bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deconstructing Gene Function throughENUMutagenesis
Authors: Potter Paul K 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA great majority of genes present in the human genome are also present in the mouse, thus making it an attractive mammalian model organism to study gene function and dysfunction. Over the past few decades, the ability to manipulate the mouse genome has been developed in a variety of ways. A complementary methodology to create mutations in the mouse is to use chemical mutagenesis.N‐ethyl‐N‐Nitrosourea (ENU) is the mutagen of choice for creating random point mutations model organisms. Advances in sequencing technologies have resulted in a rapid identification of the causative mutation. ENU mutagenesis is a powerful hypothesis‐generating approach to create new mouse models through both forward and reverse genetics approaches. Furthermore, the addition of challenges can identify mutations affecting specific pathways, and specific mutant lines or strains can be used to identify modifiers.Key ConceptsENU produces mainly point mutations randomly throughout the genome.ENU mutagenesis can be used in both forward and reverse genetics approaches.ENU phenotype‐driven screens do not require previous knowledge of the gene to create new mouse models or reveal gene function.ENU phenotype‐driven screens can assign functions to specific protein domains.ENU phenotype‐driven screens identify new mouse models by means of phenotyping.High‐throughput sequencing technologies mean that the identification of the mutation underlying an observed phenotype is very rapid.Phenotype‐driven screens can be applied along with specific challenges or mutations to reveal mutations affecting specific pathways or which modify existing phenotypes.
Activation‐Induced Deaminase
Authors: Petersen‐Mahrt Svend , Conticello Silvestro , Munagala Uday 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Activation‐induced deaminase is a simple evolutionary tool that nature has utilised to create a very powerful immune system. Hydrolytic deamination is one of the most ancient of enzymatically catalysed reactions, and yet in the context of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can lead to wanted mutations and chromosomal rearrangements in the humoral immune system, changes in the epigenome and inactivation of foreign DNA. While on the dark side, it can lead to oncogenic mutations and translocations across the whole genome and serve as a conduit for nonmutagenic compounds to become mutagenic.

Key Concepts

AID is the ancestor to APOBEC1, and unlike APOBEC1, AID's enzymatic activity is restricted to DNA.

AID does not act on cytidine (the RNA nucleoside); hence, it should be classified as activation‐induced deoxy‐cytosine deaminase, or simply activation‐induced deaminase (AID).

AID was the first enzyme discovered to actively induce DNA lesions as part of its physiological function.

Nearly 70% of all cancer mutations are derived from the AID/APOBEC family.

Environmental factors (e.g. oestrogen) can drive AID expression, allowing for nonmutagenic compounds to elicit oncogenic mutations.

AID can be expressed in various tissues and lead to local and global DNA instability.

AID's ability to deaminate 5‐methyl cytosine can lead to active DNA demethylation and epigenetic reprogramming.

The physiological mutation activity of AID can be harnessed in new tools of biotechnology for
in vivo
genome editing.
Genetics of the Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Merepa Solomon S , Broadgate Suzanne , Sekaran Sumathi , Halford Stephanie 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

The inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of heterogeneous disorders that individually are rare, but collectively have an incidence of 1 in 2000–3000 affecting an estimated 2 million people worldwide. The main cause of vision loss is the death or dysfunction of the photoreceptors, the rods and cones, leading to either partial or total blindness. To date, over 260 genes underlying the monogenic forms of IRDs have been identified, but there are still many to find. These disorders exhibit a wide range of phenotypes with significant overlap, but they can be broadly subdivided on the basis of retinal cell type affected. Understanding the underlying genetic cause enables patients to get a definitive diagnosis and in turn allows the development of therapies targeted to a specific gene defect, with both gene therapy and gene‐editing techniques showing great potential and suggesting a promising future for people living with these conditions.

Key Concepts

The retina is the photosensitive tissue that lines the inside of the eye; it is multilayered and is composed of highly specialised cells that receive and process light information.

The inherited retinal dystrophies are a group of diseases that individually are rare, but collectively affect approximately 2 million people worldwide.

The main cause of vision loss is the death or dysfunction of the photoreceptors, the rods and cones, leading to either partial or total blindness.

Most inherited retinal dystrophies have been found to be caused by monogenic mutations in genes, although more complex forms, such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), caused by an interplay of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, also exist.

To date, more than 260 genes have been identified that cause monogenic retinal degeneration in humans.

The most common inherited retinal degeneration is retinitis pigmentosa (RP). More than 70 genes have been found to cause RP and can be inherited in an X‐linked, autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner.

IRDs exhibit both genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, meaning that different genes can cause the same disease, and the same mutation can cause different disease phenotypes in different individuals. This means that there is a significant overlap between disorders often making a clear‐cut diagnosis difficult.

