Ring Configuration Research Articles

Bidirectional Multi-Device Daisy Chain Communication Architecture and Verification Based on UART Serial Communication Protocol

This paper proposes an innovative bidirectional multi-device daisy chain communication framework grounded in the Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART) serial communication protocol. This intricate architecture employs four distinct physical Input/Output (IO) interfaces to facilitate dynamic serial communication amongst multiple devices. These devices can be conjoined in a sequential daisy chain or in a closed-loop ring configuration. To further enhance the functionality, our system incorporates a unique mechanism that leverages randomized device codes for rapid address allocation. This not only facilitates directional communication but also supports broad-spectrum broadcast transmissions. An exhaustive simulation of the said protocol was carried out utilizing Proteus software in tandem with a Microcontroller Unit (MCU) model. Critical parameters such as communication response delay, the cumulative failure rate of transmissions, and the isolated failure rate of individual data packets between nodes were meticulously evaluated. Preliminary findings underscore the protocol's potential in fostering cost-effective and dependable communication amongst a plethora of devices. The practicality and versatility of this system manifest prominently in arenas like cluster robot command, robotic automation, and holistic environmental monitoring.

Tunable Zinc-Mediated Reductive Cyclization of Diastereomeric 3-Nitro-4-phenacyl-2-(trihalomethyl)chromanes to Fused Pyrroline N-Oxides, Pyrrolines, and Pyrrolidines.

Reductive cyclization of trans,trans- and trans,cis-isomers of the 2-CF3-substituted 3-nitro-4-phenacylchromanes with Zn-based reductive systems, depending on the conditions, affords 4-CF3-substituted 1,3a,4,9b-tetrahydrochromeno[3,4-b]pyrrole 3-oxides, 1,3a,4,9b-tetrahydrochromeno[3,4-b]pyrroles, or 1,2,3,3a,4,9b-hexahydrochromeno[3,4-b]pyrroles in good yields without changing the relative configuration of the pyran ring. A similar process involving the 2-CCl3-substituted 3-nitro-4-phenacylchromanes is accompanied by reductive dehalogenation to form the corresponding 4-dichloromethyl-substituted fused chromanes along with the 3-(2-hydroxyaryl)-2-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-5-phenyl-2H-pyrroline 1-oxides as pyran ring opening products. The structure and relative configuration of the obtained products was reliably confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and 2D NMR spectroscopy.

Synchronization in network motifs of three piecewise Rössler systems coupled in ring configuration

In this work, we study the synchronization in the network motifs of three piecewise Rössler systems that exhibit coexistence of two attractors, coupled in ring configuration, in particular a bidirectional auxiliary coupling. For this configuration, we analyze the interaction of the systems by varying the coupling strengths, in order to characterize the conditions under which complete synchronization between the three systems can be achieved. The numerical results prove that the interaction of various multistable chaotic systems causes different types of synchronization and very complex dynamics between the systems is achieved. We obtain complete synchronization between the three systems and find the range of values of the coupling strengths where the distinct types of synchronization occur.

Biosynthesis, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships of decalin-containing tetramic acid derivatives isolated from fungi.

Covering: up to December 2023Decalin-containing tetramic acid derivatives, especially 3-decalinoyltetramic acids (3-DTAs), are commonly found as fungal secondary metabolites. Numerous biological activities of this class of compounds, such as antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, antiplasmodial, and antiprotozoal properties, have been the subject of ongoing research. For this reason, these molecules have attracted a lot of interest from the scientific community and various efforts including semi-synthesis, co-culturing with bacteria and biosynthetic gene sequencing have been made to obtain more derivatives. In this review, 3-DTAs are classified into four major groups based on the absolute configuration of the bicyclic decalin ring. Their biosynthetic pathways, various biological activities, and structure-activity relationship are then introduced.

Infrared bands of neutral gas-phase carbon clusters in a broad spectral range.

The identification of species in the interstellar medium requires precise and molecule-specific spectroscopic information in the laboratory framework, in broad spectral ranges and under conditions relevant to interstellar environments. In this work, we measure the gas-phase infrared spectra of neutral carbon clusters, CN (N = 6-11), in a molecular beam. The CN distribution is formed by photofragmentation of C60 molecules, concurrently showing a top-down formation mechanism. A broad spectral range in the infrared between 500-3200 cm-1 (20-3.125 μm) is investigated. We observe strong bands between 5 and 6 μm, in conjunction with novel features in the 3 μm region. Density functional theory calculations reveal that these short wavelength modes correspond to combination bands with significant infrared intensity. Moreover, we identify the N ≤ 10 clusters as linear, while C11 adopts a ring configuration, placing the linear-to-ring transition at N = 11 under our molecular beam conditions. The linearity of C10 is discussed based on the formation pathway from larger clusters in energetic conditions. Given the vast and very precise infrared information already been released from the James Webb Space Telescope mission, this infrared spectroscopic data set in conjunction with information on formation mechanisms is of major relevance for identifying neutral carbon clusters in astronomical environments.

