bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Vaginal Microbiome: Implications for Reproductive Health in Indian Women
Authors: Yadav Jay Narayan , Kant Rajiv 
Published: December 2024

The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in women's reproductive health. It consists of a variety of bacteria that help maintain a healthy environment in the vagina. A balanced microbiome can prevent infections and support overall reproductive health. However, many women in India face challenges such as poor hygiene practices, dietary habits and lack of access to medical care which can disrupt this balance. One significant conclusion is that the diversity of the vaginal microbiome is closely linked to reproductive health outcomes, with a balanced microbiome associated with lower risks of infections and complications. The review emphasizes the role of specific hygiene practices and management, which can significantly impact the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Additionally, dietary habits were found to influence microbial diversity, suggesting that a diet rich in probiotics may promote a healthier vaginal environment. The article advocates for increased awareness and education regarding these factors among women, as they can play a crucial role in enhancing reproductive health and preventing diseases. Overall, this review provides valuable understanding of microbiome and emphasizes that promoting a healthy vaginal microbiome is essential for improving women's health and how lifestyle choices can affect women's health at a microbiological level, particularly in the context of Indian demographics.
Evolution of Development
Authors: Gregory Lauren E , Bickel Ryan D , Brisson Jennifer A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Research in the field of evolutionary developmental biology, or ‘evo‐devo’, addresses how genetic differences result in changes in development between individuals, populations or species. Evolutionary developmental biology has its roots in comparative embryology of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but the fields of evolution and development diverged soon thereafter. Advances in developmental genetics in the 1970s and 1980s, combined with the discovery that distantly related organisms share key regulatory genes and processes, provided new avenues of research in the field. Today, the strong interest in evo‐devo illustrates that evolutionary biologists, geneticists and molecular biologists increasingly wish to understand how genotypic differences are translated via development into phenotypic diversity. The combination of traditional developmental biology approaches, genomics‐era techniques and functional genetic tools has made evo‐devo studies possible in a wide range of organisms.

Key Concepts

Evolutionary developmental biology is the study of how developmental differences result in phenotypic diversity.

Homologous regulatory genes often have similar functions in even distantly related species.

New phenotypes are able to evolve because of enhancer modularity, which allows regulatory genes to evolve new functions while maintaining previously established functions.

Genomic technologies and the expansion of functional tools have resulted in the democratisation of organisms that can be used to study evolutionary developmental questions.
Wearable myoelectric interface enables high‐dose, home‐based training in severely impaired chronic stroke survivors
Authors: Hung Na‐Teng , Paul Vivek , Prakash Prashanth , Kovach Torin , Tacy Gene , Tomic Goran , Park Sangsoo , Jacobson Tyler , Jampol Alix , Patel Pooja , Chappel Anya , King Erin , Slutzky Marc W. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐intensity occupational therapy can improve arm function after stroke, but many people lack access to such therapy. Home‐based therapies could address this need, but they don’t typically address abnormal muscle co‐activation, an important aspect of arm impairment. An earlier study using lab‐based, myoelectric computer interface game training enabled chronic stroke survivors to reduce abnormal co‐activation and improve arm function. Here, we assess feasibility of doing this training at home using a novel, wearable, myoelectric interface for neurorehabilitation training (MINT) paradigm.ObjectiveAssess tolerability and feasibility of home‐based, high‐dose MINT therapy in severely impaired chronic stroke survivors.MethodsTwenty‐three participants were instructed to train with the MINT and game for 90 min/day, 36 days over 6 weeks. We assessed feasibility using amount of time trained and game performance. We assessed tolerability (enjoyment and effort) using a customized version of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory at the conclusion of training.ResultsParticipants displayed high adherence to near‐daily therapy at home (mean of 82 min/day of training; 96% trained at least 60 min/day) and enjoyed the therapy. Training performance improved and co‐activation decreased with training. Although a substantial number of participants stopped training, most dropouts were due to reasons unrelated to the training paradigm itself.InterpretationHome‐based therapy with MINT is feasible and tolerable in severely impaired stroke survivors. This affordable, enjoyable, and mobile health paradigm has potential to improve recovery from stroke in a variety of settings.Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03401762.
