Optogenetics Comes of Age: Novel Inhibitory Light‐Gated Anionic Channels Allow Efficient Silencing of Neural Function

Optogenetics, the developing field of research that uses light‐switchable biochemical tools in a sophisticated technological approach to monitor or control neural function, is rapidly evolving with the discovery and development of novel microbial rhodopsins. Light‐absorbing membrane proteins, as tools for brain research, are promoting new applications within the discipline of optogenetics. Light‐gated rhodopsin ion channels with better intrinsic light sensitivity and improved resolution are needed to overcome some of the current limitations of existing molecules. The recent discovery of light‐gated inhibitory anion channels opens new opportunities for studying physiological neural processes and, at the same time, represent a powerful approach for elucidating the mechanisms of neurological and mental disorders that could benefit from this approach.     

Cone Photoreceptor Loss in Light-Damaged Albino Rats

We investigated the etiology of decreased cone-driven vision in a light damage (LD) model of retinal degeneration. To induce slow, moderate degeneration, albino rats underwent low-intensity light exposure for 10 days. Electroretinography was utilized to assess physiologic function of the rod- and cone-driven retinal function in LD and control rats. Immunohistochemistry targeting cone arrestin allowed for quantification of cone density and for comparison of the decline in function. Photoreceptor loss was quantified by outer nuclear layer thickness decreases, as observed by optical coherence tomography and histology. The LD rats showed decreased rod- and cone-driven function with partial recovery 30 days after cessation of light exposure. In addition, LD rats showed decreased cone photoreceptor densities in the central retinal region compared to control rats. Our results demonstrate that the loss of cone-driven visual function induced by light damage is at least partially due to the death of cone photoreceptors.     

Serum lipid analysis and isotopic enrichment is suggestive of greater lipogenesis in young long-term cannabis users: A secondary analysis of a case–control study

Cannabis is now legal in many countries and while numerous studies have reported on its impact on cognition and appetite regulation, none have examined fatty acid metabolism in young cannabis users. We conducted an exploratory analysis to evaluate cannabis impact on fatty acid metabolism in cannabis users (n = 21) and non-cannabis users (n = 16). Serum levels of some saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, including palmitic, palmitoleic, and oleic acids were higher in cannabis users compared to nonusers. As palmitic acid can be derived from diet or lipogenesis from sugars, we evaluated lipogenesis using a de novo lipogenesis index (palmitate/linoleic acid) and carbon-specific isotope analysis, which allows for the determination of fatty acid ¹³C signature. The significantly higher de novo lipogenesis index in the cannabis users group along with a more enriched ¹³C signature of palmitic acid suggested an increase in lipogenesis. In addition, while serum glucose concentration did not differ between groups, pyruvate and lactate were lower in the cannabis user group, with pyruvate negatively correlating with palmitic acid. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol was elevated in cannabis users and could contribute to lipogenesis by activating the cannabinoid receptor 1. Because palmitic acid has been suggested to increase inflammation, we measured peripheral cytokines and observed no changes in inflammatory cytokines. Finally, an anti-inflammatory metabolite of palmitic acid, palmitoylethanolamide was elevated in cannabis users. Our results suggest that lipogenic activity is increased in cannabis users; however, future studies, including prospective studies that control dietary intake are required.     

Antimicrobial coatings produced by “tethering” biocides to the coating matrix: A comprehensive review

Covalently attached, non-leaching biocidal-moieties are being explored as an environmentally friendly option for replacing antimicrobial coatings that release biocides. This review highlights studies on antimicrobial surface treatments and coatings in which the antimicrobial agent is covalently bound (i.e. tethered) to the surface or coating matrix. In addition, test methods for measuring antimicrobial surface activity are reviewed, and a discussion of advantages and disadvantages of the various methods is provided.     

