The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized gene editing both at single genes and in multiplexed loss-of-function screens, thus enabling precise genome-scale identification of genes essential for ...proliferation and survival of cancer cells. However, previous studies have reported that a gene-independent antiproliferative effect of Cas9-mediated DNA cleavage confounds such measurement of genetic dependency, thereby leading to false-positive results in copy number-amplified regions. We developed CERES, a computational method to estimate gene-dependency levels from CRISPR-Cas9 essentiality screens while accounting for the copy number-specific effect. In our efforts to define a cancer dependency map, we performed genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 essentiality screens across 342 cancer cell lines and applied CERES to this data set. We found that CERES decreased false-positive results and estimated sgRNA activity for both this data set and previously published screens performed with different sgRNA libraries. We further demonstrate the utility of this collection of screens, after CERES correction, for identifying cancer-type-specific vulnerabilities.
This study examines the incidence and correlates of coercive sexting by dating partners among middle and high school students, including sex-based differences and associations with other forms of ...sexual coercion. Survey data from a study of protective factors for teen dating violence in middle and high school students were examined (N = 1,236). Of youth who reported at least one dating or sexual partner in the past 12 months, 12% reported coercive sexting victimization and 8% acknowledged pressuring a partner to sext. Other forms of sexual coercion including the use of threats and insistence on sex without a condom were significantly associated with perpetration and victimization of coercive sexting. Coercive sexting was notably more prevalent in the high school cohort, with boys significantly more likely to pressure a partner than girls. The strong association with other forms of sexual coercion suggests a potential link to broader patterns of teen dating violence.
Despite increasing acknowledgment that the social work profession must address environmental concerns, relatively little is known about the state of scholarship on environmental social work. This ...study provides a scientometric summary of peer-reviewed articles (N = 497) pertaining to environmental topics in social work journals between 1991 and 2015. We find that theoretical and empirical scholarship on environmental social work is growing, though this growth remains limited to specific geographical regions and topics. We note the need to clarify the relationship between environmental social work as a theoretical paradigm and as a research topic.
Social work scholars have long questioned the validity and utility of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exams. Data released in 2022 revealed severe disparities in pass rates ...based on race, age, and language, exacerbating these concerns. In this paper, we explore the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT to address core problems of the ASWB exams, including the use of a multiple-choice format that does not reflect real-world social work practice. To assess its social work reasoning, we used ChatGPT to answer ASWB-developed practice questions for the Bachelors, Masters, and Clinical exams. ChatGPT scored 76%, 80%, and 64%, respectively, and identified additional validity challenges. Based on this performance, we provide a proof-of-concept for how generative AI might move us toward a more valid and equitable exam. While we strongly support licensure requirements, state regulators and legislators should temporarily suspend the use of the ASWB exams for this purpose.
Carboxylic acid linker ligands are known to form strong metal–carboxylate bonds to afford many different variations of permanently microporous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). A controlled approach ...to decarboxylation of the ligands in carboxylate-based MOFs could result in structural modifications, offering scope to improve existing properties or to unlock entirely new properties. In this work, we demonstrate that the microporous MOF MIL-121 is transformed to a hierarchically porous MOF via thermally triggered decarboxylation of its linker. Decarboxylation and the introduction of hierarchical porosity increases the surface area of this material from 13 to 908 m2/g and enhances gas adsorption uptake for industrially relevant gases (i.e., CO2, C2H2, C2H4, and CH4). For example, CO2 uptake in hierarchically porous MIL-121 is improved 8.5 times over MIL-121, reaching 215.7 cm3/g at 195 K and 1 bar; CH4 uptake is 132.3 cm3/g at 298 K and 80 bar in hierarchically porous MIL-121 versus zero in unmodified MIL-121. The approach taken was validated using a related aluminum-based MOF, ISOMIL-53. However, many specifics of the decarboxylation procedure in MOFs have yet to be unraveled and demand prompt examination. Decarboxylation, the formation of heterogeneous hierarchical pores, gas uptakes, and host–guest interactions are comprehensively investigated using variable-temperature multinuclear solid-state NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and gas adsorption; we propose a mechanism for how decarboxylation proceeds and which local structural features are involved. Understanding the complex relationship among the molecular-level MOF structure, thermal stability, and the decarboxylation process is essential to fine-tune MOF porosity, thus offering a systematic approach to the design of hierarchically porous, custom-built MOFs suited for targeted applications.
The properties and applications of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are strongly dependent on the nature of the metals and linkers, along with the specific conditions employed during synthesis. ...Al-fumarate, trademarked as Basolite A520, is a porous MOF that incorporates aluminum centers along with fumarate linkers and is a promising material for applications involving adsorption of gases such as CO2. In this work, the solvothermal synthesis and detailed characterization of the gallium- and indium-fumarate MOFs (Ga-fumarate, In-fumarate) are described. Using a combination of powder X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinements, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, the topologies of Ga-fumarate and In-fumarate are revealed to be analogous to Al-fumarate. Ultra-wideline 69Ga, 71Ga, and 115In NMR experiments at 21.1 T strongly support our refined structure. Adsorption isotherms show that the Al-, Ga-, and In-fumarate MOFs all exhibit an affinity for CO2, with Al-fumarate being the superior adsorbent at 1 bar and 273 K. Static direct excitation and cross-polarized 13C NMR experiments permit investigation of CO2 adsorption locations, binding strengths, motional rates, and motional angles that are critical to increasing adsorption capacity and selectivity in these materials. Conducting the synthesis of the indium-based framework in methanol demonstrates a simple route to introduce porous hydrophobicity into a MIL-53-type framework by incorporation of metal-bridging −OCH3 groups in the MOF pores.
