2D-cadmium MOF and gismondine-like zinc coordination network based on the N-(2-tetrazolethyl)-4′-glycine linker

We have designed and synthesized two new metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) using the novel N-(2-tetrazolethyl)-4′-glycine spacer (TeGly)2−. These materials exhibit intense photoluminescence.This work was supported by the MEC of Spain (Project CTQ2011-24478) and the Junta de Andalucía (FQM-1484). D. F.-J. thanks the Royal Society for a University Research Fellowship.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the Royal Society of Chemistry via http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/C5NJ00011

A Potassium Metal-Organic Framework based on Perylene- 3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylate as Sensing Layer for Humidity Actuators

We have synthesized a novel three-dimensional metal-organic-framework (MOF) based on the perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylate linker and potassium as metallic centre. We report the formation of this K-based MOF using conventional routes with water as solvent. This material displays intense green photoluminescence at room temperature, and displays an aggregation dependent quenching. Correlation of the optical properties with the crystalline packing was confirmed by DFT calculations. We also demonstrate its potential to build humidity actuators with a reversible and reproducible response, with a change of 5 orders of magnitudes in its impedance at about 40% relative humidity (RH). This 3D-MOF is based on an interesting perylene derivative octadentate ligand, a moiety with interesting fluorescent properties and known component in organic semiconductors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to build such a printed and flexible actuator towards humidity with a reversible response, enabling precise humidity threshold monitoring.This work was supported by the Junta de Andalucía (FQM-1484, and FQM-195). Red Guipuzcoana de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (OF188/2017) and University of the Basque Country (GIU14/01, EHUA16/32). BB acknowledges funding by RyC-2012–10381 contract and computational resources provided by the RES and Alhambra supercomputing facilities. This work was also supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Technical University of Munich within the Open Access Publishing Funding Programme

Using C. elegans to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders

Prova tipográfica (uncorrected proof)Neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID), and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) occur in over 2 % of the population, as the result of genetic mutations, environmental factors, or combination of both. In the last years, use of large-scale genomic techniques allowed important advances in the identification of genes/loci associated with these disorders. Nevertheless, following association of novel genes with a given disease, interpretation of findings is often difficult due to lack of information on gene function and effect of a given mutation in the corresponding protein. This brings the need to validate genetic associations from a functional perspective in model systems in a relatively fast but effective manner. In this context, the small nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, presents a good compromise between the simplicity of cell models and the complexity of rodent nervous systems. In this article, we review the features that make C. elegans a good model for the study of neurodevelopmental diseases. We discuss its nervous system architecture and function as well as the molecular basis of behaviors that seem important in the context of different neurodevelopmental disorders. We review methodologies used to assess memory, learning, and social behavior as well as susceptibility to seizures in this organism. We will also discuss technological progresses applied in C. elegans neurobiology research, such as use of microfluidics and optogenetic tools. Finally, we will present some interesting examples of the functional analysis of genes associated with human neurodevelopmental disorders and how we can move from genes to therapies using this simple model organism.The authors would like to acknowledge Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) (PTDC/SAU-GMG/112577/2009). AJR and CB are recipients of FCT fellowships: SFRH/BPD/33611/2009 and SFRH/BPD/74452/2010, respectively