Unzipping of Double-Stranded DNA in Engineered α-Hemolysin Pores

The biological protein α-hemolysin nanopore is under intense investigation as a potential platform for rapid and low-cost DNA sequencing. However, due to its narrow constriction, analysis of DNA in the α-hemolysin pore has for a long time been restricted to single strands. In this paper, we report that by introducing new surface functional groups into the α-hemolysin pore, facilitated unzipping of double-stranded DNA through the channel could be achieved. Since the mean residence time of the DNA events is dependent on the length of the duplex, and also varies with the nucleotide base composition, the modified protein pore approach offers the potential for rapid double-stranded DNA analysis, including sequencing

The “e-Generation”: The Technological Usage and Experiences of Medical Students from a Developing Country

Background. The medical community is increasingly using Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs). We evaluated usage of PEDs and medical apps among medical students from Sri Lanka. Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. Medical students from 2nd to 5th year were invited for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect details of PEDs availability, accessibility, and usage, perceived advantages/barriers of PEDs, and availability, accessibility, and usage of medical apps. Results. Sample size was 505 (response rate, 61.8%). Mean age was 23.2±1.3 years and majority were females (60.4%, n=305). Majority (87.5%, n=442) of students owned a PED. Nonaffordability was the most common reason for having not owning a PED (46%). Nonaffordability and lack of knowledge were key determinants of the usage of PEDs and medical “apps.” Doubts about reliability and lack of knowledge regarding reliable electronic sources of information were other significant barriers. Conclusions. Our results show that a significant majority of students owned a PED, a higher percentage than what is reported elsewhere. Considering barriers identified, it is important for institutions to promote usage of PEDs and medical apps by providing financial support, training, and knowledge to build confidence in technology

A New Dimension in Cyclic Coinage Metal Pyrazolates: Decoration with a Second Ring of Coinage Metals by Inter-ring Metallophilic Interactions

When pyrazolate ligands with thioether chelate arms are used in cyclic coinage metal pyrazolates [Au(μ-pz)]n, the inner gold ring can be framed with an outer silver ring to give novel heterometallic double-crowned complexes [AuAg(μ-Lx)(BF4)]4. They feature short intramolecular in-plane Ag–Au interactions, are stable as octanuclear species in solution, and show promising luminescence properties