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous materials that have attracted much attention for gas adsorption applications. The ultramicroporous SIFSIX-3-Zn MOF, made up of zinc and pyrazine ...sheets pillared into a three-dimensional framework by hexafluorosilicate ions, has displayed remarkable carbon dioxide (CO2) capture abilities. Even though the CO2 adsorption capability of SIFSIX-3-Zn is known, a detailed experimental description of the CO2-loaded SIFSIX-3-Zn structure and the behavior of the adsorbed CO2 guests is yet to be reported. In this work, CO2 adsorption in SIFSIX-3-Zn is examined at the molecular level. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) was employed to identify the CO2 adsorption sites. The crystal structure of CO2-loaded MOF was subsequently compared to that of the as-made SIFSIX-3-Zn, which shows that the crystal symmetry of the MOF is guest-dependent, although the framework topology remains the same. 13C, 19F, 29Si, and 67Zn solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy was also performed to investigate the as-made, activated, and CO2-loaded SIFSIX-3-Zn. The SSNMR results reveal new insights into the effect of guest inclusion on the structure of the three SIFISIX-3-Zn phases. We have also examined CO2 dynamics in SIFSIX-3-Zn via variable-temperature 13C SSNMR spectroscopy. Adsorbed CO2 displays unusually hindered mobility, which is affected very little by temperature. This unique motional behavior is attributed to the strong CO2–MOF interactions imposed by the ultramicroporosity of the framework. The combination of SCXRD and SSNMR results clearly show that the synergistic interactions of framework hydrogen and fluorine atoms with CO2 inside the MOF is a major factor that leads to the excellent CO2 adsorption capability of SIFSIX-3-Zn.
Structural characterization of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is crucial, since an understanding of the relationship between the macroscopic properties of these industrially relevant materials and ...their molecular-level structures allows for the development of new applications and improvements in current performance. In many MOFs, the incorporated metal centers dictate the short- and long-range structure and porosity of the material. Here we demonstrate that solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy targeting NMR-active metal centers at natural abundance, in concert with ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations and X-ray diffraction (XRD), is a powerful tool for elucidating the molecular-level structure of MOFs. 91Zr SSNMR experiments on MIL-140A are paired with DFT calculations and geometry optimizations in order to detect inaccuracies in the reported powder XRD crystal structure. 115In and 139La SSNMR experiments on sets of related MOFs at two different magnetic fields illustrate the sensitivity of the 115In/139La electric field gradient tensors to subtle differences in coordination, bond length distribution, and ligand geometry about the metal center. 47/49Ti SSNMR experiments reflect the presence or absence of guest solvent in MIL-125(Ti), and when combined with DFT calculations, these SSNMR experiments permit the study of local hydroxyl group configurations within the MOF channels. 67Zn SSNMR experiments and DFT calculations are also used to explore the geometry near Zn within a set of four MOFs as well as local disordering caused by distributions of different linkers around the metal. SSNMR spectroscopy of metal centers offers an impressive addition to the arsenal of techniques for MOF characterization and is particularly useful in cases where XRD information may be ambiguous, incomplete, or unavailable.
Purpose: This study sought to replicate a previous investigation of construct-irrelevant variance on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical licensing exam completed by Albright and ...Thyer over a decade ago. Method: The performance of ChatGPT was assessed on a modified version of 50 newly developed clinical exam questions currently distributed by the ASWB, where only the four multiple-choice options for each item were presented without the question. Results: ChatGPT achieved an average accuracy rate of 73.3% across three rounds of testing, providing strong evidence of construct-irrelevant variance. Discussion: These results raise concerns about the construct validity of the clinical exam and emphasize the need for reassessment of its structure and content to ensure fairness and accuracy. Based on the findings, state legislators and regulators are encouraged to temporarily discontinue the use of the ASWB exam in the clinical licensure process until its validity flaws are resolved.
Electronic and online forms of communication play a central role in the social lives of adolescents. The increased connectivity provided by electronic communication has allowed for the distal ...engagement in a set of negative behaviors such as bullying, harassment and stalking known collectively as electronic aggression. Recent research has explored the use of electronic aggression within teen dating relationships. This study sought to expand on that research by examining the influence of the social ecology on electronic aggression in these relationships. Survey data from 727 middle and high school students who reported a dating history in the past year found significant associations between elements of the social ecology and the perpetration of electronic dating aggression (EDA). Parental involvement and perceived safety in the community were linked to decreased rates of EDA perpetration, while Adverse Childhood Experiences were connected with a greater likelihood of perpetrating EDA. The findings suggest a number of sites within the social ecology for environmental modification to protect against EDA within teen relationships.
•Electronic dating aggression in teen dating relationships includes coercive sexting, cyberstalking and harassment.•Study examines associations between electronic dating aggression and the social ecology.•Portals for modifications to the social ecology that might protect against electronic dating aggression are identified.
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