Development of a Candidate TMV Epitope Display Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.

Essential in halting the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, it is crucial to have stable, effective, and easy-to-manufacture vaccines. We developed a potential vaccine using a tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) epitope display model presenting peptides derived from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The TMV-epitope fusions in laboratory tests demonstrated binding to the SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal antibodies.

Light-Induced Increase of the Local Molecular Coverage on a Surface.

Light is a versatile tool to remotely activate molecules adsorbed on a surface, for example, to trigger their polymerization. Here, we explore the spatial distribution of light-induced chemical reactions on a Au(111) surface. Specifically, the covalent on-surface polymerization of an anthracene derivative in the submonolayer coverage range is studied.

Adsorbate motors for unidirectional translation and transport.

Artificial molecular motors are designed to transform external energy into useful work in the form of unidirectional motion. They have been studied mainly in solution, but also on solid surfaces, which provide fixed reference points, allowing for tracking of their movement. However, these molecules require sophisticated design and synthesis, because the motor function must be imprinted into the chemical structure, and show reduced functionality on surfaces compared with in solution.

Initiation of a Comprehensive Early Discharge Program at a Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Introduction: Early discharge protocols have become a major surgical paradigm, but this protocol is not routinely used in the Veteran Affairs (VA) system. The primary objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of a comprehensive joint program (CJP) protocol, including same-day discharge, at a VA hospital. Secondary objectives are to determine whether an increase in postoperative complications, increased readmissions, and increased ER visits compared with previous management protocols occur.

Directing and Understanding the Translation of a Single Molecule Dipole.

Understanding the directed motion of a single molecule on surfaces is not only important in the well-established field of heterogeneous catalysis but also for the design of artificial nanoarchitectures and molecular machines. Here, we report how the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) can be used to control the translation direction of a single polar molecule. Through the interaction of the molecular dipole with the electric field of the STM junction, it was found that both translations and rotations of the molecule occur.