Childhood‐onset progressive dystonia associated with pathogenic truncating variants in CHD8
Authors: Doummar Diane , Treven Marco , Qebibo Leila , Devos David , Ghoumid Jamal , Ravelli Claudia , Kranz Gottfried , Krenn Martin , Demailly Diane , Cif Laura , Davion Jean‐Baptiste , Zimprich Fritz , Burglen Lydie , Zech Michael 
Published: August 2021

AbstractOriginally described as a risk factor for autism, CHD8 loss‐of‐function variants have recently been associated with a wider spectrum of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We further expand the CHD8‐related phenotype with the description of two unrelated patients who presented with childhood‐onset progressive dystonia. Whole‐exome sequencing conducted in two independent laboratories revealed a CHD8 nonsense variant in one patient and a frameshift variant in the second. The patients had strongly overlapping phenotypes characterized by generalized dystonia with mild‐to‐moderate neurodevelopmental comorbidity. Deep brain stimulation led to clinical improvement in both cases. We suggest that CHD8 should be added to the growing list of neurodevelopmental disorder‐associated genes whose mutations can also result in dystonia‐dominant phenotypes.
An overview on recent progress of extended state observers for uncertain systems: Methods, theory, and applications
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaocheng , Xue Wenchao , Xin Bin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractExtended state observer (ESO) is featured with online estimating both the system's states and the total effect of external disturbance as well as nonlinear uncertain dynamics. The original ESO design, proposed for the cascade‐of‐integrator system without measurement noise, has been well studied with theoretical foundation and many successful applications. In the last years, multifarious modified ESOs have also been developed to handle many engineering systems captured by the models with general nonlinear structure, time‐delay, the noises with stochastic properties, and etc. This paper aims to comprehensively investigate the representative modified ESOs in recent years. Firstly, the ESO's design and tuning law are illustrated for general uncertain systems with multiple control inputs, multiple measured outputs and various uncertainties. The quantitative results regarding the estimation errors of ESO are also presented. Next, the extended state‐based Kalman‐typed filters to handle state estimation problem against both stochastic noises and uncertain dynamics are introduced. The consistency, stability, and asymptotic optimization of the proposed filters are rigorously shown. Furthermore, some novel designs of ESO to deal with the estimation problem of uncertain nonlinear systems with time‐delay and measurement biases are discussed. We believe this overview will be helpful for practitioners in applications of recent modified ESOs.
Liquid–Metal‐Superlyophilic and Conductivity–Strain‐Enhancing Scaffold for Permeable Superelastic Conductors
Authors: Zhuang Qiuna , Ma Zhijun , Gao Yuan , Zhang Yaokang , Wang Shuaichen , Lu Xi , Hu Hong , Cheung Chifai , Huang Qiyao , Zheng Zijian 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLiquid metal (LM) has recently been used as an advanced stretchable material for constructing stretchable and wearable electronics. However, due to the poor wettability of LM and the large dimensional change during stretching, it remains very challenging to obtain a high conductivity with minimum resistance increase over large tensile strains. To address the challenge, an LM‐superlyophilic and stretchable fibrous thin‐film scaffold is reported, on which LM can be readily coated or printed to form permeable superelastic conductors. In contrast to conventional LM‐based conductors where LM particles are filled into an elastic matrix or printed on the surface of an elastic thin film, the LM can quickly infuse into the LM‐superlyophilic scaffold and form bi‐continuous phases. The LM‐superlyophilic scaffold shows unprecedented advantages of an extremely high uptake of the LM and a conductivity‐enhancement characteristic when stretched. As a result, the LM‐based conductor displays and ultrahigh conductivity of 155 900 S cm−1 and a marginal resistance change by only 2.5 fold at 2 500% strain. The conductor also possesses a remarkable durability over a period of 220 000 cycles of stretching tests. The printing of LM onto the LM‐superlyophilic scaffold for the fabrication of various permeable and wearable electronic devices is demonstrated.