Recent advances in molecular genetics have seen gene therapy trials show some success in patients, but most conditions remain without a cure; however, recent advances in molecular technology have improved our understanding of IRDs and will further aid development of therapies with gene‐editing techniques an exciting prospect.
Solution‐Processable Near‐Infrared–Responsive Composite of Perovskite Nanowires and Photon‐Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Bingxiao , Wang Yangbo , Wei Tian , Pan Yue , Zhou Enlong , Yuan Ze , Han Yingdong , Li Mengxue , Ling Xincan , Yin Lisha , Xie Xiaoji , Huang Ling 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOrganolead halide perovskites (OHPs) have shown unprecedented potentials in optoelectronics. However, the inherent large bandgap has restrained its working wavelength within 280–800 nm, while light at other regions, e.g., near‐infrared (NIR), may cause drastic thermal heating effect that goes against the duration of OHP devices, if not properly exploited. Herein, a solution processable and large‐scale synthesis of multifunctional OHP composites containing lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is reported. Upon NIR illumination, the upconverted photons from UCNPs at 520–550 nm can be efficiently absorbed by closely surrounded OHP nanowires (NWs) and photocurrent is subsequently generated. The narrow full width at half maximum of the absorption of rare earth ions (Yb3+ and Er3+) has ensured high‐selective NIR response. Lifetime characterizations have suggested that Förster resonance energy transfer with an efficiency of 28.5% should be responsible for the direct energy transfer from UCNPs to OHP NWs. The fabricated proof‐of‐concept device has showcased perfect response to NIR light at 980 and 1532 nm, which has paved new avenues for applications of such composites in remote control, distance measurement, and stealth materials.
Emerging Nonaqueous Aluminum‐Ion Batteries: Challenges, Status, and Perspectives
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Shiqi , Ji Yongjun , Ma Jianmin , Yu Haijun 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAluminum‐ion batteries (AIBs) are regarded as viable alternatives to lithium‐ion technology because of their high volumetric capacity, their low cost, and the rich abundance of aluminum. However, several serious drawbacks of aqueous systems (passive film formation, hydrogen evolution, anode corrosion, etc.) hinder the large‐scale application of these systems. Thus, nonaqueous AIBs show incomparable advantages for progress in large‐scale electrical energy storage. However, nonaqueous aluminum battery systems are still nascent, and various technical and scientific obstacles to designing AIBs with high capacity and long cycling life have not been resolved until now. Moreover, the aluminum cell is a complex device whose energy density is determined by various parameters, most of which are often ignored, resulting in failure to achieve the maximum performance of the cell. The purpose here is to discuss how to further develop reliable nonaqueous AIBs. First, the current status of nonaqueous AIBs is reviewed based on statistical data from the literature. The influence of parameters on energy density is analyzed, and the current situation and existing problems are summarized. Furthermore, possible solutions and concerns regarding the construction of reliable nonaqueous AIBs are comprehensively discussed. Finally, future research directions and prospects in the aluminum battery field are proposed.
Carbon‐Quantum‐Dots‐Loaded Ruthenium Nanoparticles as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Production in Alkaline Media
Authors: Li Weidong , Liu Yuan , Wu Min , Feng Xiaolei , Redfern Simon A. T. , Shang Yuan , Yong Xue , Feng Tanglue , Wu Kaifeng , Liu Zhongyi , Li Baojun , Chen Zhimin , Tse John S. , Lu Siyu , Yang Bai 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHighly active, stable, and cheap Pt‐free catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are facing increasing demand as a result of their potential use in future energy‐conversion systems. However, the development of HER electrocatalysts with Pt‐like or even superior activity, in particular ones that can function under alkaline conditions, remains a significant challenge. Here, the synthesis of a novel carbon‐loaded ruthenium nanoparticle electrocatalyst (Ru@CQDs) for the HER, using carbon quantum dots (CQDs), is reported. Electrochemical tests reveal that, even under extremely alkaline conditions (1 m KOH), the as‐formed Ru@CQDs exhibits excellent catalytic behavior with an onset overpotential of 0 mV, a Tafel slope of 47 mV decade−1, and good durability. Most importantly, it only requires an overpotential of 10 mV to achieve the current density of 10 mA cm−2. Such catalytic characteristics are superior to the current commercial Pt/C and most noble metals, non‐noble metals, and nonmetallic catalysts under basic conditions. These findings open a new field for the application of CQDs and add to the growing family of metal@CQDs with high HER performance.
Remote Control over Underwater Dynamic Attachment/Detachment and Locomotion