FCH HVAC Honeycomb Ring Network—Transition from Traditional Power Supply Systems in Existing and Revitalized Areas

This paper discusses the application of a new honeycomb FCH HVAC (Free Cooling and Heating System, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) ring network technology that reduces the primary energy consumption in existing infrastructure. The aim of the research is to evaluate the cost-environmental viability of upgrading the technical infrastructure and moving from traditional to newly designed green systems built on renewable energy sources. The results show that the energy capacity stored in groundwater is equivalent to 65% of building demand, resulting in a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a traditional HVAC system. The solution reduces the consumption of natural resources by using renewable energy sources with horizontal heat exchangers arranged in independent ring configurations.

Enhancing cassiterite flotation by 1-hydroxydodecylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HDDPA)

The effective beneficiation of cassiterite from gangue minerals through flotation has gained significant attention due to the strategic importance of cassiterite. In the present investigation, the floatability of cassiterite was explored using 1-hydroxydodecylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HDDPA) as a collector. Micro-flotation experiments demonstrated that cassiterite exhibited remarkable floatability within the pH range of 5.5–8.0, and HDDPA realized an efficient separation of cassiterite from calcite at pH around 6.0. Analysis of the zeta potential revealed that the negatively charged HDDPA anion overcame the electrostatic repulsion between the collector and the cassiterite surface, leading to its adsorption on the cassiterite surface. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses indicated that the surface Sn(IV) of cassiterite interacted with the O atoms of the O-P(=O)-O group in HDDPA, forming a four-membered ring configuration that rendered the cassiterite hydrophobic. This work offers valuable insights into the utilization of novel collectors for achieving efficient flotation of cassiterite, especially for the fine fraction, along with an understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

High Coordination Numbers of Actinides (An) in AnC13+ Rings (An = Th and U).

An intriguingly high abundance of both ThC13+ and UC13+ cluster cations was observed in a previous mass spectrometry experiment; however, the structural identification of these cations has not yet been completed. In this study, we determined the lowest lying structures of ThC13+ and UC13+ clusters using an unbiased structural search method. The 13-coordinate planar ring configuration was the most stable for both ThC13+ and UC13+ cluster cations. The C-An bonds in ThC13+ and UC13+ show a small degree of covalency, originating from the overlap of the s, d, and f orbitals of the An atoms with C 2p orbitals of both π and σ characteristics. The infrared and electronic absorption spectra of the most favorable planar ring configurations were theoretically simulated to facilitate the identification of the molecular structures in future experiments. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the experimental mass spectra.

Process based modelling of plants–fungus interactions explains fairy ring types and dynamics

Many mushroom-forming fungi can develop circular colonies affecting the vegetation in a phenomenon named fairy rings. Since the nineteenth century, several hypotheses have been proposed to explain how fairy ring fungi form ring-like shapes instead of disks and why they produce negative or positive effects on the surrounding vegetation. In this context, we present a novel process-based mathematical model aimed at reproducing the mycelial spatial configuration of fairy rings and test different literature-supported hypotheses explaining the suppressive and stimulating effects of fungi on plants. Simulations successfully reproduced the shape of fairy rings through the accumulation of fungal self-inhibitory compounds. Moreover, regarding the negative effects of fungi on vegetation, results suggest that fungal-induced soil hydrophobicity is sufficient to reproduce all observed types of fairy rings, while the potential production of phytotoxins is not. In relation to the positive effects of fungi on plants, results show that the release of phytostimulants is needed to reproduce the vegetation patterns associated to some fairy ring types. Model outputs can guide future experiments and field work to corroborate the considered hypotheses and provide more information for further model improvements.