Organic Semiconductor Crystal Engineering for High‐Resolution Layer‐Controlled 2D Crystal Arrays
Authors: Chen Zheng , Duan Shuming , Zhang Xiaotao , Geng Bowen , Xiao Yanling , Jie Jiansheng , Dong Huanli , Li Liqiang , Hu Wenping 
Published: August 2021

Abstract2D organic semiconductor crystals (2DOSCs) have extraordinary charge transport capability, adjustable photoelectric properties, and superior flexibility, and have stimulated continuous research interest for next‐generation electronic and optoelectronic applications. The prerequisite for achieving large‐area and high‐throughput optoelectronic device integration is to fabricate high‐resolution 2DOSC arrays. Patterned substrate‐ and template‐assisted self‐assembly is an effective strategy to fabricate OSC arrays. However, the film thickness is difficult to control due to the complicated crystallization process during solvent evaporation. Therefore, the manufacturing of 2DOSC arrays with high‐resolution and controllable molecular‐layer numbers through solution‐based patterning methods remains a challenge. Herein, a two‐step strategy to produce high‐resolution layer‐controlled 2DOSC arrays is reported. First, large‐scale 2DOSCs with well‐defined layer numbers are obtained by a solution‐processed organic semiconductor crystal engineering method. Next, the high‐resolution layer‐controlled 2DOSC arrays are fabricated by a polydimethylsiloxane mold‐assisted selective contact evaporation printing technique. The organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) based on 2DOSC arrays have high electrical performance and excellent uniformity. The 2,6‐bis(4‐hexylphenyl)anthracene 2DOSC arrays‐based OFETs have a small variation of 12.5% in mobility. This strategy can be applied to various organic semiconductors and pattern arrays. These demonstrations will offer more opportunities for 2DOSCs for integrated optoelectronic devices.
A Motion Capturing and Energy Harvesting Hybridized Lower‐Limb System for Rehabilitation and Sports Applications
Authors: Gao Shan , He Tianyiyi , Zhang Zixuan , Ao Hongrui , Jiang Hongyuan , Lee Chengkuo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLower‐limb motion monitoring is highly desired in various application scenarios ranging from rehabilitation to sports training. However, there still lacks a cost‐effective, energy‐saving, and computational complexity‐reducing solution for this specific demand. Here, a motion capturing and energy harvesting hybridized lower‐limb (MC‐EH‐HL) system with 3D printing is demonstrated. It enables low‐frequency biomechanical energy harvesting with a sliding block‐rail piezoelectric generator (S‐PEG) and lower‐limb motion sensing with a ratchet‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (R‐TENG). A unique S‐PEG is proposed with particularly designed mechanical structures to convert lower‐limb 3D motion into 1D linear sliding on the rail. On the one hand, high output power is achieved with the S‐PEG working at a very low frequency, which realizes self‐sustainable systems for wireless sensing under the Internet of Things framework. On the other hand, the R‐TENG gives rise to digitalized triboelectric output, matching the rotation angles to the pulse numbers. Additional physical parameters can be estimated to enrich the sensory dimension. Accordingly, demonstrative rehabilitation, human‐machine interfacing in virtual reality, and sports monitoring are presented. This developed hybridized system exhibits an economic and energy‐efficient solution to support the need for lower‐limb motion tracking in various scenarios, paving the way for self‐sustainable multidimensional motion tracking systems in near future.
In Memory Energy Application for Resistive Random Access Memory
Authors: Trotti Paola , Oukassi Sami , Molas Gabriel , Bernard Mathieu , Aussenac François , Pillonnet Gaël 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis work explores the innovative concept of a hybrid dual‐behavior device, based on emerging nonvolatile memory technology, for both data retention and energy storage. RRAM (resistive random access memory) is considered a major candidate as next‐generation memory, thanks to its promising performances in terms of scalability and CMOS process compatibility. Its working mechanisms, based on faradaic processes, motivate the study on the feasibility of operating RRAM also as energy storage element. To evaluate the energy capability, various electrochemical characterizations on state‐of‐the‐art RRAM are presented. The highly resistive electrolyte, extremely small physical scale (nm), and current range (pA), put in quite a critical framework, far from conventional solid‐state batteries. Cyclic voltammetry tests reveal that although no oxidation peak appears during the redox cycle, the cells behave as standard electrochemical storage elements when investigating the impact of the scan rate, maximum positive voltage, and area on the reduction peak. Concentration and diffusion coefficients are derived, in the order of 10−12 cm2 s−1 and few mmol cm−3, respectively, while energy storage capability amounts to 3.5 pJ µm−2. Finally, design concepts are proposed, where RRAM “in‐memory energy” technology would be a newfangled approach to meet the needs of various emerging and standard applications.
