Separation and recycling of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant mixtures with fluoropolymer-coated hollow fiber membranes.

Many hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants used in air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment are being phased out based on international restrictions to reduce global warming. Over 1 billion kilograms of hydrofluorocarbons are in use, and recycling is imperative to preventing the release of these greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. We report on composite hollow fiber membranes that can efficiently separate a mixture of difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane that is used worldwide in air conditioners.

Inhibition of midbrain cholinergic neurons impairs decision-making strategies during reversal learning.

Introduction: The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) plays a role in coordinating complex behaviors and adapting to changing environmental conditions. The specific role of cholinergic neurons in PPN function is not well understood, but their ascending connectivity with basal ganglia and thalamus suggests involvement in adaptive functions.

Methods: We used a chemogenetic approach in ChAT::Cre rats to explore the specific contribution of PPN cholinergic neurons to behavioral flexibility, focusing on the adaptation to shifting reward contingencies in a Reversal Learning Task.

Evaluating Inclusion of Commercial Pistachio By-Product as a Functional Ingredient in Rainbow Trout Fishmeal and Plant Meal-Based Diets.

To meet the growing demand for sustainable aquaculture, plant proteins are being explored as alternative sources in fish diets. However, some plant proteins can have adverse health effects on fish, prompting research into functional feed ingredients to mitigate these issues. This study investigated pistachio shell powder (PSP), rich in antioxidants, as a functional feed ingredient for rainbow trout ().

Dysregulation of neuropilin-2 expression in inhibitory neurons impairs hippocampal circuit development and enhances risk for autism-related behaviors and seizures.

Dysregulation of development, migration, and function of interneurons, collectively termed interneuronopathies, have been proposed as a shared mechanism for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and childhood epilepsy. Neuropilin-2 (Nrp2), a candidate ASD gene, is a critical regulator of interneuron migration from the median ganglionic eminence (MGE) to the pallium, including the hippocampus. While clinical studies have identified Nrp2 polymorphisms in patients with ASD, whether selective dysregulation of Nrp2-dependent interneuron migration contributes to pathogenesis of ASD and enhances the risk for seizures has not been evaluated.

"Craniometric and Volumetric Analyses of Normocephalic and Scaphocephalic Patients with Nonsyndromic Single-Suture Sagittal Craniosynostosis".

Purpose: Non-syndromic single-suture sagittal craniosynostosis presentation spans scaphocephalic and normocephalic head shapes. Herein, we studied craniometric differences between scaphocephalic and normocephalic patients with sagittal synostosis.

Methods: Head CT scans of 20 scaphocephalic and 20 normocephalic sagittal synostosis patients and their age- and sex-matched controls were analyzed, including cranial base angles, distances-from-midline, and intracranial volumes.

Adsorption of difluoromethane (HFC-32) and pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) and their mixtures in silicalite-1: An experimental and Monte Carlo simulation study.

Hydrofluorocarbons are a class of fluorinated molecules used extensively in residential and industrial refrigeration systems. This study examines the potential of using adsorption processes with the silicalite-1 zeolite to separate a mixture of difluoromethane (CH2F2, HFC-32) and pentafluoroethane (CF3CF2H, HFC-125) at various concentrations. Pure adsorption data were measured using a XEMIS gravimetric microbalance, whereas binary data were determined using the Integral Mass Balance method.

Ionic Liquids for the Separation of Fluorocarbon Refrigerant Mixtures.

This review discusses the research being performed on ionic liquids for the separation of fluorocarbon refrigerant mixtures. Fluorocarbon refrigerants, invented in 1928 by Thomas Midgley Jr., are a unique class of working fluids that are used in a variety of applications including refrigeration.

Dysregulation of Neuropilin-2 Expression in Inhibitory Neurons Impairs Hippocampal Circuit Development Leading to Autism-Epilepsy Phenotype.

Dysregulation of development, migration, and function of interneurons, collectively termed interneuronopathies, have been proposed as a shared mechanism for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and childhood epilepsy. Neuropilin-2 (Nrp2), a candidate ASD gene, is a critical regulator of interneuron migration from the median ganglionic eminence (MGE) to the pallium, including the hippocampus. While clinical studies have identified Nrp2 polymorphisms in patients with ASD, whether dysregulation of Nrp2-dependent interneuron migration contributes to pathogenesis of ASD and epilepsy has not been tested.

