Ionothermal synthesis of zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, and inorganic-organic hybrids

Ionothermal synthesis, the use of ionic liquids as both solvent and template (structure-directing agent), has been used to prepare zeolites and inorganic-organic hybrids such as metal-organic frameworks. The underlying properties of the ionothermal method are discussed, and it is compared with traditional hydrothermal preparative methods. The materials resulting from ionothermal synthesis are described, and any structural features that can be related to the ionic liquid used as the solvent are discussed. Future areas of potential interest are also considered.     

Zinc Status Impacts the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Downstream Protein Expression in A549 Cells

Zinc has been suggested to play a role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Serum zinc levels of lung cancer patients are for example lower than in healthy individuals. The activation and expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which plays a role in tumor biology, are presumably influenced by zinc. EGFR activation influences cell adhesion and immune escape. This study provides insights into the impacts of zinc on the EGFR activation and expression of downstream proteins such as E-cadherin and PD-L1 in the alveolar carcinoma cell line A549. To model chronic changes in zinc homeostasis, A549 cells were cultured in media with different zinc contents. EGFR surface expression of unstimulated and stimulated A549 cells was determined by flow cytometry. EGFR phosphorylation as well as the protein expression of E-cadherin and PD-L1 were analyzed by Western blot. In our hands, chronic zinc deficiency led to increased EGFR surface expression, decreased E-cadherin protein expression and increased PD-L1 protein expression. Zinc supplementation decreased EGFR surface expression and PD-L1 protein expression. In summary, zinc-deficient A549 cells may display a more malignant phenotype. Thus, future clinical research should further focus on the possible benefits of restoring disturbed zinc homeostasis, especially in lung cancer patients.     

Utilizing Genomically Targeted Molecular Data to Improve Patient-Specific Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Molecular biology combined with genomics can be a powerful tool for developing potential intervention strategies for improving outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Monogenic etiologies rarely cause autism. Instead, ASD is more frequently due to many polygenic contributing factors interacting with each other, combined with the epigenetic effects of diet, lifestyle, and environment. One limitation of genomics has been identifying ways of responding to each identified gene variant to translate the information to something clinically useful. This paper will illustrate how understanding the function of a gene and the effects of a reported variant on a molecular level can be used to develop actionable and targeted potential interventions for a gene variant or combinations of variants. For illustrative purposes, this communication highlights a specific genomic variant, SHANK3. The steps involved in developing molecularly genomically targeted actionable interventions will be demonstrated. Cases will be shared to support the efficacy of this strategy and to show how clinicians utilized these targeted interventions to improve ASD-related symptoms significantly. The presented approach demonstrates the utility of genomics as a part of clinical decision-making.     

A new solid‐state mode of hot corrosion at temperatures below 700°C

Preliminary results on a single‐crystal nickel‐based superalloy indicated that hot corrosion can occur at temperatures as low as 550°C, where liquid formation, generally believed to be responsible for Type II hot corrosion, is not predicted. Additional tests were conducted on pure‐nickel samples at 650°C and below to more clearly elucidate the mechanism of this very low‐temperature hot corrosion. Environments in dry air and O₂‐(2.5, 10, 100, and 1000) ppm SO₂ were studied. Based on the results obtained, a solid‐state corrosion mechanism was inferred. The mechanism relies on the formation of a previously unreported compound phase, which was identified using transmission electron microscope analysis that indicated the stoichiometry of Na₂Ni₂SO₅. Furthermore, it was nanocrystalline in structure and metastable. It was deduced that the Na₂Ni₂SO₅ formation was responsible for the rapid nickel transport required for the observed accelerated corrosion process. Moreover, its eventual decomposition resulted in a mixed product of porous NiO with embedded particles of Na₂SO₄. Application of the proposed mechanism to nickel‐based alloys is discussed.     

Sources of mercury wet deposition in Eastern Ohio, USA

In the fall of 2002, an enhanced air monitoring site was established in Steubenville, Ohio as part of a multi-year comprehensive mercury monitoring and source apportionment study to investigate the impact of local and regional coal combustion sources on atmospheric mercury deposition in the Ohio River Valley. This study deployed advanced monitoring instrumentation, utilized innovative analytical techniques, and applied state-of-the-art statistical receptor models. This paper presents wet deposition data and source apportionment modeling results from daily event precipitation samples collected during the calendar years 2003-2004. The volume-weighted mean mercury concentrations for 2003 and 2004 were 14.0 and 13.5 ng L(-1), respectively, and total annual mercury wet deposition was 13.5 and 19.7 microg m(-2), respectively. Two new EPA-implemented multivariate statistical models, positive matrix factorization (PMF) and Unmix, were applied to the data set and six sources were identified. The dominant contributor to the mercury wet deposition was found by both models to be coal combustion (approximately 70%). Meteorological analysis also indicated that a majority of the mercury deposition found at the Steubenville site was due to local and regional sources.     

Sheldon H. White (1928-2005).

Sheldon "Shep" Harold White, one of developmental psychology's most distinguished scholars, died on March 17, 2005, at the age of 76. He is perhaps best remembered for his sharp intellect, generous spirit, good humor, and warm compassion. Shep's principal work lay in three intermeshed areas: children's learning and cognitive development, social programs and policies, and the history of developmental psychology. Shep White is sorely missed by his family and friends, and countless children have unknowingly benefited from his research, scholarship, and contributions to public policy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The social consequences of expressive suppression.

At times, people keep their emotions from showing during social interactions. The authors' analysis suggests that such expressive suppression should disrupt communication and increase stress levels. To test this hypothesis, the authors conducted 2 studies in which unacquainted pairs of women discussed an upsetting topic. In Study 1, one member of each pair was randomly assigned to (a) suppress her emotional behavior, (b) respond naturally, or (c) cognitively reappraise in a way that reduced emotional responding. Suppression alone disrupted communication and magnified blood pressure responses in the suppressors' partners. In Study 2, suppression had a negative impact on the regulators' emotional experience and increased blood pressure in both regulators and their partners. Suppression also reduced rapport and inhibited relationship formation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)