Effects of ultrasonic-enzymatic-assisted ethanol precipitation method on the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides

This investigation involved the extraction of a novel polysaccharide from the spore fermentation broth of Tremella fuciformis using a method that combined ultrasonic and enzymatic assistance with ethanol precipitation. It was then compared with enzymatic and ultrasonic extraction methods. The objective of this research is to offer a reference point for expanding the application of ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction technology in T. fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPs). Based on single-factor experiments, Box-Behnken was used to optimize the extraction conditions of TFPs by ultrasonic-enzymatic-assisted ethanol precipitation extraction. The results revealed an optimal combination of enzymes, with a cellulase-to-papain ratio of 2:1, an enzyme addition of 4000U/100 mL, an enzymolysis temperature of 49 °C, ultrasonicpower at 3 W/mL and an ultrasonictime of 20 min. The extraction rate of TFPs and α- amylase inhibition rates were 23.94 % and 61.44 %, respectively. Comparing the physicochemical properties, structural characterization and in vitro activity of TFPs extracted through different methods, the results showed that ultrasonic treatment significantly influences the apparent morphology of polysaccharide and could enhance its in vitro biological activity. However, different extraction techniques exhibit insubstantial impact on the chemical composition, glycosidic bonds or glycosidic ring configurations within the polysaccharides. Among them, ultrasonic-enzymatic-assisted ethanol precipitation extraction of polysaccharide has the highest extraction rate and the lowest viscosity. It has significant effects on ABTS+ scavenging activity, α- amylase inhibition rate and glucose dialysis retardation index, polysaccharide treated with ultrasonic-enzymatic showed the best performance. These findings suggest that ultrasonic-enzymatic-assisted ethanol precipitation extraction can enhance the activities of TFPs, thereby providing a valuable insight for their future development and application.

Chemistry of new polyfluorinated oxiranyl anions and epoxy silanes

The reaction of partially fluorinated epoxides with strong, hindered bases in the presence of electrophiles resulted in functionalization of the epoxy ring. For example, the reaction of hexafluoroisobutene epoxide with LDA and trimethyl- or triethychlorosilanes at low temperature led to the formation of the corresponding epoxy silanes. In the case of the E- and Z-epoxides of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluorobutene-2, the deprotonation step can be successfully carried out using i-PrMgCl.LiCl (Turbo Grignard reagent), and the reaction with chlorosilanes can be carried out at ambient temperature, which significantly simplifies the synthetic protocol. The process was found to be stereospecific, proceeding with complete retention of configuration of the epoxide ring and giving access to pure E- or Z-isomers of the corresponding epoxy silanes. Using this protocol, the corresponding epoxy silanes were also prepared from the epoxides of E-3,3,3,1-tetrafluoropropene-1 and 3,3,3-trifluoropropene-1.The new silanes were demonstrated to be convenient reagents for the transfer of a fluorinated epoxy moiety to carbonyl compounds under fluoride anion catalysis. This process was shown to proceed with complete retention of the geometry of the epoxy ring.

Raman Fingerprints of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariants: Molecular Roots of Virological Characteristics and Evolutionary Directions.

The latest RNA genomic mutation of SARS-CoV-2 virus, termed the Omicron variant, has generated a stream of highly contagious and antibody-resistant strains, which in turn led to classifying Omicron as a variant of concern. We systematically collected Raman spectra from six Omicron subvariants available in Japan (i.e., BA.1.18, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, XE, and BA.2.75) and applied machine-learning algorithms to decrypt their structural characteristics at the molecular scale. Unique Raman fingerprints of sulfur-containing amino acid rotamers, RNA purines and pyrimidines, tyrosine phenol ring configurations, and secondary protein structures clearly differentiated the six Omicron subvariants. These spectral characteristics, which were linked to infectiousness, transmissibility, and propensity for immune evasion, revealed evolutionary motifs to be compared with the outputs of genomic studies. The availability of a Raman "metabolomic snapshot", which was then translated into a barcode to enable a prompt subvariant identification, opened the way to rationalize in real-time SARS-CoV-2 activity and variability. As a proof of concept, we applied the Raman barcode procedure to a nasal swab sample retrieved from a SARS-CoV-2 patient and identified its Omicron subvariant by coupling a commercially available magnetic bead technology with our newly developed Raman analyses.

