Electroisomerization blinking of an azobenzene derivative molecule.

We report here the reversibility and bistability of the switching behavior in an azobenzene derivative induced by the bias applied by a scanning-tunneling microscopy (STM) tip, at low temperature and in ultra-high vacuum environment. Thisto-andto-switching were observed during STM imaging in either polarity at +2 V or -2 V, on a sub-second time scale. This results in a blinking effect visible on STM images, corresponding to the reversible switching of the azobenzene molecule under the applied STM bias through an electric field induced process.

International Proficiency Test Targeting a Large Panel of Botulinum Neurotoxin Sero- and Subtypes in Different Matrices.

Detection of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) involves a combination of technical challenges that call for the execution of inter-laboratory proficiency tests (PTs) to define the performance and ease of implementation of existing diagnostic methods regarding representative BoNT toxin-types spiked in clinical, food, or environmental matrices. In the framework of the EU project EuroBioTox, we organized an international proficiency test for the detection and quantification of the clinically relevant BoNT/A, B, E, and F sero- and subtypes including concentrations as low as 0.5 ng/mL.

Targeting TXNIP in endothelial progenitors mitigates IL-8-induced neutrophil recruitment under metabolic stress.

Background: This study explores the potential role of Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) silencing in endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) within the scope of age-related comorbidities and impaired vascular repair. We aim to elucidate the effects of TXNIP silencing on vasculogenic properties, paracrine secretion, and neutrophil recruitment under conditions of metabolic stress.

Methods: ECFCs, isolated from human blood cord, were transfected with TXNIP siRNA and exposed to a high glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) medium to simulate metabolic stress.

Computational method for designing vaccines applied to virus-like particles (VLPs) as epitope carriers.

Nonenveloped virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled oligomeric structures composed of one or more proteins that originate from diverse viruses. Because these VLPs have similar antigenicity to the parental virus, they are successfully used as vaccines against cognate virus infection. Furthermore, after foreign antigenic sequences are inserted in their protein components (chimVLPs), some VLPs are also amenable to producing vaccines against pathogens other than the virus it originates from (these VLPs are named platform or epitope carrier).

Persistence and emergence of new neuropsychological deficits following SARS-CoV-2 infection: A follow-up assessment of the Geneva COVID-COG cohort.

Background: Despite numerous observations of neuropsychological deficits immediately following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, little is known about what happens to these deficits over time and whether they are affected by changes in fatigue and any psychiatric symptoms. We aimed to assess the prevalence of neuropsychological deficits at 6-9 months and again at 12-15 months after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to explore whether it was associated with changes in fatigue and psychiatric symptoms.

Methods: We administered a series of neuropsychological tests and psychiatric questionnaires to 95 patients (mean age = 57.

Molecular Junctions for Terahertz Switches and Detectors.

Molecular electronics targets tiny devices exploiting the electronic properties of the molecular orbitals, which can be tailored and controlled by the chemical structure and configuration of the molecules. Many functional devices have been experimentally demonstrated; however, these devices were operated in the low-frequency domain (mainly dc to MHz). This represents a serious limitation for electronic applications, although molecular devices working in the THz regime have been theoretically predicted.

Electropolymerization processing of side-chain engineered EDOT for high performance microelectrode arrays.

Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) are popular tools for in vitro extracellular recording. They are often optimized by surface engineering to improve affinity with neurons and guarantee higher recording quality and stability. Recently, PEDOT:PSS has been used to coat microelectrodes due to its good biocompatibility and low impedance, which enhances neural coupling.

Latent profile analysis of adolescent temperament: Relations to happiness and health in adulthood.

Introduction: This study provides long-term evidence that profiles of temperament during adolescence are associated with happiness and health over two decades later.

Methods: Data are based on the ongoing Fullerton Longitudinal Study, a community-based sample in the United States. At 14 and 16 years, adolescents (N = 111; 52% male, 90% Euro-American) and their mothers (N = 105) completed the Dimensions of Temperament Survey-Revised, a scale designed specifically to assess adolescents' temperament across a set of attributes.

Correction: Redox-controlled conductance of polyoxometalate molecular junctions.

Correction for 'Redox-controlled conductance of polyoxometalate molecular junctions' by Cécile Huez , , 2022, , 13790-13800, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NR03457C.

Redox-controlled conductance of polyoxometalate molecular junctions.

We demonstrate the reversible photoreduction of molecular junctions of a phosphomolybdate [PMoO] monolayer self-assembled on flat gold electrodes, connected by the tip of a conductive atomic force microscope. The conductance of the one electron reduced [PMoO] molecular junction is increased by ∼10, and this open-shell state is stable in the junction in air at room temperature. The analysis of a large current-voltage dataset by unsupervised machine learning and clustering algorithms reveals that the electron transport in the pristine phosphomolybdate junctions leads to symmetric current-voltage curves, controlled by the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) at 0.

Thermal and electrical cross-plane conductivity at the nanoscale in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):trifluoromethanesulfonate thin films.

Cross-plane electrical and thermal transport in thin films of a conducting polymer (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT) stabilized with trifluoromethanesulfonate (OTf) is investigated in this study. We explore their electrical properties by conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM), which reveals the presence of highly conductive nano-domains. Thermal conductivity in the cross-plane direction is measured by null-point scanning thermal microscopy (NP-SThM).

Terphenylthiazole-based self-assembled monolayers on cobalt with high conductance photo-switching ratio for spintronics.

Two new photo-switchable terphenylthiazole molecules are synthesized and self-assembled as monolayers on Au and on ferromagnetic Co electrodes. The electron transport properties probed by conductive atomic force microscopy in ultra-high vacuum reveal a larger conductance of the light-induced closed (c) form than for the open (o) form. We report an unprecedented conductance ratio of up to 380 between the closed and open forms on Co for the molecule with the anchoring group (thiol) on the side of the two N atoms of the thiazole unit.

