Functional Studies Research Articles

Cholesterol-Based B-Ring 2H-Pyran: Synthesis and Reaction Mechanism by Using Density Functional Theoretical Study

Abstract: The steroidal B-ring 2H-pyran 2 is synthesized by reacting steroidal B-ring α,β- unsaturated ketone 1 and 2-cyano-N-methylacetamide by refluxing for 18 h in methanol in the presence of a catalyst, i.e., chitosan. The product is obtained with a yield of 67%. The structure of the final product 2 is confirmed by utilizing IR, Mass, 13C and 1H NMR spectra. The reaction mechanism of the steroidal pyran ring formation is explored in this paper. The reaction pathway is described by using FMO analysis and relative energies of starting material, intermediate, and transition states, calculated by using the theoretical method, i.e., DFT with B3LYP/6-31G(d). It is found that two intermediates are formed throughout the reaction, which undergo a respective transition state (TS1 and TS2). The energy barrier of each step of the reaction is also calculated. It is also concluded that the reaction is endothermic. The green synthetic method reported in this study would be very useful for the synthetic and medicinal chemists involved in the synthesis of biologically important pyran ring-containing heterocyclic compounds.

Genetic insights into the association between inflammatory bowel disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Myeloid cells, including monocytes, macrophages, microglia, dendritic cells and neutrophils are a part of innate immune system, playing a major role in orchestrating innate and adaptive immune responses. Both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) susceptibility loci are enriched for genes expressed in myeloid cells, but it is not clear whether these myeloid risk factors are shared between the two diseases. Leveraging results of genome-wide association studies, we investigated the causal effect of IBD (including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD)) variants on AD and its endophenotypes. Microglia and monocyte expression Quantitative Trait Locus (eQTLs) were used to examine the functional consequences of IBD and AD variants. Our results revealed distinct sets of genes and pathways of AD and IBD susceptibility loci. Specifically, AD loci are enriched for microglial eQTLs, while IBD loci are enriched for monocyte eQTLs. However, we also found that genetically determined IBD is associated with a protective effect against AD (p<0.03). Yet, a genetic propensity for the CD subtype is associated with increased amyloid accumulation (beta=7.14, p-value=0.02) and susceptibility to AD. Susceptibility to UC was associated with increased deposition of TDP-43 (beta=7.58, p-value=6.11×10-4). The relation of these gastrointestinal inflammatory disease to AD is therefore complex; while the different subsets of susceptibility variants preferentially affect different myeloid cell subtypes, there do appear to be certain shared pathways and the possible protective effect of IBD susceptibility on the risk of AD which may provide therapeutic insights.

Metagenomics Analysis Reveals Unique Gut Microbiota Signature of Slow-Transit Constipation.

Altered gut microbiota may play a role in slow-transit constipation (STC). We conducted a study of gut microbiota composition and functionality in STC using metagenomic analyses. We assembled a clinical cohort of 24 patients with STC physiology age- and sex-matched to 24 controls. We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing followed by prediction of metabolite composition from functional profiles. In a middle-aged (mean 55.3 years), predominantly female cohort, there were no significant differences in α-diversity indices, but permutational multivariate analysis of variance analysis showed significant between-group differences (R 2 = 0.050, P < 0.001) between STC patients and controls. Gordonibacter pamelaeae , Bifidobacterium longum , Firmicutes bacterium co-abundance gene group 94, and Anaerotruncus colihominis were more abundant in STC, whereas Coprococcus comes and Roseburia intestinalis were more abundant in controls. Gut-derived metabolites varying in STC relative to controls were related to bile acid and cholesterol metabolism. We found a unique metagenomic and metabolomic signature of STC.

Evolutionarily new genes in humans with disease phenotypes reveal functional enrichment patterns shaped by adaptive innovation and sexual selection.