Computational Modeling of an Aortic Medial Wall: Effect of Residual Stresses on a Mechanical Behavior of the Aortic Ring

Abstract The aorta is the largest artery in an animal body and is an important organ in the pulsatile flow regulation from the left ventricle. The mechanical and structural characteristics of the aortic media, which are primarily composed of smooth muscle cell layers and elastic laminae (ELs), have profound effects on the physiology and pathophysiology of the aorta. However, many aspects of the aortic tissue remain unknown due to the inherent layered wall structure and the regionally varying residual stresses. This study aimed to computationally represent EL buckling in the aortic medial ring at the unloaded state and reproduce the transmural variation in residual stresses and EL waviness across the vascular wall. A multi-objective optimization technique was applied to a series of simulations with the “unit” structure to obtain an idealized stress distribution throughout the aortic wall thickness. Hence, an appropriate boundary condition given to an initial reference configuration of the aortic ring was successfully identified. As a result, the average “idealized” residual stresses of smooth muscle cell layer and EL were on the order of 20 and −80 kPa, respectively, while EL waviness was ∼1.01 in the unloaded state. Further, it was verified that the ring model with a radial cut will open spontaneously when the inner and outer layers of the medial wall are subjected to relative compressive and tensile residual stresses, respectively, in the unloaded state.

Non-Classical Circularly Polarized Luminescence Control of Peptide Luminophore Based on Precise Chiral Space Control

Light that rotates in a circular spiral when viewed from the front is known as circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), and can be divided into two types, namely, left- and right-rotating light. To emit both left- and right-rotating CPLs, two types of optically active luminophores, namely, enantiomer D- and L-bodies, are generally required. This mini-review mainly discusses our latest study on CPL properties via the control of the pyrene ring as the luminescent unit incorporated into chiral peptides. In this study, optically active peptide–pyrene organoluminescent materials that emit CPL were synthesized by combining a peptide as a frame and two pyrene rings as a luminescent unit. By adjusting the interpyrene distance, external conditions, and absolute chiral configuration (D- or L-configuration), the chiral spatial configuration of the luminescent pyrene ring was precisely controlled. Consequently, the direction of CPL rotation from pyrenylalanine-containing peptides with the same configuration was successfully controlled.

Synthesisation, Fabrication, and Incorporation Techniques of MAX Phase and MXene Saturable Absorber in Passively Q-switched and Mode-locked All-fibre Laser Cavities: A Review

MAX phases and MXene have been introduced in passively pulsed-laser generation for their viability as substitutes to unadventurous saturable absorbers such as saturable absorber mirror, multi-wall and single-wall carbon nanotube, graphene, and transition metal dichalcogenides, contributing to both Q-switching and mode-locking tactics. Fundamental saturable-absorber features such as nonlinear saturable absorption, astonishing depth of modulation, flexibly tuneable bandgap, and high electron density around the Fermi level, establish MAX phases and MXene as formidable contenders with decent performance in the saturable absorber regime. Recent research works contributing to MAX Phases and MXene—particularly in nonlinear ultrafast optics—have shown an exponential increase, since MAX Phases and MXene are of the prime regime of 2D nanomaterials that offer vast combination options by the formation of metal nitride, metal carbide, or carbonitride clusters with a 2D layered structure, with special emphasis on fabrication and incorporation of saturable absorbers into laser cavities. This review critically summarises the advancement on the synthesis, fabrication, and incorporation of the MAX phases and MXene saturable absorbers, as well as the incorporation methodologies and techniques into all-fibre laser cavities configured either in linear or ring configuration, summing up the identified issues and challenges and discussing future perspectives of this novel material.

High-power laser beam shaping using a metasurface for shock excitation and focusing at the microscale.

Achieving high repeatability and efficiency in laser-induced strong shock wave excitation remains a significant technical challenge, as evidenced by the extensive efforts undertaken at large-scale national laboratories to optimize the compression of light element pellets. In this study, we propose and model a novel optical design for generating strong shocks at a tabletop scale. Our approach leverages the spatial and temporal shaping of multiple laser pulses to form concentric laser rings on condensed matter samples. Each laser ring initiates a two-dimensional focusing shock wave that overlaps and converges with preceding shock waves at a central point within the ring. We present preliminary experimental results for a single ring configuration. To enable high-power laser focusing at the micron scale, we demonstrate experimentally the feasibility of employing dielectric metasurfaces with exceptional damage threshold, experimentally determined to be 1.1 J/cm2, as replacements for conventional optics. These metasurfaces enable the creation of pristine, high-fluence laser rings essential for launching stable shock waves in materials. Herein, we showcase results obtained using a water sample, achieving shock pressures in the gigapascal (GPa) range. Our findings provide a promising pathway towards the application of laser-induced strong shock compression in condensed matter at the microscale.