Positive family relationships across 30 years: Predicting adult health and happiness.

In this prospective study, we examined the link between positive family relationships during childhood and adolescence and health and happiness three decades later in middle adulthood. We also investigated the stability of positive family relationships into adulthood as one possible pathway underlying this long-term association. Data were from the Fullerton Longitudinal Study (FLS) an ongoing investigation in the United States initiated in 1979 when children were aged 1 year with the most recent data collected in 2017.

Passivation of miniature microwave coplanar waveguides using a thin film fluoropolymer electret.

The insertion losses of miniature gold/silicon-on-insulator (SOI) coplanar waveguides (CPW) are rendered low, stable, and light insensitive when covered with a thin film (95 nm) fluoropolymer deposited by a trifluoromethane (CHF) plasma. Microwave characterization (0-50 GHz) of the CPWs indicates that the fluoropolymer stabilizes a hydrogen-passivated silicon surface between the CPW tracks. The hydrophobic nature of the fluoropolymer acts as a humidity barrier, meaning that the underlying intertrack silicon surfaces do not re-oxidize over time-something that is known to increase losses.

Dimeric Rhodopsin R135L Mutant-Transducin-like Complex Sheds Light on Retinitis Pigmentosa Misfunctions.

Rhodopsin (RHO) is a light-sensitive pigment in the retina and the main prototypical protein of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GCPR) family. After receiving a light stimulus, RHO and its cofactor retinylidene undergo a series of structural changes that initiate an intricate transduction mechanism. Along with RHO, other partner proteins play key roles in the signaling pathway.

USP28 deletion and small-molecule inhibition destabilizes c-MYC and elicits regression of squamous cell lung carcinoma.

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a considerable global health burden, with an incidence of over 600,000 cases per year. Treatment options are limited, and patient's 5-year survival rate is less than 5%. The ubiquitin-specific protease 28 (USP28) has been implicated in tumourigenesis through its stabilization of the oncoproteins c-MYC, c-JUN, and Δp63.

Antibodies response induced by recombinant virus-like particles from Triatoma virus and chimeric antigens from Trypanosoma cruzi.

Background: The infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi affects humans and is called as Chagas disease. Currently, the main measures available to reduce the incidence of this disease are drug treatment and vector control. Traditionally, the development of vaccines occurs mainly through the use of antigenic candidates of the etiologic agent in the form of a vaccine preparation.

Immunoprofiling Correlates of Protection Against SHIV Infection in Adjuvanted HIV-1 Pox-Protein Vaccinated Rhesus Macaques.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection remains a major public health threat due to its incurable nature and the lack of a highly efficacious vaccine. The RV144 vaccine trial is the only clinical study to date that demonstrated significant but modest decrease in HIV infection risk. To improve HIV-1 vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy, we recently evaluated pox-protein vaccination using a next generation liposome-based adjuvant, Army Liposomal Formulation adsorbed to aluminum (ALFA), in rhesus monkeys and observed 90% efficacy against limiting dose mucosal SHIV challenge in male animals.

Conductance switching of azobenzene-based self-assembled monolayers on cobalt probed by UHV conductive-AFM.

We report the formation of self-assembled monolayers of a molecular photoswitch (azobenzene-bithiophene derivative, AzBT) on cobalt via a thiol covalent bond. We study the electrical properties of the molecular junctions formed with the tip of a conductive atomic force microscope under ultra-high vacuum. The statistical analysis of the current-voltage curves shows two distinct states of the molecule conductance, suggesting the coexistence of both the trans and cis azobenzene isomers on the surface.

From Cell Death to Regeneration: Rebuilding After Injury.

The ability to regrow lost or damaged tissues is widespread, but highly variable among animals. Understanding this variation remains a challenge in regeneration biology. Numerous studies from to mouse have shown that apoptosis acts as a potent and necessary mechanism in regeneration.

VLP-Based Vaccines as a Suitable Technology to Target Trypanosomatid Diseases.

Research on vaccines against trypanosomatids, a family of protozoa that cause neglected tropical diseases, such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and sleeping sickness, is a current need. Today, according to modern vaccinology, virus-like particle (VLP) technology is involved in many vaccines, including those undergoing studies related to COVID-19. The potential use of VLPs as vaccine adjuvants opens an opportunity for the use of protozoan antigens for the development of vaccines against diseases caused by , spp.

Virion structure and genome release mechanism of dicistrovirus Kashmir bee virus.

Infections of Kashmir bee virus (KBV) are lethal for honeybees and have been associated with colony collapse disorder. KBV and closely related viruses contribute to the ongoing decline in the number of honeybee colonies in North America, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world. Despite the economic and ecological impact of KBV, its structure and infection process remain unknown.

Thermal conductivity of benzothieno-benzothiophene derivatives at the nanoscale.

We study by scanning thermal microscopy the nanoscale thermal conductance of films (40-400 nm thick) of [1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (BTBT) and 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT-C8). We demonstrate that the out-of-plane thermal conductivity is significant along the interlayer direction, larger for BTBT (0.63 ± 0.

Electrical molecular switch addressed by chemical stimuli.

We demonstrate that the conductance switching of benzo-bis(imidazole) molecules upon protonation depends on the lateral functional groups. The protonated H-substituted molecule shows a higher conductance than the neutral one (Gpro > Gneu), while the opposite (Gneu > Gpro) is observed for a molecule laterally functionalized by amino-phenyl groups. These results are demonstrated at various scale lengths: self-assembled monolayers, tiny nanodot-molecule junctions and single molecules.