New genes (or young genes) are genetic novelties pivotal in mammalian evolution. However, their phenotypic impacts and evolutionary patterns over time remain elusive in humans due to the technical and ethical complexities of functional studies. Integrating gene age dating with Mendelian disease phenotyping, our research shows a gradual rise in disease gene proportion as gene age increases. Logistic regression modeling indicates that this increase in older genes may be related to their longer sequence lengths and higher burdens of deleterious de novo germline variants (DNVs). We also find a steady integration of new genes with biomedical phenotypes into the human genome over macroevolutionary timescales (~0.07% per million years). Despite this stable pace, we observe distinct patterns in phenotypic enrichment, pleiotropy, and selective pressures across gene ages. Notably, young genes show significant enrichment in diseases related to the male reproductive system, indicating strong sexual selection. Young genes also exhibit disease-related functions in tissues and systems potentially linked to human phenotypic innovations, such as increased brain size, musculoskeletal phenotypes, and color vision. We further reveal a logistic growth pattern of pleiotropy over evolutionary time, indicating a diminishing marginal growth of new functions for older genes due to intensifying selective constraints over time. We propose a "pleiotropy-barrier" model that delineates higher potentials for phenotypic innovation in young genes compared to older genes, a process that is subject to natural selection. Our study demonstrates that evolutionarily new genes are critical in influencing human reproductive evolution and adaptive phenotypic innovations driven by sexual and natural selection, with low pleiotropy as a selective advantage.

Density Functional Theory Study of Interaction between Ibuprofen and Alginic Acid for Targeted Drug Delivery

Abstract:: The development of density functional theory has led to the consideration of computational chemistry in the design and development of interactions of new drugs in the gas phase with nanocarriers. In the present study, the interaction of ibuprofen with alginic acid (as a nanocarrier) has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) in the gas phase (M06-2X/6-31+G*). A study on the effects of ibuprofen’s interaction with the compounds present in alginic acid has been conducted, focusing on the electronic properties, the chemical shift tensors, and the natural bond orbital. Based on the results of UV spectra, the compound 6-thioguanine has been found to be changed into an alginic acid/ibuprofen complex. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules showed the interaction of ibuprofen to be mainly driven by non-covalent bonds with alginic acid during complex formation. A hydrogen bond has been found to be formed between the oxygen atoms of alginic acid and ibuprofen's hydrogen atoms. Consequently, alginic acid has been used for delivering ibuprofen to diseased cells.

Temperature and pressure driven functionalization of graphene with hydrogen and oxygen via ab initio phase diagrams

Functionalized graphene has numerous applications due to its remarkable and tunable physicochemical properties. However, precise control of functionalization remains challenging as direct connections between defect and functional group stability on graphene as a function of treatment conditions are missing. Here, a systematic study of graphene functionalization with hydrogen and oxygen is performed using a combination of density functional theory and ab initio phase diagrams. The interplay between carbon defects (e.g. vacancies, Stone-Wales, 555–777) and functionalization (e.g. R-H, R-H2, R-O, R-OH, and R-COOH) is examined. Generally, the process of functionalizing graphene led to significantly more stable carbon defects. By calculating Gibbs free formation energies with varying temperatures and partial pressures of H2 and H2O, ab initio phase diagrams were constructed. These diagrams revealed that the applied hydrogen and oxygen chemical potentials can be balanced during treatment to generate six distinct structures: R-H, R-O, R-OH, and R-COOH on the basal plane; and R-O and R-H2 on a double carbon vacancy. Through this systematic study, both the treatment conditions conducive to the formation of specific functional groups on graphene are pinpointed and a range of stable and metastable graphene-based structures with applications in various fields are identified.

Selection and Validation of Reference Genes in Dendrocalamus brandisii for Quantitative Real-Time PCR.

Dendrocalamus brandisii (Munro) Kurz is a sympodial bamboo species with a wide distribution in tropical and subtropical regions. Due to its remarkable regenerative ability and exceptional flavor, this species plays a pivotal role in bolstering the economies of numerous nations across these regions. We recently published a high-quality genome of this species. To date, no study results have identified the optimal reference genes for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) normalization in Dendrocalamus brandisii. qRT-PCR offers a highly accurate and effective approach to analyzing gene expression. However, the precision of the resulting quantitative data hinges on the correct choice of reference genes. Twenty-one potential reference genes were identified from the D. brandisii transcriptomes. Their expression in 23 samples, including 8 different tissue organs and 15 samples of D. brandisii under various treatment conditions, were evaluated through qRT-PCR. Subsequently, four software programs-Delta CT, geNorm, NormFinder, and RefFinder-were employed to compare their expression stability. The results revealed that the selection of optimal reference genes varied based on the particular organ and condition being examined. EF-1-α-2 consistently exhibits the most stable expression across diverse tissues, while ACTIN-1, TUBULIN-1, and EF-1-α-2 were the most consistent reference genes in roots, culms, and leaves under various treatments, respectively. In this study, we identified and characterized appropriate internal genes utilized for calibrating qRT-PCR analyses of D. brandisii across different tissue organs and under various treatments. This research will provide key insights for advancing the study of gene functionality and molecular biology in D. brandisii and related species.