Contributed Session III: Characteristics of electrically-induced visual percepts in the first human with the Intracortical Visual Prosthesis.

The Intracortical Visual Prosthesis (ICVP) consists of multiple wireless floating microelectrode arrays (WFMAs), each with 16 stimulating electrodes. Stimulation of these electrodes can potentially provide artificial vision for people who are blind. Twenty-five WFMAs were implanted in the right occipital visual cortex of a participant in an FDA-approved, NIH-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT04634383). Here, we report characteristics of visual percepts elicited by the WFMAs (frequency: 200 Hz, cathodic phase duration: 200 µs, amplitude and train length up to 60 µA and 900 ms). Stimulation of single electrodes in 10 WFMAs and groups of 4 or more electrodes in 7 additional WFMAs consistently produced percepts during >10 sessions across approximately 3 months of testing. Phosphenes generated within a single WFMA were typically similar in appearance. Descriptions included configurations of rings, bright or dark dots, and constant or flickering bars, with sizes of 0.3-12° across. Phosphenes appeared as blueish-white, or occasionally orange, red, or having an iridescent texture. Ten WFMAs produced phosphenes within a 4° cluster centered 4° below and to the left of fixation. Phosphenes from 4 other WFMAs were located 4° below or 20° left of the cluster. When using these phosphenes to scan a virtual line, the participant was able to discriminate horizontal and vertical lines (46/51 correct, p < 10^-8, binomial test), and 45° and 135° diagonal lines (12/14 correct, p < 0.01).

Microbiome based approaches for the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): A current perception

Globally, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution is primarily driven by their release into the air through various combustion processes, including burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas in motor vehicles, power plants, and industries, as well as burning organic matter like wood, tobacco, and food in fireplaces, cigarettes, and grills. Apart from anthropogenic pollution sources, PAHs also occur naturally in crude oil, and their potential release during oil extraction, refining processes, and combustion further contributes to contamination and pollution concerns. PAHs are resistant and persistent in the environment because of their inherent features, viz., heterocyclic aromatic ring configurations, hydrophobicity, and thermostability. A wide range of microorganisms have been found to be effective degraders of these recalcitrant contaminants. The presence of hydrocarbons as a result of numerous anthropogenic activities is one of the primary environmental concerns. PAHs are found in soil, water, and the air, making them ubiquitous in nature. The presence of PAHs in the environment creates a problem, as their presence has a detrimental effect on humans and animals. For a variety of life forms, PAH pollutants are reported to be toxic, carcinogenic, mutation-inducing, teratogenic, and immune toxicogenics. Degradation of PAHs via biological activity is an extensively used approach in which diverse microorganisms (fungal, algal, clitellate, and protozoan) and plant species and their derived composites are utilized as biocatalysts and biosurfactants. Some microbes have the ability to transform and degrade these PAHs, allowing them to be removed from the environment. The goal of this review is to provide a critical overview of the existing understanding of PAH biodegradation. It also examines current advances in diverse methodologies for PAH degradation in order to shed light on fundamental challenges and future potential.

Noise-like pulse generation in 1.95 µm region using bulk α-alumina saturable absorber

This work presents a tapered fiber decorated with bulk α-alumina with 4.08% modulation depth and 21.67 MW/cm2 saturation intensity which was responsible to induce noise-like pulse (NLP) in an “eye-safe” wavelength region. The light-matter interaction within evanescent field of ultrathin tapered fiber established NLP in a ring configuration of thulium-doped fiber laser with a broad spectral bandwidth of 45 nm centered at 1948 nm wavelength. The NLP was emitted at 11.36 MHz repetition rate in a net anomalous laser cavity. The generated pulse had a maximum pulse energy of 2.46 nJ at 1587 mW pumping power. The robustness of the NLP performance was validated with 3 h stability test, which opens new possibilities for future research of this material in the wavelength of exceeding 1.9 μm.

Basins of Escape of the Particle’s Planar Motion in the Rectilinear (3 varvec{+} 1)-Body Ring Problem

The objective of this work is to study the motion of an infinitesimal particle in the gravitational field of three big bodies in a ring configuration consisting of two peripheral and one central bodies, when the energy of the particle does not allow the escape from the potential well of the system. We have numerically determined the basins of escape using a new surface of section. Additionally, we have computed and analyzed the geometry of the set of asymptotic trajectories of the periodic orbit that governs the escape from the neighborhood of one of the two satellites, which also defines the limiting curves of the basins of escape from this region.