Trends in low temperature and non-thermal technologies for the degradation of persistent organic pollutants.

The daunting effects of persistent organic pollutants on humans, animals, and the environment cannot be overemphasized. Their fate, persistence, long-range transport, and bioavailability have made them an environmental stressor of concern which has attracted the interest of the research community. Concerted efforts have been made by relevant organizations utilizing legislative laws to ban their production and get rid of them completely for the sake of public health.

Dysregulation of Neuropilin-2 Expression in Inhibitory Neurons Impairs Hippocampal Circuit Development and Enhances Risk for Autism-Related Behaviors and Seizures.

Dysregulation of development, migration, and function of interneurons, collectively termed interneuronopathies, have been proposed as a shared mechanism for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and childhood epilepsy. Neuropilin-2 (Nrp2), a candidate ASD gene, is a critical regulator of interneuron migration from the median ganglionic eminence (MGE) to the pallium, including the hippocampus. While clinical studies have identified Nrp2 polymorphisms in patients with ASD, whether selective dysregulation of Nrp2-dependent interneuron migration contributes to pathogenesis of ASD and enhances the risk for seizures has not been evaluated.

Early deficits in dentate circuit and behavioral pattern separation after concussive brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury leads to cellular and circuit changes in the dentate gyrus, a gateway to hippocampal information processing. Intrinsic granule cell firing properties and strong feedback inhibition in the dentate are proposed as critical to its ability to generate unique representation of similar inputs by a process known as pattern separation. Here we evaluate the impact of brain injury on cellular decorrelation of temporally patterned inputs in slices and behavioral discrimination of spatial locations in vivo one week after concussive lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI) in mice.

Early Deficits in Dentate Circuit and Behavioral Pattern Separation after Concussive Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury leads to cellular and circuit changes in the dentate gyrus, a gateway to hippocampal information processing. Intrinsic granule cell firing properties and strong feedback inhibition in the dentate are proposed as critical to its ability to generate unique representation of similar inputs by a process known as pattern separation. Here we evaluate the impact of brain injury on cellular decorrelation of temporally patterned inputs in slices and behavioral discrimination of spatial locations one week after concussive lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI) in mice.

Excess cerebellar granule neurons induced by the absence of p75NTR during development elicit social behavior deficits in mice.

Introduction: Recently, the cerebellum has been implicated with non-motor functions, including cognitive and emotional behavior. Anatomical and functional studies demonstrate bidirectional cerebellar connections with brain regions involved in social cognition. Cerebellar developmental abnormalities and injury are often associated with several psychiatric and mental disorders including autism spectrum disorders and anxiety.

Separation of Azeotropic Hydrofluorocarbon Refrigerant Mixtures: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Modeling for Binary Adsorption of HFC-32 and HFC-125 on Zeolite 5A.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have been used extensively as refrigerants over the past four decades; however, HFCs are currently being phased out due to large global warming potentials. As the next generation of hydrofluoroolefin refrigerants are phased in, action must be taken to responsibly and sustainably deal with the HFCs currently in circulation. Ideally, unused HFCs can be reclaimed and recycled; however, many HFCs in circulation are azeotropic or near-azeotropic mixtures and must be separated before recycling.

Intranasal administration of BReC-CoV-2 COVID-19 vaccine protects K18-hACE2 mice against lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge.

SARS-CoV-2 is a viral respiratory pathogen responsible for the current global pandemic and the disease that causes COVID-19. All current WHO approved COVID-19 vaccines are administered through the muscular route. We have developed a prototype two-dose vaccine (BReC-CoV-2) by combining the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) antigen, via conjugation to Diphtheria toxoid (EcoCRM).

Difluoromethane (HFC-32) and Pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) Sorption on Linde Type A (LTA) Zeolites for the Separation of Azeotropic Hydrofluorocarbon Refrigerant Mixtures.

