Results are presented from searches for the standard model Higgs boson in proton-proton collisions at root s = 7 and 8 TeV in the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment at the LHC, using data samples corresponding to integrated luminosities of up to 5.1 fb(-1) at 7 TeV and 5.3 fb(-1) at 8 TeV. The search is performed in five decay modes: gamma gamma, ZZ, W+W-, tau(+)tau(-), and b (b) over bar. An excess of events is observed above the expected background, with a local significance of 5.0 standard deviations, at a mass near 125 GeV, signalling the production of a new particle. The expected significance for a standard model Higgs boson of that mass is 5.8 standard deviations. The excess is most significant in the two decay modes with the best mass resolution, gamma gamma and ZZ; a fit to these signals gives a mass of 125.3 +/- 0.4(stat.) +/- 0.5(syst.) GeV. The decay to two photons indicates that the new particle is a boson with spin different from one. (C) 2012 CERN. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

There is a dearth in fundamental cellular-level understanding of how nanoparticles interact with the cells of the blood brain barrier (BBB), particularly under the oxidative environment. The apoptosis of cerebral microvessel endothelial cells (CMECs) induced by oxidative stress injury plays a key role in the dysfunction of BBB. By use of CMECs as an in vitro BBB model, we show for the first time that C(60)(C(COOH)(2))(2) nanoparticles can selectively enter oxidized CMECs rather than normal cells, and maintain CMECs integrity by attenuating H(2)O(2)-induced F-actin depolymerization via the observation of several state-of-the art microscopic techniques. Additionally, we have found that C(60)(C(COOH)(2))(2) nanoparticles greatly inhibit the apoptosis of CMECs induced by H(2)O(2), which is related to their modulation of the JNK pathway. C(60)(C(COOH)(2))(2) nanoparticles can regulate several downstream signaling events related to the JNK pathway, including reduction of JNK phosphorylation, activation of activator protein 1 (AP-1) and caspase-3, and inhibition of polyADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage and mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Our results indicate that C(60)(C(COOH)(2))(2) nanoparticles possess a novel ability of selectively entering oxidation-damaged cerebral endothelial cells rather than normal endothelial cells and then protecting them from apoptosis.

It won't stick! Aligned carbon nanotube films were used as templates in the dip coating of polymers for biomedical applications. The resulting nanostructured polymeric surfaces have excellent anti‐adhesion to blood platelets, good blood compatibility, and superhydrophobicity. The SEM image shows the side view of a film coated with a fluorinated poly(carbonate urethane); inset: a water drop profile.

Robust underwater superoleophobicity – oil repellence that is stable under loading – is achieved by constructing hierarchical macromolecule‐nanoclay hydrogels (see images), inspired by the oil‐repellent nature of the composite surface of fish. The synergetic effect of micro‐/nanostructures and the mechanical strength of hybrid hydrogels in general supports the stability of trapped water on the hydrogel surface, endowing hybid hydrogels with robust superoleophobicity (upper right inset) even under loading forces.