Efficient DNA Click Reaction Replaces Enzymatic Ligation.

We report a chemical DNA-DNA ligation method based on copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). We demonstrate that ion addition dramatically influences the efficiency of the so-called click reaction. Even without any further additions, such as typically splint oligonucleotides for preorganization, the "click ligation" yields up to ∼83% product without any byproducts. Additionally, purification of the desired product is straightforward. In comparison to enzymatic ligation methods used to introduce adapters into, e.g., mRNA library preparation, this targeted chemical ligation method exhibits several advantages: increased ligated product and no adapter or cDNA oligomers byproducts. The advantages of the click ligation method were demonstrated by incorporation of azide modified nucleotides by several enzymes as well as broad polymerase acceptance of the obtained triazole linkage in PCR.

[Assistive robots for nursing care : Available products and research fields]. / Assistenzroboter für die Pflege : Verfügbare Produkte und Forschungsfelder.

In the media more and more can be read about "care robots" as a possible solution for the current lack of qualified care staff but often without differentiating this term any further. This often leads to the assumption that robots are already able to take over physical care tasks with patients; however, current solutions primarily have assistive functions. The goal of this article is to elaborate for which application areas products already exist and which topics current research projects are dealing with based on concrete examples. On the one hand, assistive robots are presented that are designed to support staff in senior care institutions and hospitals. On the other hand, assistive robots are presented that support older persons or persons in need of care in their daily lives. These observations show that existing products either provide only reduced interaction capabilities or have only limited autonomy or "intelligence". Assistive robots providing more extensive, also physical interaction abilities and complex autonomous behavior are still a research topic.

In situ characterization of gas-filled microballoons using soft X-ray microspectroscopy.

In this study we describe the first direct, real-space characterization of a novel type of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based microballoons in aqueous environment using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). From the oxygen K-edge near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra taken from the microballoon interiors we could unambiguously distinguish between water- and air-filled particles. We also demonstrate that STXM imaging below and above the O K-edge (520 eV and 550 eV) can provide unique information on the composition of microballoons in water. It was found that the particular microballoon system investigated here has a remarkable high stability and is able to contain gases for more than 6 months, making it well suited for biomedical applications.

Facial expressions and personality: a kinematical investigation during an emotion induction experiment.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In order to elucidate the relationship between personality traits and expression of positive emotions in healthy volunteers, standardized personality inventories and kinematical analysis of facial expressions can be helpful and were applied in the present study. METHODS: Markers fixed at distinct points of the face emitting ultrasonic signals at high frequency gave a direct measure of facial movements with high spatial-temporal resolution. Forty-six healthy participants (mean age: 40.7 years; 20 males, 26 females) watching a witty movie ("Mr. Bean") were investigated. RESULTS: Speed of "laughing" was associated with higher scores on Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale and NEO-FFI (Openness to Experience). CONCLUSION: Kinematical analysis of facial expressions seems to reflect sensation seeking and related personality styles. Higher speed of facial movements in sensation seekers suggests lowered serotonergic function.