bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different concentrations of coated nano zinc oxide material on fecal bacterial composition and intestinal barrier in weaned piglets
Authors: Liu Hongnan , Bai Miaomiao , Xu Kang , Zhou Jian , Zhang Xiaofeng , Yu Rong , Huang Ruilin , Yin Yulong
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Coated nano zinc oxide (Cnz) is a new feed or food additive, which is a potential replacement for a pharmacological dose level of ZnO. This study evaluated the positive effects of different concentrations of Cnz on the intestinal bacterial core, enterobacterial composition and mucosal barrier function in a pig model.

RESULTS

Microbiota sequencing results showed that Cnz could significantly alter the intestinal microbiota composition and metabolism. Besides increasing the richness indices (ACE and Chao1), 10% Cnz could protect the intestinal mucosal barrier through increasing the expression of occludin and zonula occludens‐1 in the small intestine, increase the abundance of Lachnospiraceae UCG‐004 and decrease the abundance of Ruminococcus flavefaciens compared to high ZnO diet and 5% Cnz material.

CONCLUSIONS

Cnz material at 10% supplementation is more effective than a level of 5% Cnz in increasing intestinal barrier through affecting gut microbiota. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Near‐infrared dye‐labeled antibody COC183B2 enables detection of tiny metastatic ovarian cancer and optimizes fluorescence‐guided surgery
Authors: Chen Junchen , Guo Yanxiu , Li Hui , Zhang Chen , Chang Xiaohong , Ma Ruiqiong , Cheng Hongyan , Ye Xue , Cui Heng , Li Yi
Published: July 2020

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the ability of the fluorescent monoclonal antibody probe COC183B2‐Cy7 (Cy7‐conjugated COC183B2 antibody) to detect tiny metastatic lesions of ovarian cancer and thus guide precise tumor resection.

Methods

The expression of the tumor‐associated antigen OC183B2 in lymph nodes and SKOV3‐Luc cells was detected using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. A subcutaneous mouse tumor model and an intraperitoneal ovarian cancer metastasis model were constructed using SKOV3‐Luc cells. Near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging was performed to determine the imaging parameters and evaluate the ability of COC183B2‐Cy7 to detect tiny metastatic lesions.

Results

OC183B2 was expressed in metastatic lymph nodes and SKOV3‐Luc cells. NIRF imaging of the subcutaneous mouse tumor model showed that the tumor background ratio was significantly higher in the COC183B2‐Cy7 group than in the control group at different time points postinjection. Biodistribution study showed that COC183B2‐Cy7 did not accumulate in other organs. COC183B2‐Cy7 can detect tiny metastatic lesions of ovarian cancer. The smallest intraperitoneal metastatic tumor detected by COC183B2‐Cy7 was approximately 1 mm.

Conclusions

COC183B2‐Cy7 probe has relatively high specificity and sensitivity. Our study suggests that COC183B2‐Cy7 probe is a promising diagnostic tool for the complete and accurate resection of malignant lesions in fluorescence‐guided surgery.
Preparation of 2‐amino‐2‐hydroxymethyl‐1,3‐propanediol (TRIS) pHT buffers in synthetic seawater
Authors: Paulsen May‐Linn , Dickson Andrew G.
Published: July 2020

Buffers of known quality for the calibration of seawater pHT measurements are not widely or commercially available. Although there exist published compositions for the 0.04 mol kg‐H2O−1 equimolar buffer 2‐amino‐2‐hydroxymethyl‐1,3‐propanediol (TRIS)‐TRIS · H+ in synthetic seawater, there are no explicit procedures that describe preparing this buffer to achieve a particular pHT with a known uncertainty. Such a procedure is described here which makes use of easily acquired laboratory equipment and techniques to produce a buffer with a pHT within 0.006 of the published pHT value originally assigned by DelValls and Dickson (1998), 8.094 at 25°C. Such a buffer will be suitable for the calibration of pH measurements expected to fulfil the “weather” uncertainty goal of the Global Ocean Acidification Observation Network of 0.02 in pHT, an uncertainty goal appropriate to “identify relative spatial patterns and short‐term variation.”
pH‐Triggered Self‐Assembly of Cellulose Oligomers with Gelatin into a Double‐Network Hydrogel
Authors: Hata Yuuki , Kojima Tomoya , Maeda Tohru , Sawada Toshiki , Serizawa Takeshi
Published: July 2020