Seeding rate effects on forage productivity and nutritive value of sorghum
Authors: Mekasha Aklilu , Min Doohong , Bascom Nathnael , Vipham Jessie 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn Ethiopia, the use of traditional and improved grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] variety as green forage crop is limited mainly by the large stalk thickness and low nutritive values. An experiment was conducted to explore if forage biomass accumulation and nutritive values could be managed by seeding rates. Two improved dual‐purpose grain sorghum varieties (Melkam and Chelenko), and one traditional local variety (Masugi) each representing early and late maturity groups were sown for 2 yr at three locations in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications involving five seeding rates (12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha−1). The results showed significant effects of year, location, variety, seeding rate, and the interactions on different variables. These main effects contributed more and the interactions less to the total variation observed on different variables. Increasing the seeding rate significantly decreased stalk thickness, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), but significantly increased in‐vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) concentration by up to 6.6% with no significant effect on forage dry matter accumulation. Among the varieties significantly more dry matter accumulation was observed for the late‐maturing varieties, whereas the early‐maturing variety showed significantly greater crude protein (CP) and IVOMD with significantly less NDF, ADF, and ADL concentrations across the different locations. Thus, increasing the seeding rate above the recommended 12.5 kg ha−1 for grain could help improve forage potential of dual‐purpose grain sorghum varieties in Ethiopia.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Spirocyclization of Maleimide with N‐Aryl‐2,3‐dihydrophthalazine‐1,4‐dione to Access Pentacyclic Spiro‐Succinimides
Authors: Karishma Pidiyara , Mandal Sanjay K. , Sakhuja Rajeev 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA one‐pot spirocyclization of 2‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydrophthalazine‐1,4‐diones with maleimides was achieved via RhIII‐catalyzed sequential ortho‐alkenylation followed by intramolecular aza‐Michael‐type addition/protonation process. The featured strategy furnishes a series of diversely decorated spiro[indazolo[1,2‐b]phthalazine‐13,3′‐pyrrolidine]‐2′,5′,6,11‐tetraones in high yields from a variety of 2‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydrophthalazine‐1,4‐diones and N‐aryl/alkyl maleimides, which can be scaled‐up easily. Isolation and characterization of a maleimide‐coordinated five‐membered rhodacyclic intermediate provided a strong evidence for the proposed mechanism of the reaction.
Discovery and Characterisation of Highly Cooperative FAK‐Degrading PROTACs
Authors: Law Robert P. , Nunes Joao , Chung Chun‐wa , Bantscheff Marcus , Buda Karol , Dai Han , Evans John P. , Flinders Adam , Klimaszewska Diana , Lewis Antonia J. , Muelbaier Marcel , Scott‐Stevens Paul , Stacey Peter , Tame Christopher J. , Watt Gillian F. , Zinn Nico , Queisser Markus A. , Harling John D. , Benowitz Andrew B. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFocal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key mediator of tumour progression and metastasis. To date, clinical trials of FAK inhibitors have reported disappointing efficacy for oncology indications. We report the design and characterisation of GSK215, a potent, selective, FAK‐degrading Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) based on a binder for the VHL E3 ligase and the known FAK inhibitor VS‐4718. X‐ray crystallography revealed the molecular basis of the highly cooperative FAK‐GSK215‐VHL ternary complex, and GSK215 showed differentiated in‐vitro pharmacology compared to VS‐4718. In mice, a single dose of GSK215 induced rapid and prolonged FAK degradation, giving a long‐lasting effect on FAK levels (≈96 h) and a marked PK/PD disconnect. This tool PROTAC molecule is expected to be useful for the study of FAK‐degradation biology in vivo, and our results indicate that FAK degradation may be a differentiated clinical strategy versus FAK inhibition for the treatment of cancer.