Authors: Ma Yanfei , Ma Shuanhong , Wu Yang , Pei Xiaowei , Gorb Stanislav N. , Wang Zuankai , Liu Weimin , Zhou Feng 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDespite extensive efforts to mimic the fascinating adhesion capability of geckos, the development of reversible adhesives underwater has long been lagging. The appearance of mussels‐inspired dopamine chemistry has provided the feasibility to fabricate underwater adhesives; however, for such a system, imitating the reversible and fast dynamic attachment/detachment mechanism of gecko feet still remains unsolved. Here, by synthesizing a thermoresponsive copolymer of poly(dopamine methacrylamide‐co‐methoxyethyl‐acrylate‐co‐N‐isopropyl acrylamide) and then decorating it onto mushroom‐shaped poly(dimethylsiloxane) pillar arrays, a novel underwater thermoresponsive gecko‐like adhesive (TRGA) can be fabricated, yielding high adhesion during the attachment state above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the copolymer, yet low adhesion during the detachment state below the LCST of the copolymer. By integrating the Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the TRGA, TRGAs responsive to near‐infrared laser radiation can be engineered, which can be successfully used for rapid and reversible remote control over adhesion so as to capture and release heavy objects underwater because of the contrast force change of both the normal adhesion force and the lateral friction force. It is also demonstrated that the material can be assembled on the tracks of an underwater mobile device to realize controllable movement. This opens up the door for developing intelligent underwater gecko‐like locomotion with dynamic attachment/detachment ability.
Self‐Folded Gripper‐Like Architectures from Stimuli‐Responsive Bilayers
Authors: Abdullah Arif M. , Li Xiuling , Braun Paul V. , Rogers John A. , Hsia K. Jimmy 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSelf‐folding microgrippers are an emerging class of smart structures that have widespread applications in medicine and micro/nanomanipulation. To achieve their functionalities, these architectures rely on spatially patterned hinges to transform into 3D configurations in response to an external stimulus. Incorporating hinges into the devices requires the processing of multiple layers which eventually increases the fabrication costs and actuation complexities. The goal of this work is to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve gripper‐like configurations in an on‐demand manner from simple planar bilayers that do not require hinges for their actuation. Finite element modeling of bilayers is performed to understand the mechanics behind their stimuli‐responsive shape transformation behavior. The model predictions are then experimentally validated and axisymmetric gripper‐like shapes are realized using millimeter‐scale poly(dimethylsiloxane) bilayers that undergo differential swelling in organic solvents. Owing to the nature of the computational scheme which is independent of length scales and material properties, the guidelines reported here would be applicable to a diverse array of gripping systems and functional devices. Thus, this work not only demonstrates a simple route to fabricate functional microgrippers but also contributes to self‐assembly in general.
Defect‐Enhanced Charge Separation and Transfer within Protection Layer/Semiconductor Structure of Photoanodes
Authors: Zheng Jianyun , Lyu Yanhong , Xie Chao , Wang Ruilun , Tao Li , Wu Haibo , Zhou Huaijuan , Jiang Sanping , Wang Shuangyin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSilicon (Si) requires a protection layer to maintain stable and long‐time photoanodic reaction. However, poor charge separation and transfer are key constraint factors in protection layer/Si photoanodes that reduce their water‐splitting efficiency. Here, a simultaneous enhancement of charge separation and transfer in Nb‐doped NiOx/Ni/black‐Si photoanodes induced by plasma treatment is reported. The optimized photoanodes yield the highest charge‐separation efficiency (ηsep) of ≈81% at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, corresponding to the photocurrent density of ≈29.1 mA cm−2. On the basis of detailed characterizations, the concentration and species of oxygen defects in the NiOx‐based layer are adjusted by synergistic effect of Nb doping and plasma treatment, which are the dominating factors for forming suitable band structure and providing a favorable hole‐migration channel. This work elucidates the important role of oxygen defects on charge separation and transfer in the protection layer/Si‐based photoelectrochemical systems and is encouraging for application of this synergistic strategy to other candidate photoanodes.
A General Approach for Fluid Patterning and Application in Fabricating Microdevices
Authors: Huang Zhandong , Yang Qiang , Su Meng , Li Zheng , Hu Xiaotian , Li Yifan , Pan Qi , Ren Wanjie , Li Fengyu , Song Yanlin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEngineering the fluid interface such as the gas–liquid interface is of great significance for solvent processing applications including functional material assembly, inkjet printing, and high‐performance device fabrication. However, precisely controlling the fluid interface remains a great challenge owing to its flexibility and fluidity. Here, a general method to manipulate the fluid interface for fluid patterning using micropillars in the microchannel is reported. The principle of fluid patterning for immiscible fluid pairs including air, water, and oils is proposed. This understanding enables the preparation of programmable multiphase fluid patterns and assembly of multilayer functional materials to fabricate micro‐optoelectronic devices. This general strategy of fluid patterning provides a promising platform to study the fundamental processes occurring on the fluid interface, and benefits applications in many subjects, such as microfluidics, microbiology, chemical analysis and detection, material synthesis and assembly, device fabrication, etc.
