This study examined the association between the therapeutic alliance in family therapy and changes in symptom distress, interpersonal relationships, and family coping. The participants (N = 81) were members of low socioeconomic status families referred to a university clinic for in-home family therapy. Participants completed the Outcome Questionnaire, Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation, and the Family Therapy Alliance questionnaires. Regression analyses revealed that the therapeutic alliance explained 19% of the variance in symptom distress changes for mother, 55% for fathers, and 39% for adolescents. The implications of these findings for practicing and researching family therapy are presented.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Biomimetic mineralization of noble metal nanoclusters.

A number of biological systems have developed highly orchestrated detoxification mechanisms toward the bioreduction and mineralization of noble metals. These systems incorporate small peptides and proteins as nucleation sites for metal binding and nanocluster stabilization. Herein, we present the use of biologically relevant ligands ranging from single amino acids (histidine, imidazole, and cysteine) to linear peptides (glutathione and a histidine rich peptide) in the stabilization of a variety of noble metal surfaces (Au(0), Ag(0), Pt(0), and Cu(0)). As a result, the different nanocluster/ligand combinations offered a broad range of sizes and stabilitites. The peptide coat also affords a unique functional handle for the formation of larger assemblies. Using Ni chelation and immunomolecular approaches, strategies for the assembly of nanocluster heterostructures were investigated.

Amino Acids↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Hemagglutinin linear epitope presentation on monolayer-protected clusters elicits strong antibody binding.

Immunoreactive, multicomponent nanoclusters were assembled through the controlled presentation of a known, synthetic peptide epitope. The epitope comes from the hemagglutanin protein of influenza and is known to bind to a monoclonal anti-HA antibody. Antibody affinity for the immunoreactive MPC was compared to the affinity for traditionally used peptide arrays using the quartz crystal microbalance. The two systems had comparable affinities (Ka), ranging from 0.41 x 10(7) M(-1) to 1.8 x 10(7) M(-1), though the nanocluster used a much lower density of peptide relative to that of the peptide array. These results suggest that functionalized nanoclusters have potential in nanostructure assembly and medical applications. Water-soluble nanoparticles that present known neutralizing peptide epitopes of protein antigens might be used in antiviral influenza vaccines.

Adsorption↗