A redox-responsive oil-in-dispersion emulsion was developed by using a cationic ferrocene surfactant (FcCOC 10 N) and Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles, in which the required concentrations of FcCOC 10 N and Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles are as low as 0.001 mM (≈0.005 cmc) and 0.006 wt %, respectively. Rapid demulsification can be successfully achieved through a redox trigger, resulting from the transition of FcCOC 10 N from a normal cationic surfactant form into a strongly hydrophilic Bola type form (Fc + COC 10 N). Moreover, Fc + COC 10 N together with the particles almost resides in the aqueous phase and can be recovered after the reduction reaction. Not only the amount of surfactant and nanoparticles are significantly reduced but also the emulsifier (surfactant and alumina) can be recycled and reused from the aqueous phase, which is a sustainable and economical strategy for various applications.

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder, and the exact causal mechanism is unknown. Dysregulated allele-specific expression (ASE) has been identified in persons with ASD; however, a comprehensive analysis of ASE has not been conducted in a family quartet with ASD. To fill this gap, we analyzed ASE using genomic DNA from parent and offspring and RNA from offspring’s postmortem prefrontal cortex (PFC); one of the two offspring had been diagnosed with ASD. DNA- and RNA-sequencing revealed distinct ASE patterns from the PFC of both offspring. However, only the PFC of the offspring with ASD exhibited a mono-to-biallelic switch for LRP2BP and ZNF407. We also identified a novel site of RNA-editing in KMT2C in addition to new monoallelically-expressed genes and miRNAs. Our results demonstrate the prevalence of ASE in human PFC and ASE abnormalities in the PFC of a person with ASD. Taken together, these findings may provide mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of ASD.

Terra Nova, 22, 251–256, 2010 Abstract The continuously distributed, well‐preserved fracture‐filling carbonates were collected from the cores retrieved from the Taiwan Chelungpu‐fault Drilling Program between 400 and 2000 m depth for carbon and oxygen isotope analyses to constrain the fluid compositions and processes associated with brittle deformation within the accretionary wedge. The isotope analyses of fracture‐filling carbonates yielded δ18O values steadily increasing with depth. The δ13C values exhibited a pattern similar to that of δ18O values at shallower depths, but an opposite trend at greater depths. Such variations in the isotopic compositions could be best explained by a mixing of shallow, meteoric water and deeply rooted fluid carrying isotopic signatures of various microbial processes. The notable excursion of δ18O values might infer a conduit for the lateral fluid transport along the high vein density zone. Overall, the isotopic patterns preclude the substantial influence of early diagenesis and suggest pervasive fluid percolation through the fracture network.

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