A Micro‐Ark for Cells: Highly Open Porous Polyhydroxyalkanoate Microspheres as Injectable Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Wei Dai‐Xu , Dao Jin‐Wei , Chen Guo‐Qiang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTo avoid large open surgery using scaffold transplants, small‐sized cell carriers are employed to repair complexly shaped tissue defects. However, most cell carriers show poor cell adherences and viability. Therefore, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a natural biopolymer, is used to prepare highly open porous microspheres (OPMs) of 300–360 µm in diameter, combining the advantages of microspheres and scaffolds to serve as injectable carriers harboring proliferating stem cells. In addition to the convenient injection to a defected tissue, and in contrast to poor performances of OPMs made of polylactides (PLA OPMs) and traditional less porous hollow microspheres (PHA HMs), PHA OPMs present suitable surface pores of 10–60 µm and interconnected passages with an average size of 8.8 µm, leading to a high in vitro cell adhesion of 93.4%, continuous proliferation for 10 d and improved differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). PHA OPMs also support stronger osteoblast‐regeneration compared with traditional PHA HMs, PLA OPMs, commercial hyaluronic acid hydrogels, and carrier‐free hMSCs in an ectopic bone‐formation mouse model. PHA OPMs protect cells against stresses during injection, allowing more living cells to proliferate and migrate to damaged tissues. They function like a micro‐Noah's Ark to safely transport cells to a defect tissue.
Local pH and Its Evolution Near Mg Alloy Surfaces Exposed to Simulated Body Fluids
Authors: Lamaka Sviatlana V. , Gonzalez Jorge , Mei Di , Feyerabend Frank , Willumeit‐Römer Regine , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMany reports are available on degradation rates and corrosion product characterization of magnesium alloys for implant application. Typically, the data are obtained ex situ, as post factum analysis of occurred degradation processes or in bulk electrolyte that does not fully reflect concentration gradients at the interface and in the diffusion layer. Meanwhile, these local conditions are essential for tissue‐implant compatibility. Only a limited number of studies employ the techniques that visualize ongoing degradation and are localized enough to observe the changes in the electrolyte layer directly adjacent to corroding magnesium. Here, local pH in Hank's solution is studied in operando, with potentiometric micro‐probes (d = 2 µm) located 10–50 µm above the surface of four Mg alloys potentially relevant for implant applications. A significant difference in local pH is observed for Mg in simple Hank's solution (near surface pH 9.9–10.5) or Hank's solution modified with 2.5 × 10−3
m Ca2+ (pH 7.8–8.5). The corresponding pH values are established during the first seconds of immersion. These findings indicate different degradation kinetics in electrolytes with or without Ca2+. The degradation rate of Mg alloys decreases by almost two times in Ca2+ containing Hank's solution. Calcium‐phosphate/carbonate protective layer stabilizes the surface pH below 8.5 controlling Mg degradation.
Recent Progress in Durable and Self‐Healing Super‐Nonwettable Fabrics
Authors: Zhou Hua , Wang Hongxia , Niu Haitao , Lin Tong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractConsiderable interest has been devoted to the development of super‐nonwettable (SNW) fabrics owing to their novel functions and enormous potential for applications in diverse fields. The key to practical applications of super‐nonwettable fabrics is durability against various damages. Novel strategies have been developed to improve the durability of SNW fabrics. To mimic regeneration ability of natural SNW surfaces, self‐healing is introduced. This review summarizes the recent research progress in super‐nonwettable fabrics. It summarizes commonly used SNW properties including superhydrophobic–superoleophilic, superhydrophobic–superoleophobic (i.e., superamphiphobic), superoleophobic–superhydrophilic, and underwater superoleophobic fabrics. Strategies to fabricate durable SNW coatings on fabrics are discussed. Special attention is paid toward self‐healing SNW fabrics. A perspective on the future development in this field is also provided.
Recent Advances in the Electrochemical α‐C–H Bond Functionalization of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Liang Sen , Xu Kun , Zeng Cheng‐Chu , Tian Hong‐Yu , Sun Bao‐Guo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe α‐C–H functionalization of carbonyl compounds represents a cornerstone of organic chemistry. Site‐selective α‐C−H bond functionalization of carbonyl compounds to afford more versatile functionalized groups has become a promising strategy for atom‐economical C−C and C−X bond formation. Organic electrosynthesis is revolutionizing the nature of organic synthesis, and this field has seen explosive growth in recent years. In this review, we discuss advances in the use of electrochemistry for the α‐C–H oxidative functionalization of carbonyl compounds published since 2000.magnified image