New Insights into the Guanine Functionalization of ssDNA-Coated SWCNTs

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are a class of nanomaterials that due to their unique physical and chemical properties hold great promise for use in future nanoelectronics, engineered smart materials, and biomedical applications. The discovery of the guanine functionalization reaction1 that allows for tailored band gap modulation of carbon nanotubes has sparked interest in prospects for new applications and improved photophysical insights.In this work, we build upon knowledge gained by previous studies of guanine functionalization to use this reaction as a tool to better understand the nature of these hybrids. Using sorted samples, we analyze E11 spectral shapes of band-gap modified SWCNTs to infer single-site exciton perturbations. These results are correlated with Raman spectra to estimate the fraction of guanine sites that become covalently bonded. Further information is obtained from experimental studies of ionic strength dependence and molecular dynamics simulations of ssDNA-wrapped SWCNT structures prior to guanine functionalization.(1) Zheng, Y.; Bachilo, S. M.; Weisman, R. B. Controlled Patterning of Carbon Nanotube Energy Levels by Covalent DNA Functionalization. ACS Nano 2019. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.9b03488.

Ultrasonic assisted green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles: a real catalytic and antimicrobial agent

ABSTRACT This study reported facile biosynthesis of CuO nanoparticles employing leaf extract of Prosopis glandulosa as a stabilising agent by modest ultrasonic assisted technique. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterised via greatly refined systems comprising UV-visible, FTIR, XRD, SEM EDX, Zeta sizer, and Zeta potential. These facilities triggered the study of optical, functionality, crystallinity, surface morphology, elemental composition, and surface potential of the synthesised nanoparticles. The SEM and FT-IR analysis confirmed the semi-spherical shapes and functionalities of the synthesised NPs respectively. The zeta size and zeta potential of CuO NPs were established to be 65 nm and −1.42 mV respectively. The resultant NPs were applied as an efficient antimicrobial and catalytic candidate for the successful degradation of Eriochrome Black T (EBT) dye. Various factors were optimised such as dose, time, and NaBH4 concentration to achieve maximum catalytic efficiency of CuO nanoparticles. The NPs show excellent catalytic performance of about 92% degradation of EBT within 30 minutes. The antimicrobial performance was also tested by varying the concentration of NPs (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 g/mL via disc diffusion protocol. The results show that CuO NPs have excellent antibacterial activity alongside E. coli at MIC values of 250 g/mL as equated to S. areas and Aspergillus niger.

Elaboration and characterization of a natural bentonite-poly(ethylene glycol) composite: Development of an exact theoretical study in function of the polymer-density

The first aim of this work was a systematic experimental and theoretical study of the basal-spacing and characteristics of X-rays diffraction-peaks (positions, intensities, crystallites size...), versus the polymer-density, for a natural bentonite-poly(ethylene glycol) composite. The natural bentonite was extracted from a deposit located in Eastern Rif chain of Morocco (near Nador-city). The basal distance and diffraction-peaks characteristics were measured using X-Rays Diffraction (XRD) method, first, for raw bentonite, and second, for bentonite-poly(ethylene glycol) composites. In particular, measurements reveal the existence of a series of montmorillonite-phases (crystallites) of different sizes within the composites. Afterwards, we have developed a powerful theoretical approach based on Renormalization Theory, and obtain exact scaling relations for the physical quantities of interest. We have compared our theoretical predictions with our experimental data dealt with the considered natural bentonite-poly(ethylene glycol) composites, and found that theory and experiment are in good agreement. Also, as a complementary experimental study, we achieved a detailed analysis of pure PEG, natural bentonite and Bentonite-PEG composites using the so-called Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) tool. A comparison between these complexes show that the polymer-density affects drastically the stretching and bending vibration modes.

Potential Association of The Pathogenic Kruppel-like Factor 14 (KLF14) and Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) SNVs with Susceptibility to T2DM.

