug candidates in clinical trials. Based on the pyridine carboxamide scaffold of a novel solvent-accessible pocket (SAP) series of covalent irreversible Btk inhibitors, we successfully developed a potent and selective affinity-based biotinylated probe 12 (2-[(4-{4-[5-(1-{5-[(3aS,4S,6aR)-2-oxo-hexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-4-yl]pentanamido}-3,6,9,12-tetraoxapentadecan-15-amido)pentanoyl]piperazine-1-carbonyl}phenyl)amino]-6-[1-(prop-2-enoyl)piperidin-4-yl]pyridine-3-carboxamide). Compound 12 has been used in Btk occupancy assays for preclinical studies to determine the therapeutic efficacy of Btk inhibition in two mouse lupus models driven by TLR7 activation and type I interferon.     

Adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia

Although adenocarcinoma of the stomach has decreased in incidence over the past several decades, cancer of the gastric cardia has increased rapidly over this time frame. There are several differences between adenocarcinoma of the cardia and distal stomach with respect to epidemiology, risk factors, and prognosis. In addition, recent data raise questions with regard to possible associations of cardia cancer with Barrett's esophagus, intestinal metaplasia of the cardia, and Helicobacter pylori. This article will review the current literature with regard to this important tumor and explore these potential disease associations.     

Reduction kinetics of Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript> fine powder by hydrogen in a fluidized bed

Iron molybdate (Fe₂MoO₄) powders with an average particle size of 100 μm were reduced by hydrogen using a fluidized-bed batch reactor in the temperature range of 923 to 1173 K. The extent of the reaction was followed as a function of time by gas chromatography. The fluidizing-gas velocity was set at about 1.5 times the minimum fluidization velocity. The ratio of the height of the static bed to its diameter is about 1. Under the prevailing experimental conditions, it was found that the chemical reaction was the rate-controlling factor. The activation energy for this process was 158±17 kJ/mol. The crystal size of the Fe₂Mo powder produced at lower temperatures was in the nanometer range, indicating the possibility of mass production of alloys and intermetallics in the nanorange, using a fluidized bed.     

HIV training and perceived competence among doctoral students in psychology.

A training-needs assessment was conducted at California School of Professional Psychology, Berkeley/Alameda, on students' beliefs about clinical competence, past training in HIV issues, and future training needs at the school. They perceived themselves to be somewhat competent in providing clinical services to HIV patients and members of groups at high risk for HIV. A modest correlation was found between the students' total HIV training and perceived competence, but none was found between the multicultural emphasis in HIV education and their perceived competence. These findings suggest an ethical dilemma surrounding inadequately trained psychologists providing services to multicultural populations. Ethical issues concerning training standards and criteria for clinical competency are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Are max-specified infant facial expressions during face-to-face interaction consistent with differential emotions theory?

Differential emotions theory (DET) proposes that infant facial expressions of emotions are differentiated. To test this hypothesis, the authors examined infant facial expressions longitudinally at 2, 4, and 6 mo of age during face-to-face play and a "still-face" interaction with their mothers. Infant expressions were coded using the Maximally Discriminative Facial Movement Coding System (Max). Consistent with DET, discrete positive expressions occurred more of the time and were of longer duration than blended expressions of positive affect. Contrary to DET, at no age did the proportions or durations of discrete and blended negative expressions differ, and they showed different patterns of developmental change. One is led to either reject or revise DET or else question the adequacy of the Max system. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)