Worldwide use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) is currently being regulated and phased out because of high global warming potentials (GWPs). Separation techniques for recycling refrigerants are needed so that HFCs can be dealt with responsibly. Many HFCs currently in use are azeotropic or near-azeotropic refrigerant blends and must be separated so that the components can be recycled and repurposed effectively.

Reduced hippocampal inhibition and enhanced autism-epilepsy comorbidity in mice lacking neuropilin 2.

The neuropilin receptors and their secreted semaphorin ligands play key roles in brain circuit development by regulating numerous crucial neuronal processes, including the maturation of synapses and migration of GABAergic interneurons. Consistent with its developmental roles, the neuropilin 2 (Nrp2) locus contains polymorphisms in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nrp2-deficient mice show autism-like behavioral deficits and propensity to develop seizures.

The effects of the dopamine D2/3 agonist quinpirole on incentive value and palatability-based choice in a rodent model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Rationale: Palatability and incentive value influence animal food choice. Dopamine D2/3 receptor signaling may mediate the effects of palatability and incentive value on choice. Dopamine signaling is disrupted in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Protein Stabilization and Delivery: A Case Study of Invasion Plasmid Antigen D Adsorbed on Porous Silica.

Approximately half of all vaccines produced annually are wasted because effectivity is dependent on protein structure and heat exposure disrupts the intermolecular interactions needed to maintain the structure. Thus, most vaccines require a temperature-controlled supply chain to minimize waste. A more sustainable technology was developed via the adsorption of invasion plasmid antigen D (IpaD) onto mesoporous silica, improving the thermal stability of this protein-based therapeutic.

Development of Silica-Immobilized Vaccines for Improving Thermo-Tolerance and Shelf-Life.

Introduction: It is estimated that 50% of vaccines produced annually are wasted because effectivity is dependent on protein structure and heat exposure disrupts the intermolecular interactions that maintain this structure. Since 90% of vaccines require a temperature-controlled supply chain, it is necessary to create a cold chain system to minimize vaccine waste. We have developed a more sustainable technology via the adsorption of Invasion Plasmid Antigen D (IpaD) onto mesoporous silica gels, improving the thermal stability of protein-based therapeutics.

The p75NTR Influences Cerebellar Circuit Development and Adult Behavior via Regulation of Cell Cycle Duration of Granule Cell Progenitors.

Development of brain circuitry requires precise regulation and timing of proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is highly expressed in the proliferating granule cell precursors (GCPs) during development of the cerebellum. In a previous paper, we showed that proNT3 promoted GCP cell cycle exit via p75NTR.

Neuropilin 2 Signaling Mediates Corticostriatal Transmission, Spine Maintenance, and Goal-Directed Learning in Mice.

The striatum represents the main input structure of the basal ganglia, receiving massive excitatory input from the cortex and the thalamus. The development and maintenance of cortical input to the striatum is crucial for all striatal function including many forms of sensorimotor integration, learning, and action control. The molecular mechanisms regulating the development and maintenance of corticostriatal synaptic transmission are unclear.

Loss of striatal tyrosine-hydroxylase interneurons impairs instrumental goal-directed behavior.

The striatum mediates a broad range of cognitive and motor functions. Within the striatum, recently discovered tyrosine hydroxylase expressing interneurons (THINs) provide a source of intrastriatal synaptic connectivity that is critical for regulating striatal activity, yet the role of THIN's in behavior remains unknown. Given the important role of the striatum in reward-based behaviors, we investigated whether loss of striatal THINs would impact instrumental behavior in mice.

Mass Transfer Thermodynamics through a Gas-Liquid Interface.

Molecular level information about thermodynamic variations (enthalpy, entropy, and free energy) of a gas molecule as it crosses a gas-liquid interface is strongly lacking from an experimental perspective under equilibrium conditions. Herein, we perform in situ measurements of water interacting with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, [Cmim][Ace], using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in order to assess the interfacial uptake of water quantitatively as a function of temperature, pressure, and water mole fraction ( x). The surface spectroscopy results are compared to existing bulk water absorption experiments, showing that the amount of water in the interfacial region is consistently greater than that in the bulk.