To evaluate the associations of the pathogenic variants in Kruppel-like Factor 14 (KLF 14) and Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a pandemic metabolic disease characterized by increased blood sugar and caused by resistance to insulin in peripheral tissues and damage to pancreatic beta cells. Kruppel-like Factor 14 (KLF-14) is proposed to be a regulator of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity. Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) is an adipocytokine produced by the adipocytes and other tissues and was reported to be involved in T2DM. To study the possible association of the KLF-14 rs972283 and ADIPOQ-rs266729 with the risk of T2DM in the Saudi population. We have evaluated the association of KLF-14 rs972283 C>T and ADIPOQ-rs266729 C>G SNV with the risk to T2D in the Saudi population using the Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR (ARMS-PCR), and blood biochemistry analysis. For the KLF-14 rs972283 C>T SNV we included 115 cases and 116 healthy controls, and ADIPOQ-rs266729 C>G SNV, 103 cases and 104 healthy controls were included. Results indicated that the KLF-14 rs972283 GA genotype and A allele were associated with T2D risk with OR=2.14, p-value= 0.014 and OR=1.99, p-value=0.0003, respectively. Results also ADIPOQ-rs266729 CG genotype and C allele were associated with an elevated T2D risk with an OR=2.53, p=0.003 and OR=1.66, p-value =0.012, respectively. We conclude that SNVs in KLF-14 and ADIPOQ are potential loci for T2D risk. Future large-scale studies to verify these findings are recommended. These results need further verifications in protein functional and large-scale case control studies before being introduced for genetic testing.

From Hysteria to Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder: Developments in Clinical Diagnosis and Neurobiology

Changes in the nomenclature of functional neurological symptom disorders (FND) from the past to the present represent historical changes in understanding etiology. Today, there is still difficulty in excluding potential underlying neurological disorders. In addition, there is no consensus on the psychological mechanism leading to the disorder. As a result, diagnostic problems continue to exist. While functional neuroimaging studies show that suppression and conversion mechanisms, which are the concepts of the psychoanalytical theory, may have neural counterparts, neurobiological data suggests that the conversion model cannot be explanatory for every patient. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), amygdala, temporoparietal junction (TPJ), insula, anterior cingulate structures, and their connections come to the fore. The fact that the connections between the dlPFC and the hippocampus can prevent the recall of an unwanted memory, as well as the changes detected in the amygdala in these disorders and the increased connectivity between the amygdala and the motor areas, suggest an abnormal connection between emotions and the motor system. It is addressed how changes in the TPJ are related to the loss of the sense of agency. However, it is unclear whether the findings of these studies suggest a "predisposition", "onset of disorder", or "compensatory changes secondary to disorder". Exploring FND to learn how the brain and mind react to psychosocial stressors can be a turning point in understanding the brain-mind connection. The goal of this review is to present the history of the changes in terminology and perspective on this disorder that followed the establishment of psychoanalysis, as well as what kind of evidence has been presented regarding hysteria in light of advances in neuroscience

Identification of Small Molecule Ligand Binding Sites On and In the ARNT PAS-B Domain.

Transcription factors are generally challenging to target with small molecule inhibitors due to their structural plasticity and lack of catalytic sites. Notable exceptions include several naturally ligand-regulated transcription factors, including our prior work with the heterodimeric HIF-2 transcription factor which showed that small molecule binding within an internal pocket of the HIF-2α PAS-B domain can disrupt its interactions with its dimerization partner, ARNT. Here, we explore the feasibility of similarly targeting small molecules to the analogous ARNT PAS-B domain itself, potentially opening a promising route to simultaneously modulate several ARNT-mediated signaling pathways. Using solution NMR screening of an in-house fragment library, we previously identified several compounds that bind ARNT PAS-B and, in certain cases, antagonize ARNT association with the TACC3 transcriptional coactivator. However, these ligands have only modest binding affinities, complicating characterization of their binding sites. We address this challenge by combining NMR, MD simulations, and ensemble docking to identify ligand-binding 'hotspots' on and within the ARNT PAS-B domain. Our data indicate that the two ARNT/TACC3 inhibitors, KG-548 and KG-655, bind to a β-sheet surface implicated in both HIF-2 dimerization and coactivator recruitment. Furthermore, while KG-548 binds exclusively to the β-sheet surface, KG-655 can additionally bind within a water-accessible internal cavity in ARNT PAS-B. Finally, KG-279, while not a coactivator inhibitor, exemplifies ligands that preferentially bind only to the internal cavity. All three ligands promoted ARNT PAS-B homodimerization, albeit to varying degrees. Taken together, our findings provide a comprehensive overview of ARNT PAS-B ligand-binding sites and may guide the development of more potent coactivator inhibitors for cellular and functional studies.

Roles of the Default Mode Network in Different Aspects of Self-representation When Remembering Social Autobiographical Memories.

