Super‐beacons: Open‐source probes with spontaneous tuneable blinking compatible with live‐cell super‐resolution microscopy

Localization‐based super‐resolution microscopy relies on the detection of individual molecules cycling between fluorescent and non‐fluorescent states. These transitions are commonly regulated by high‐intensity illumination, imposing constrains to imaging hardware and producing sample photodamage. Here, we propose single‐molecule self‐quenching as a mechanism to generate spontaneous photoswitching. To demonstrate this principle, we developed a new class of DNA‐based open‐source super‐resolution probes named super‐beacons, with photoswitching kinetics that can be tuned structurally, thermally and chemically. The potential of these probes for live‐cell compatible super‐resolution microscopy without high‐illumination or toxic imaging buffers is revealed by imaging interferon inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) at sub‐100 nm resolutions.     

Layer‐by‐Layer Solution‐Processed Low‐Bandgap Polymer‐PC61BM Solar Cells with High Efficiency

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) are fabricated without solvent additives using a low‐bandgap polymer, PBDTTT‐C‐T, as the donor and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric‐acid‐methyl‐ester (PC₆₁BM) as the acceptor. Donor‐acceptor blend and layer‐by‐layer (LL) solution process are used to form active layers. Relative to the blend devices, the LL devices exhibit stronger absorption, better vertical phase separation, higher hole and electron mobilities, and better charge extraction at correct electrodes. As a result, after thermal annealing the LL devices exhibit an average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.86%, which is much higher than that of the blend devices (4.31%). The best PCE of the LL devices is 7.13%, which is the highest reported for LL processed PSCs and among the highest reported for PC₆₁BM‐based single‐junction PSCs.     

A Sodium‐Ion Battery with a Low‐Cost Cross‐Linked Gel‐Polymer Electrolyte

The design of a sodium‐ion rechargeable battery with an antimony anode, a Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode, and a low‐cost composite gel‐polymer electrolyte based on cross‐linked poly(methyl methacrylate) is reported. The application of an antimony anode, on replacement of the sodium metal that is commonly used in sodium‐ion half‐cells, reduces significantly the interfacial resistance and charge transfer resistance of a sodium‐ion battery, which enables a smaller polarization for a sodium‐ion full‐cell Sb/Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ running at relatively high charge and discharge rates. The incorporation of the gel‐polymer electrolyte is beneficial to maintain stable interfaces between the electrolyte and the electrodes of the sodium‐ion battery at elevated temperature. When running at 60 °C, the sodium‐ion full‐cell Sb/Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ with the gel‐polymer electrolyte exhibits superior cycling stability compared to a battery with the conventional liquid electrolyte.     

Increased 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal‐induced proteasome dysfunction is correlated with cardiac damage in streptozotocin‐injected rats with isoproterenol infusion

Increase in 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4HNE) due to oxidative stress has been observed in a variety of cardiac diseases such as diabetic cardiomyopathy. 4HNE exerts a damaging effect in the myocardium by interfering with subcellular organelles like mitochondria by forming adducts. Therefore, we hypothesized that increased 4HNE adduct formation in the heart results in proteasome inactivation in isoproterenol (ISO)‐infused type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) rats. Eight‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg kg^?1). The rats were infused with ISO (5 mg kg^?1) for 2 weeks by mini pumps, after 8 weeks of STZ injection. We studied normal control (n = 8) and DM + ISO (n = 10) groups. Cardiac performance was assessed by echocardiography and Millar catheter at the end of the protocol at 20 weeks. Initially, we found an increase in 4HNE adducts in the hearts of the DM + ISO group. There was also a decrease in myocardial proteasomal peptidase (chymotrypsin and trypsin‐like) activity. Increases in cardiomyocyte area (446 ± 32·7 vs 221 ± 10·83) (µm²), per cent area of cardiac fibrosis (7·4 ± 0·7 vs 2·7 ± 0·5) and cardiac dysfunction were also found in DM + ISO (P < 0·05) relative to controls. We also found increased 4HNE adduct formation on proteasomal subunits. Furthermore, reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 activity was observed in the myocardium of the DM + ISO group. Treatment with 4HNE (100 μM) for 4 h on cultured H9c2 cardiomyocytes attenuated proteasome activity. Therefore, we conclude that the 4HNE‐induced decrease in proteasome activity may be involved in the cardiac pathology in STZ‐injected rats infused with ISO. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Automated measurement of site‐specific N‐glycosylation occupancy with SWATH‐MS

