Improving debriefing practices for participants in social science experiments.

Social science experiments often expose participants to false, deceptive, or otherwise harmful content. In an effort to mitigate the effects of such content and to comply with regulatory standards, these studies usually conclude by "debriefing" participants about the content they encountered, on the assumption that doing so will eliminate the effects of exposure. We present evidence showing that this assumption is not always correct.

Real-Time Visualization of HIV-1 RNA Detection Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification-Enabled Particle Diffusometry.

Isothermal nucleic acid amplification tests, NAATs, such as reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), offer promising capabilities to perform real-time semiquantitative detection of viral pathogens. These tests provide rapid results, utilize simple instrumentation for single-temperature reactions, support efficient user workflows, and are suitable for field use. Herein, we present a novel and robust method for real-time monitoring of HIV-1 RNA RT-LAMP utilizing a novel implementation of particle diffusometry (PD), a diffusivity quantification technique using fluorescent particles, to quantify viral concentration in nuclease-free water.

Immobilization of azide-functionalized proteins to micro- and nanoparticles directly from cell lysate.

Immobilization of proteins and enzymes on solid supports has been utilized in a variety of applications, from improved protein stability on supported catalysts in industrial processes to fabrication of biosensors, biochips, and microdevices. A critical requirement for these applications is facile yet stable covalent conjugation between the immobilized and fully active protein and the solid support to produce stable, highly bio-active conjugates. Here, we report functionalization of solid surfaces (gold nanoparticles and magnetic beads) with bio-active proteins using site-specific and biorthogonal labeling and azide-alkyne cycloaddition, a click chemistry.

Quantifying Brownian motion in the presence of simple shear flow with particle diffusometry.

Particle diffusometry, a technology derived from particle image velocimetry, quantifies the Brownian motion of particles suspended in a quiescent solution by computing the diffusion coefficient. Particle diffusometry has been used for pathogen detection by measuring the change in solution viscosity due to amplified DNA from a specific gene target. However, particle diffusometry fails to calculate accurate measurements at elevated temperatures and fluid flow.

PD-LAMP smartphone detection of SARS-CoV-2 on chip.

In 2019 the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, demonstrated the urgent need for rapid, reliable, and portable diagnostics. The COVID-19 pandemic was declared in January 2020 and surges of the outbreak continue to reoccur. It is clear that early identification of infected individuals, especially asymptomatic carriers, plays a huge role in preventing the spread of the disease.

Towards the use of a smartphone imaging-based tool for point-of-care detection of asymptomatic low-density malaria parasitaemia.

Background: Globally, there are over 200 million cases of malaria annually and over 400,000 deaths. Early and accurate detection of low-density parasitaemia and asymptomatic individuals is key to achieving the World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 sustainable development goals of reducing malaria-related deaths by 90% and eradication in 35 countries. Current rapid diagnostic tests are neither sensitive nor specific enough to detect the low parasite concentrations in the blood of asymptomatic individuals.

Evaluating the effects of vaccine messaging on immunization intentions and behavior: Evidence from two randomized controlled trials in Vermont.

The effectiveness of vaccines in reducing child morbidity and mortality worldwide relies on public acceptance. However, relatively little is known about the effects of vaccine communication on vaccine attitudes and immunization behavior. Previous research suggests that common communication approaches may be ineffective or even counterproductive, especially among vaccine-hesitant parents.

Elite rhetoric can undermine democratic norms.

Democratic stability depends on citizens on the losing side accepting election outcomes. Can rhetoric by political leaders undermine this norm? Using a panel survey experiment, we evaluate the effects of exposure to multiple statements from former president Donald Trump attacking the legitimacy of the 2020 US presidential election. Although exposure to these statements does not measurably affect general support for political violence or belief in democracy, it erodes trust and confidence in elections and increases belief that the election is rigged among people who approve of Trump's job performance.

Usability of Rapid Cholera Detection Device (OmniVis) for Water Quality Workers in Bangladesh: Iterative Convergent Mixed Methods Study.

Background: Cholera poses a significant global health burden. In Bangladesh, cholera is endemic and causes more than 100,000 cases each year. Established environmental reservoirs leave millions at risk of infection through the consumption of contaminated water.

A smartphone-based particle diffusometry platform for sub-attomolar detection of Vibrio cholerae in environmental water.

Each year, 3.4 million people die from waterborne diseases worldwide. Development of a rapid and portable platform for detecting and monitoring waterborne pathogens would significantly aid in reducing the incidence and spread of infectious diseases.

Particle Diffusometry: An Optical Detection Method for Vibrio cholerae Presence in Environmental Water Samples.

There is a need for a rapid, robust, and sensitive biosensor to identify low concentrations of pathogens in their native sample matrix without enrichment or purification. Nucleic acid-based detection methods are widely accepted as the gold standard in diagnostics, but robust detection of low concentrations of pathogens remains challenging. Amplified nucleic acids produce more viscous solutions, which can be measured by combining these products with fluorescent particles and measuring the change in the particle diffusion coefficient using a technique known as particle diffusometry.

DNA Microviscosity Characterization with Particle Diffusometry for Downstream DNA Detection Applications.

Analytical characterization of DNA microviscosity provides critical biophysical insights into nuclear crowding, nucleic acid based pharmaceutical development, and nucleic acid based biosensor device design. However, most viscosity characterization methods require large sample volumes and destructive testing. In contrast, particle diffusometry permits in situ analysis of DNA microviscosity with short measurement times (8 s) using small volumes (<3 μL) which are compatible with DNA preparatory procedures.

Physical characterization of nanoparticle size and surface modification using particle scattering diffusometry.

As the field of colloidal science continues to expand, tools for rapid and accurate physiochemical characterization of colloidal particles will become increasingly important. Here, we present Particle Scattering Diffusometry (PSD), a method that utilizes dark field microscopy and the principles of particle image velocimetry to measure the diffusivity of particles undergoing Brownian motion. PSD measures the diffusion coefficient of particles as small as 30 nm in diameter and is used to characterize changes in particle size and distribution as a function of small, label-free, surface modifications of particles.

Dynamic optoelectric trapping and deposition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

In the path toward the realization of carbon nanotube (CNT)-driven electronics and sensors, the ability to precisely position CNTs at well-defined locations remains a significant roadblock. Highly complex CNT-based bottom-up structures can be synthesized if there is a method to accurately trap and place these nanotubes. In this study, we demonstrate that the rapid electrokinetic patterning (REP) technique can accomplish these tasks.

Optoelectric patterning: Effect of electrode material and thickness on laser-induced AC electrothermal flow.

Rapid electrokinetic patterning (REP) is an emerging optoelectric technique that takes advantage of laser-induced AC electrothermal flow and particle-electrode interactions to trap and translate particles. The electrothermal flow in REP is driven by the temperature rise induced by the laser absorption in the thin electrode layer. In previous REP applications 350-700 nm indium tin oxide (ITO) layers have been used as electrodes.

A remarkable short-snouted horned dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous (late Campanian) of southern Laramidia.

The fossil record of centrosaurine ceratopsids is largely restricted to the northern region of western North America (Alberta, Montana and Alaska). Exceptions consist of single taxa from Utah (Diabloceratops) and China (Sinoceratops), plus otherwise fragmentary remains from the southern Western Interior of North America. Here, we describe a remarkable new taxon, Nasutoceratops titusi n.