Autobiographical memory (AM) is episodic memory for personally experienced events, in which self-representation is more important than that in laboratory-based memory. Theoretically, self-representation in a social context is categorized as the interpersonal self (IS) referred to in a social interaction with a person or the social-valued self (SS) based on the reputation of the self in the surrounding society. Although functional neuroimaging studies have demonstrated the involvement of the default mode network (DMN) in self-representation, little is known about how the DMN subsystems contribute differentially to IS-related and SS-related AMs. To elucidate this issue, we used fMRI to scan healthy young adults during the recollection of AMs. We performed multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) and assessed functional connectivity in the DMN subsystems: the midline core, medial temporal lobe (MTL), and dorsomedial pFC (dmPFC) subsystems. The study yielded two main sets of findings. First, MVPA revealed that all DMN subsystems showed significant classification accuracy between IS-related and nonsocial-self-related AMs, and IS-related functional connectivity of the midline core regions with the retrosplenial cortex of the MTL subsystem and the dmPFC of the dmPFC subsystem was significant. Second, MVPA significantly distinguished between SS-related and nonsocial-self-related AMs in the midline core and dmPFC subsystems but not in the MTL subsystem, and SS-related functional connectivity with the midline core regions was significant in the temporal pole and TPJ of the dmPFC subsystem. Thus, dissociable neural mechanisms in the DMN could contribute to different aspects of self-representation in social AMs.

Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) berries ripeness induced pectin diversity: A comparative study in physicochemical properties, structure, function and fresh-keeping potential

The effect of hawthorn berries ripeness on the physicochemical, structural and functional properties of hawthorn pectin (HP) and its potential in sweet cherry preservation were investigated. With the advanced ripeness of hawthorn berries, the galacturonic acid (GalA) content decreased from 59.70 mol% to 52.16 mol%, the molecular weight (Mw) reduced from 368.6 kDa to 284.3 kDa, the microstructure exhibited variable appearance from thick lamella towards porous cross-linked fragment, emulsifying activity and emulsions stability, antioxidant activities, α-amylase and pancreatic lipid inhibitory capacities significantly increased. The heated emulsion stored for 30 d presented higher creaming index and more ordered oil droplets compared to the unheated emulsion. With the extended berries ripeness, the firmness of HP gels remarkably decreased from 225.69 g to 73.39 g, while the springiness increased from 0.78 to 1.16, HP exhibited a superior inhibitory effect in water loss, browning, softening, and bacterial infection in sweet cherries preservation.

Non-Equilibrium Assembly of Atomically-Precise Copper Nanoclusters.

Accurate structure control in dissipative assemblies (DSAs) is vital for precise biological functions. However, accuracy and functionality of artificial DSAs are far from this objective. Herein, a novel approach is introduced by harnessing complex chemical reaction networks rooted in coordination chemistry to create atomically-precise copper nanoclusters (CuNCs), specifically Cu11(µ9-Cl)(µ3-Cl)3L6Cl (L = 4-methyl-piperazine-1-carbodithioate). Cu(I)-ligand ratio change and dynamic Cu(I)-Cu(I) metallophilic/coordination interactions enable the reorganization of CuNCs into metastable CuL2, finally converting into equilibrium [CuL·Y]Cl (Y = MeCN/H2O) via Cu(I) oxidation/reorganization and ligand exchange process. Upon adding ascorbic acid (AA), the system goes further dissipative cycles. It is observed that the encapsulated/bridging halide ions exert subtle influence on the optical properties of CuNCs and topological changes of polymeric networks when integrating CuNCs as crosslink sites. CuNCs duration/switch period could be controlled by varying the ions, AA concentration, O2 pressure and pH. Cu(I)-Cu(I) metallophilic and coordination interactions provide a versatile toolbox for designing delicate life-like materials, paving the way for DSAs with precise structures and functionalities. Furthermore, CuNCs can be employed as modular units within polymers for materials mechanics or functionalization studies.

Mechanism of Z-Selective Allylic Functionalization via Thianthrenium Salts.

A detailed mechanistic study of the Z-selective allylic functionalization via thianthrenium salts is presented. Kinetic analyses, deuterium labeling experiments, and computational methods are used to rationalize the observed reactivity and selectivity. We find that the reaction proceeds via a rate-determining and stereodetermining allylic deprotonation of an alkenylthianthrenium species. The Z-configuration of the resultant allylic ylide is translated into the Z-allylic amine product through a sequence of subsequent fast and irreversible steps: protonation to form a Z-allylic thianthrenium electrophile and then regioselective substitution by the nucleophile. In the stereodetermining deprotonation step, computational studies identified a series of stabilizing nonbonding interactions in the Z-alkene-forming transition state that contribute to the stereoselectivity.