Asparagine‐linked glycosylation is a common post‐translational modification of proteins catalyzed by oligosaccharyltransferase that is important in regulating many aspects of protein function. Analysis of protein glycosylation, including glycoproteomic measurement of the site‐specific extent of glycosylation, remains challenging. Here, we developed methods combining enzymatic deglycosylation and protease digestion with SWATH‐MS to enable automated measurement of site‐specific occupancy at many glycosylation sites. Deglycosylation with peptide‐endoglycosidase H, leaving a remnant N‐acetylglucosamine on asparagines previously carrying high‐mannose glycans, followed by trypsin digestion allowed robust automated measurement of occupancy at many sites. Combining deglycosylation with the more general peptide‐N‐glycosidase F enzyme with AspN protease digest allowed robust automated differentiation of nonglycosylated and deglycosylated forms of a given glycosylation site. Ratiometric analysis of deglycosylated peptides and the total intensities of all peptides from the corresponding proteins allowed relative quantification of site‐specific glycosylation occupancy between yeast strains with various isoforms of oligosaccharyltransferase. This approach also allowed robust measurement of glycosylation sites in human salivary glycoproteins. This method for automated relative quantification of site‐specific glycosylation occupancy will be a useful tool for research with model systems and clinical samples.     

13,14‐seco‐Withanolides from Physalis minima with Potential Anti‐inflammatory Activity

Four new 13,14‐seco‐withanolides, minisecolides A – D ( 1  –  4 ), together with three known analogues 5  –  7 , were isolated from the whole plants of Physalis minima. The structures of new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including ¹H‐, ¹³C‐NMR, 2D‐NMR (HMBC, HSQC, ROESY), and HR‐ESI‐MS. Evaluation of all isolates for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production was conducted on lipopolysaccaride‐activated RAW264.7 macrophages. Compounds 2 , 3 , 5 , and 6 showed inhibitory activities, especially for compound 5 with IC₅₀ value of 3.87 μm .     

Synthesis of the kyotorphin precursor benzoyl‐L‐tyrosine‐L‐argininamide with immobilized α‐chymotrypsin in sequential batch with enzyme reactivation

α‐Chymotrypsin was immobilized in activated agarose support and the stability of the biocatalyst was assessed in three polar organic solvents, namely, ethanol, diglyme, and acetonitrile. Ethanol was the solvent in which the stability of the enzyme was higher and was then selected to perform the synthesis of the kyotorphin derivative benzoyl‐tyrosine argininamide, evaluating enzyme reactivation after synthesis. Substrates for reaction were benzoyl tyrosine ethyl ester and argininamide, the reaction being performed under kinetic control. High conversion yield (85%) was obtained and the immobilized enzyme was successfully used in sequential batch reactor operation with enzyme reactivation after three batches. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:54–59, 2016     

Multi‐enzymatic one‐pot reduction of dehydrocholic acid to 12‐keto‐ursodeoxycholic acid with whole‐cell biocatalysts

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a bile acid of industrial interest as it is used as an agent for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis and the medicamentous, non‐surgical dissolution of gallstones. Currently, it is prepared industrially from cholic acid following a seven‐step chemical procedure with an overall yield of <30%. In this study, we investigated the key enzymatic steps in the chemo‐enzymatic preparation of UDCA—the two‐step reduction of dehydrocholic acid (DHCA) to 12‐keto‐ursodeoxycholic acid using a mutant of 7β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7β‐HSDH) from Collinsella aerofaciens and 3α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α‐HSDH) from Comamonas testosteroni. Three different one‐pot reaction approaches were investigated using whole‐cell biocatalysts in simple batch processes. We applied one‐biocatalyst systems, where 3α‐HSDH, 7β‐HSDH, and either a mutant of formate dehydrogenase (FDH) from Mycobacterium vaccae N10 or a glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) from Bacillus subtilis were expressed in a Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) based host strain. We also investigated two‐biocatalyst systems, where 3α‐HSDH and 7β‐HSDH were expressed separately together with FDH enzymes for cofactor regeneration in two distinct E. coli hosts that were simultaneously applied in the one‐pot reaction. The best result was achieved by the one‐biocatalyst system with GDH for cofactor regeneration, which was able to completely convert 100 mM DHCA to >99.5 mM 12‐keto‐UDCA within 4.5 h in a simple batch process on a liter scale. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 68–77. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Benzylamine‐Treated Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite with High Thermal‐Photostability and Photovoltaic Performance