Buckling initiation and displacement dependence in compression of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays

Carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays have shown the remarkable ability to react as foam-like structures and exhibit localized buckling coordinated within specific regions. Here, we report on the low-cycle compression of bulk vertically aligned CNT arrays to observe initiation and growth of the buckling as a function of compressive strain. A critical strain is found above which the buckling region length increased and below which it remained at or below the applied strain. As previously observed, the buckling region of the CNT array propagates from the surface where growth occurred, which, in the test specimen, is a free surface and later receives compressive contact by a polished silicon substrate. The results are corroborated with nanoindentation on the surfaces, which indicate a stiffening of the near surface with increasing applied strain. Observation and results of the buckling region nature are important for applications of nanotube arrays as energy absorbing cushions, tunable dampers, thermal contacts, or in sliding contact.     

DEPOSITION OF A FINE POWDER IN HORIZONTAL PIPELINES AND BENDS

The deposition of a very fine powder in a horizontal, lean-phase pneumatic conveying conduit containing a 90° bend has been studied experimentally. The total deposition and the deposition pattern were studied as a function of superficial gas velocity, solids loading and bend geometry: one sharp and three smooth bends of different radii of curvature were used. Most deposition was seen in the sharp bend, while in the smooth bends the deposition did not vary much with radius of curvature. The deposition decreased significantly with increasing superficial gas velocity. The experimental results were compared with CFD simulations of the flow field. The observations are consistent with the notion of deposition in regions with low near-wall gas velocity, indicating that models for deposition should be sought in considerations of the deposit stability for this type of system.     

Recycle of valuable products from oily cold rolling mill sludge

Oily cold rolling mill （CRM） sludge contains lots of iron and alloying elements along with plenty of hazardous organic components, which makes it as an attractive secondary source and an environmental contaminant at the same time. The compound methods of ＂vacuum distillation ＋ oxidizing roasting＂ and ＂vacuum distillation ＋ hydrogen reduction＂ were employed for the recycle of oily cold rolling mill sludge. First, the sludge was dynamically vacuum distilled in a rotating furnace at 50 r/rain and 600℃ for 3 h, which removed almost hazardous organic components, obtaining 89.2wt% ferrous resultant. Then, high purity ferric oxide powders （99.2wt%） and reduced iron powders （98.9wt%） were obtained when the distillation residues were oxidized and reduced, respectively. The distillation oil can be used for fuel or chemical feedstock, and the distillation gases can be collected and reused as a fuel.     

The Critical Role of Passive Permeability in Designing Successful Drugs

Passive permeability is a key property in drug disposition and delivery. It is critical for gastrointestinal absorption, brain penetration, renal reabsorption, defining clearance mechanisms and drug-drug interactions. Passive diffusion rate is translatable across tissues and animal species, while the extent of absorption is dependent on drug properties, as well as in vivo physiology/pathophysiology. Design principles have been developed to guide medicinal chemistry to enhance absorption, which combine the balance of aqueous solubility, permeability and the sometimes unfavorable compound characteristic demanded by the target. Permeability assays have been implemented that enable rapid development of structure-permeability relationships for absorption improvement. Future advances in assay development to reduce nonspecific binding and improve mass balance will enable more accurately measurement of passive permeability. Design principles that integrate potency, selectivity, passive permeability and other ADMET properties facilitate rapid advancement of successful drug candidates to patients.     

Pd-Decorated Tungsten as Pt-Free Bimetallic Catalysts for Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Electrolyte

Developing Pt-free catalysts for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline solution is becoming a key challenge in the development of anion exchange membrane fuel cells and electrochemical reactors. Herein, we present the preparation, HOR activity, and stability of Pd-decorated tungsten (Pd-d-W) catalysts. The Pd-d-W catalysts were prepared by the chemically activated surface of tungsten nanoparticles by Pd ions. The resultant bimetallic catalysts consisted of crystalline phases of both Pd and W nanoparticles. The CO stripping voltammograms and H-desorption (H_des) peak potential of hydrogen desorption in Pd suggests that the enhancement of HOR catalytic activity observed in Pd-d-W catalyst can be ascribed to the modification of electronic property of Pd and availability of OH_ad near-surface Pd atoms.