Viable protoplast isolation, organelle visualization and transformation of the globally distributed plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an oomycete plant pathogen with a host range of almost 5000 plant species worldwide and therefore poses a serious threat to biodiversity. Omics technology has provided significant progress in our understanding of oomycete biology, however, transformation studies of Phytophthora for gene functionalisation are still in their infancy. Only a limited number of Phytophthora species have been successfully transformed and gene edited to elucidate the role of particular genes. There is a need to escalate our efforts to understand molecular processes, gene regulation and infection mechanisms of the pathogen to enable us to develop new disease management strategies. The primary obstacle hindering the advancement of transformation studies in Phytophthora is their challenging and unique nature, coupled with our limited comprehension of why they remain such an intractable system to work with. In this study, we have identified some of the key factors associated with the recalcitrant nature of P. cinnamomi. We have incorporated fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry along with the organelle-specific dyes, fluorescein diacetate, Hoechst 33342 and MitoTracker™ Red CMXRos, to assess P. cinnamomi-derived protoplast populations. This approach has also provided valuable insights into the broader cell biology of Phytophthora. Furthermore, we have optimized the crucial steps that allow transformation of P. cinnamomi and have generated transformed isolates that express a cyan fluorescent protein, with a transformation efficiency of 19.5%. We therefore provide a platform for these methodologies to be applied for the transformation of other Phytophthora species and pave the way for future gene functionalisation studies.

Heteroatom Sr doped MCM-41 molecular sieve for VOC adsorption: Study of the surface functionalization and adsorption performance

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are recognized as greater adverse effects on both environment and human health, and adsorption is a simple and effective method. Ordered mesoporous MCM-41 molecular sieve was functionalized with heteroatom Sr to change the pore size and surface property by one-step hydrothermal method and adsorption performance for toluene (C7H8) and formaldehyde (CH2O) was investigated. It is found that Sr doped MCM-41 achieves high static adsorption capacities of 534 mg/g for C7H8 and 388 mg/g for CH2O. The dynamic adsorption of C7H8 follows the Langmuir model over Sr doped and undoped MCM-41 under different process conditions, but the dynamic adsorption capacity is only 21 ∼ 99 mg/g. Sr doped MCM-41 maintains a typical pore structure of MCM-41, with some Sr entering the skeleton to form Sr-O-Si bonds. Sr-M−130 has 857 m2/g of SBET and 0.86 cm3/g of Vtotal, but high hydrothermal temperature (150 °C) causes the sintering of MCM-41 structure. Sr doping decreases surface acidity of MCM-41 and increases surface hydroxyl groups (Si-OH). The kinetic diameter and polarity of the adsorbate cause differences in adsorption performance of Sr doped or undoped MCM-41, meaning that the adsorption behavior of non-polar C7H8 mainly depends on surface area and micropore volume while that of polar CH2O is related to the number of ultra-micropore (<1 nm) and forms chemical adsorption of C = O with Si-OH by hydrogen bonds.

My Brain Made Me Do It: The Neuroscience Behind Behavior

Behavior is communication. Although behavior is often interpreted as intentional, examining the biological reasons driving behavior allows healthcare providers to equitably address basic needs, quality of life, and create person-centered care plans. Behaviors in older adults with neurocognitive challenges have great impact on quality of life and healthcare provision. Over 75% of people with dementia experience behavioral disturbances especially as the disease progresses (Press & Alexander, 2019) The healthcare burden is unimaginable including caregiver stress, loss of function in people with neurocognitive illness, and unneeded hospital stays. Despite behavior being the primary way people with advanced neurological illness communicate, healthcare providers use subjective reasoning to assign meaning to behavior. The neurologic basis for behavior is ignored and patient-centered care diminishes. By examining neurologic foundations and connecting it to function, health care providers can apply evidence-based interventions to understand, validate, and provide interventions for behavioral disturbances. This session will provide tools for learners to examine common neurologic behavioral disturbances such as pain, aggression, impulsivity, and delusions in an objective way. By redefining behaviors health care provides can provide strength-based interventions and make informed pharmacological and nonpharmacological care plan decisions. Session will include an overview of functional neuroanatomy, clinical applications, intervention ideas, and case studies.