Mixed iodide‐bromide organolead perovskites with a bandgap of 1.70–1.80 eV have great potential to boost the efficiency of current silicon solar cells by forming a perovskite‐silicon tandem structure. Yet, the stability of the perovskites under various application conditions, and in particular combined light and heat stress, is not well studied. Here, FA_0.15Cs_0.85Pb(I_0.73Br_0.27)₃, with an optical bandgap of ≈1.72 eV, is used as a model system to investigate the thermal‐photostability of wide‐bandgap mixed halide perovskites. It is found that the concerted effect of heat and light can induce both phase segregation and decomposition in a pristine perovskite film. On the other hand, through a postdeposition film treatment with benzylamine (BA) molecules, the highly defective regions (e.g., film surface and grain boundaries) of the film can be well passivated, thus preventing the progression of decomposition or phase segregation in the film. Besides the stability improvement, the BA‐modified perovskite solar cells also exhibit excellent photovoltaic performance, with the champion device reaching a power conversion efficiency of 18.1%, a stabilized power output efficiency of 17.1% and an open‐circuit voltage (V _oc) of 1.24 V.     

Semi‐Markov Models with Phase‐Type Sojourn Distributions

Summary Continuous‐time multistate models are widely used for categorical response data, particularly in the modeling of chronic diseases. However, inference is difficult when the process is only observed at discrete time points, with no information about the times or types of events between observation times, unless a Markov assumption is made. This assumption can be limiting as rates of transition between disease states might instead depend on the time since entry into the current state. Such a formulation results in a semi‐Markov model. We show that the computational problems associated with fitting semi‐Markov models to panel‐observed data can be alleviated by considering a class of semi‐Markov models with phase‐type sojourn distributions. This allows methods for hidden Markov models to be applied. In addition, extensions to models where observed states are subject to classification error are given. The methodology is demonstrated on a dataset relating to development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in post‐lung‐transplantation patients.     

Determination of manganese‐ and manganese‐containing fungicides with lucigenin–Tween‐20‐enhanced chemiluminescence detection

A flow‐injection (FI) method is reported for the determination of Mn(II), maneb and mancozeb fungicides based on the catalytic effect of Mn(II) on the oxidation of lucigenin and dissolved oxygen in a basic solution. The Tween‐20 surfactant has been reported for first time to enhance lucigenin chemiluminescence (CL) intensity in the presence of Mn(II) (53%) and maneb and mancozeb (89%). The calibration graphs were linear in the concentration range of 0.001–1.5 mg L^–1 (R² = 0.9982 (n = 11) with a limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 0.1 µg L^–1 for Mn(II) and 0.01–3.0 mg L^–1 [R² = 0.9989 and R² = 0.9992 (n = 6)] with a limit of detection (S/N =3) of 1.0 µg L^–1 for maneb and mancozeb respectively. Injection throughputs of 90 and 120 h^–1 for Mn(II) and maneb and mancozeb respectively, and relative standard deviations of 1.0–3.4% were obtained in the concentration range studied. The experimental variables, e.g., reagents concentrations, flow rates, sample volume, and photomultiplier tube voltage, were optimized and potential interferences were investigated. The analysis of Mn(II) in river water reference materials (SLRS‐4 and SLRS‐5) showed good agreement with the certified values incorporating an on‐line 8‐hydroxyquinoline chelating column in the manifold for removing interfering metal ions. Recoveries for maneb and mancozeb were in the range of 92 ± 5 to 104 ± 3% and 91 ± 2 to 100 ± 4% (n = 3) respectively. The effect of 30 other pesticides (fungicides, herbicides and insecticides) was also examined in the lucigenin–Tween‐20 CL system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Heterojunction‐Depleted Lead‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells with Coarse‐Grained B‐γ‐CsSnI3 Thin Films

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been emerging as a breakthrough photovoltaic technology, holding unprecedented promise for low‐cost, high‐efficiency renewable electricity generation. However, potential toxicity associated with the state‐of‐the‐art lead‐containing PSCs has become a major concern. The past research in the development of lead‐free PSCs has met with mixed success. Herein, the promise of coarse‐grained B‐γ‐CsSnI₃ perovskite thin films as light absorber for efficient lead‐free PSCs is demonstrated. Thermally‐driven solid‐state coarsening of B‐γ‐CsSnI₃ perovskite grains employed here is accompanied by an increase of tin‐vacancy concentration in their crystal structure, as supported by first‐principles calculations. The optimal device architecture for the efficient photovoltaic operation of these B‐γ‐CsSnI₃ thin films is identified through exploration of several device architectures. Via modulation of the B‐γ‐CsSnI₃ grain coarsening, together with the use of the optimal PSC architecture, planar heterojunction‐depleted B‐γ‐CsSnI₃ PSCs with power conversion efficiency up to 3.31% are achieved without the use of any additives. The demonstrated strategies provide guidelines and prospects for developing future high‐performance lead‐free PVs.     