Halogen Bonding in Dithiane/Iodofluorobenzene Mixtures: A New Class of Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Peloquin Andrew J. , McCollum Jena M. , McMillen Colin D. , Pennington William T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWhile research into deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has expanded over the previous two decades, the focus has remained on the utilization of hydrogen bond donors in these systems. Additionally, the majority of the known DESs rely on at least one ionic component. Through the combination of 1,3‐dithiane and 1,2‐diiodo‐3,4,5,6‐tetrafluorobenzene (1,2‐F4DIB), we report the first known DES based on halogen bonding. This mixture remains a liquid, with a eutectic melting temperature of 13.7 °C over a range of 1,3‐dithiane mole fraction (0.35 to 0.75). Additionally, cocrystals of 1,3‐ and 1,4‐dithiane with 1,2‐, 1,3‐, and 1,4‐F4DIB, as well as 1,3,5‐trifluoro‐2,4,6‐triiodobenzene were studied via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. These data reveal a wide range of halogen bonding strengths (0.85<RXB<0.99; RXB=normalized halogen bond distance parameter) and geometries about the sulfur atom. By including intermolecular interactions beyond hydrogen bonding, the scope of possible DES systems can be greatly expanded.
Reclaiming Inactive Lithium with a Triiodide/Iodide Redox Couple for Practical Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Jin Cheng‐Bin , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Sheng Ou‐Wei , Sun Shu‐Yu , Hou Li‐Peng , Shi Peng , Li Bo‐Quan , Huang Jia‐Qi , Tao Xin‐Yong , Zhang Qiang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHigh‐energy‐density lithium (Li) metal batteries suffer from a short lifespan owing to apparently ceaseless inactive Li accumulation, which is accompanied by the consumption of electrolyte and active Li reservoir, seriously deteriorating the cyclability of batteries. Herein, a triiodide/iodide (I3−/I−) redox couple initiated by stannic iodide (SnI4) is demonstrated to reclaim inactive Li. The reduction of I3− converts inactive Li into soluble LiI, which then diffuses to the cathode side. The oxidation of LiI by the delithiated cathode transforms cathode into the lithiation state and regenerates I3−, reclaiming Li ion from inactive Li. The regenerated I3− engages the further redox reactions. Furthermore, the formation of Sn mitigates the corrosion of I3− on active Li reservoir sacrificially. In working Li | LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 batteries, the accumulated inactive Li is significantly reclaimed by the reversible I3−/I− redox couple, improving the lifespan of batteries by twice. This work initiates a creative solution to reclaim inactive Li for prolonging the lifespan of practical Li metal batteries.
Binuclear Ti(IV) complex with new compartmental ligand 2,6‐(bis‐CF3‐carbinol)‐4‐tert‐butylphenol as precatalysts for ethylene polymerization and its copolymerization with propylene and 5‐ethylidene‐norbornene
Authors: Tuskaev Vladislav A. , Gagieva Svetlana Ch. , Bogdanov Vyacheslav S. , Kurmaev Dmitry A. , Melnikova Elizaveta K. , Saracheno Daniele , Buzin Mikhail I. , Golubev Evgenii K. , Kechek'yan Alexander S. , Myagkova Kristina Z. , Denisov Gleb L. , Bulychev Boris M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe coordination chemistry of a new compartmental ligand 2,6‐(bis‐CF3‐carbinol)‐4‐tert‐butylphenol with Ti(IV) and Zr(IV) has been studied. The structures of Al, Ti, and Zr complexes with the participation of this ligand were established by X‐ray diffraction. Upon activation with Et2AlCl or Et3Al2Cl3 and Bu2Mg, Ti(IV) complex exhibited moderate catalytic activity for ethylene polymerization. The obtained UHMWPE samples were processed into high‐strength (up to 2.7 GPa) and high‐modulus (up to 162 GPa) films through solid‐phase molding and orientation drawing. The mononuclear and binuclear Ti(IV) complexes catalyzed the ternary copolymerization of ethylene, propylene, and 5‐ethylidene‐norbornene. Tercopolymers with a content of propylene units up to 36 mol% and 5‐EBN up to 8.6 mol% were synthesized with a high activity (2.8–6.3 tons of copolymer/mol Ti h); the mechanical characteristics of elastomeric materials have been studied.