High‐Capacity All‐Solid‐State Sodium Metal Battery with Hybrid Polymer Electrolytes

All‐solid‐state sodium metal batteries (SSMBs) are of great interest for their high theoretical capacity, nonflammability, and relatively low cost owing partially to the abundance of sodium recourses. However, it is challenging to fabricate SSMBs because compared with their counterparts, which contain lithium metal, sodium metal is mechanically softer and more reactive toward the electrolyte. Herein, the synthesis and electrochemical properties of newly designed sodium‐containing hybrid network solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) and their application in SSMBs are reported. The hybrid network is synthesized by controlled crosslinking of octakis(3‐glycidyloxypropyldimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane and amine‐terminated polyethylene glycol in existence with sodium perchlorate (NaClO₄). Plating and stripping experiments using symmetric cells show prolonged cycle life of the SPEs, >5150 and 3550 h at current density of 0.1 and 0.5 mA cm^?2, respectively. The results for the first time show that the SPE|sodium metal interface migrates into the SPE phase upon cycling. SSMBs fabricated with the hybrid SPE sandwiched between sodium metal anode and bilayered δ‐Na_xV₂O₅ cathode exhibit record‐high specific capacity for solid sodium‐ion batteries of 305 mAh g^?1 and excellent Coulombic efficiency. This work demonstrates that the hybrid network SPEs are promising for SSMB applications.     

Femtosecond Laser‐Etched MXene Microsupercapacitors with Double‐Side Configuration via Arbitrary On‐ and Through‐Substrate Connections

The capacitance of microsupercapacitors (MSCs) can double if both sides of substrates are used to construct MSCs. Nevertheless, achieving electric connections of MSCs through substrates is a challenge due to the difficulty in precisely positioning each MSC couple that has two of the same MSCs units on two sides. In this work, taking advantage of the synchronous etching on both sides of transparent polyethylene terephthalate substrates by femtosecond laser pulses, a double‐sided configuration is attained with high precision in the alignment of back‐to‐back MSC couples and versatile double‐side MSCs are realized via arbitrary on‐ and through‐substrate connections of MXene MSC units. The MXene double‐side MSC fabricated by the series connection of 12 spiral pattern MXene MSC units with interdigital electrodes of 10 μm width interspace can output a large working voltage of 7.2 V. Additionally, femtosecond laser etching brings the transformation of MXene into titania near‐etched edges with a lateral distance less than 1 µm. Such a small laser‐affected area has little influence on the capacitive performance, which is one of advantages for femtosecond laser over conventional lasers. This research is valuable for one‐step manufacturing of highly integrated MSCs in the field of miniaturized energy storage systems.     

High‐Efficiency Polymer Homo‐Tandem Solar Cells with Carbon Quantum‐Dot‐Doped Tunnel Junction Intermediate Layer

The tunnel junction (TJ) intermediate connection layer (ICL), which is the most critical component for high‐efficient tandem solar cell, generally consists of hole conducting layer and polyethyleneimine (PEI) polyelectrolyte. However, because of the nonconducting feature of pristine PEI, photocurrent is open‐restricted in ICL even with a little thick PEI layer. Here, high‐efficiency homo‐tandem solar cells are demonstrated with enhanced efficiency by introducing carbon quantum dot (CQD)‐doped PEI on TJ–ICL. The CQD‐doped PEI provides substantial dynamic advantages in the operation of both single‐junction solar cells and homo‐tandem solar cells. The inclusion of CQDs in the PEI layer leads to improved electron extraction property in single‐junction solar cells and better series connection in tandem solar cells. The highest efficient solar cell with CQD‐doped PEI layer in between indium tin oxide (ITO) and photoactive layer exhibits a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.49%, which represents a value nearly 10% higher than those of solar cells with pristine PEI layer. In the case of tandem solar cells, the highest performing tandem solar cell fabricated with C‐dot‐doped PEI layer in ICL yields a PCE of 12.13%; this value represents an ≈15% increase in the efficiency compared with tandem solar cells with a pristine PEI layer.     

Asymmetric catalysis of homo‐coupling of 3‐substituted naphthylamine and hetero‐coupling with 3‐substituted naphthol leading to 3,3′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐diaminobinaphthyl and ‐2‐amino‐2′‐hydroxybinaphthyl

Optically active 3,3′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐diamino‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (DM‐DABN) and 3,3′‐dimethyl‐2‐amino‐2′‐hydroxybinaphthyl (DM‐NOBIN) derivatives were synthesized by Cu‐(?)‐sparteine complex‐catalyzed enantioselective homo‐ and hetero‐coupling of 2‐naphthylamine, respectively. The difference in enantioselectivity was observed by changing the concentration of oxygen. Chirality, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.