Multicomponent systems for self‐assembled molecular gels provide huge opportunities to generate collective or new functions that are not inherent in individual single‐component gels. However, gelation tends to require careful and complicated procedures, because, among a myriad of kinetically trapped structures related to the degree of mixing of multiple components over a wide range of scales, from molecular level to macroscopic scale, a limited number of structures that exhibit the desired function need to be constructed. This study presents a simple method for the construction of double‐network (DN) hydrogels with improved stiffness composed of crystalline cellulose oligomers and gelatin. The pH‐triggered self‐assembly of cellulose oligomers leads to the formation of robust networks composed of crystalline nanofibers in the presence of dissolved gelatin, followed by cooling to allow for the formation of soft gelatin networks. The resultant DN hydrogels exhibit improved stiffness; the improvement in gel stiffness with double networking is comparable to that of previously reported DN hydrogels produced via a time‐consuming enzymatic reaction.
Reducing air pollution increases the local diurnal temperature range: A case study of Lanzhou, China
Authors: Cheng Xueyan , Lan Tianhan , Mao Rui , Gong Dao‐Yi , Han Hui , Liu Xiaohong
Published: July 2020

Lanzhou is one of the largest heavy industry cities in northwestern China. The city has carried out massive air pollution‐control programmes since 2012. As a result, the concentrations of air pollutants in Lanzhou have decreased. In order to examine the effects of air pollution‐control programmes on air temperature, the differences in air temperatures between Lanzhou and Yuzhong (a small county adjacent to Lanzhou) and their change between 2009–2011 (P1) and 2013–2015 (P2) were calculated. The results showed that the maximum (minimum) temperature difference significantly increased (decreased) by 0.32°C (0.40°C) in winter (summer) between P1 and P2, indicating an increase (decrease) of the maximum (minimum) temperature in winter (summer) in Lanzhou caused by the reduction in air pollution. Therefore, the diurnal temperature range in Lanzhou increased by 0.50°C in summer and 0.22°C in winter during P2 compared with P1. The increase in the maximum temperature in winter and the decrease in the minimum temperature in summer are supported by a decrease in mean air temperature at night and by an increase of mean air temperature in daytime in winter and summer during P2 compared with P1. The increase in temperature in daytime may be ascribed to more absorption of solar radiation at the surface. The decrease in temperature at night in summer is caused by increasing light rainfall. The decrease in temperature at night during winter may be related to more loss of surface heat through long wave radiation.
Two novel KCNA1 variants identified in two unrelated Chinese families affected by episodic ataxia type 1 and neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Yuan Haiming , Yuan Huihua , Wang Qingming , Ye Wanhua , Yao Ruixia , Xu Wanfang , Liu Yanhui
Published: July 2020

Background

Pathogenic KCNA1 variants have been linked to episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1), a rare neurological syndrome characterized by continuous myokymia and attacks of generalized ataxia that can be triggered by fever, abrupt movements, emotional stress, and fatigue. Currently, over 40 KCNA1 variants have been identified in individuals with EA1.

Methods

A male patient displayed partial seizures in addition to EA1 symptoms, often triggered by fever. A sibling presented with typical EA1 symptoms, seizures, and learning difficulties. In addition, the older brother displayed cognitive impairment, developmental delay, and slurred speech, which were absent in his younger sister. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed for the patients.

Results

A novel de novo missense variant in KCNA1 (p.Ala261Thr) was identified in the male patient, which is located in a base of the 3rd transmembrane domain (S3). The other novel KCNA1 variant (p.Gly376Ser) was identified in the sibling and was inherited from an unaffected father with low‐level mosaicism. The variant was located in the S5–S6 extracellular linker of the voltage sensor domain of the Kv channel. Next, we systematically reviewed the available clinical phenotypes of individuals with EA1 and observed that individuals with KCNA1 variants at the C‐terminus were more likely to suffer from seizures and neurodevelopmental disorders than those with variants at the N‐terminus.

Conclusion

Our study expands the mutation spectrum of KCNA1 and improves our understanding of the genotype–phenotype correlations of KCNA1. Definitive genetic diagnosis is beneficial for the genetic counseling and clinical management of individuals with EA1.
Increased hydrophobicity of CRYGD p.(Ala159ProfsTer9): Suspected cause of congenital cataracts in a large Chinese family
Authors: Lin Meina , Jin Ying , Chen Xinren , Sui Yu , Li Yan , Li Huan , Ni Xiang , Zhao Ning , Lu Yongping , Jiang Miao
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aimed to identify the disease‐causing mutation of congenital cataract disease in a large northeastern Chinese family.

Materials and Methods

The subjects’ peripheral blood was collected, their genomic DNA was extracted, mutation screening of candidate genes was performed using polymerase chain reaction, and the amplified products were sequenced. Recombinant C‐terminal enhanced green fluorescent protein‐tagged wild‐type or mutant CRYGD was expressed in HEK293T cells, and the expression pattern was observed under a fluorescence microscope. The CRYGD protein mutation was analyzed via bioinformatics analysis.

Results

c.475delG, a novel frameshift mutation in CRYGD, was identified in the affected family members. This mutation causes premature termination of the polypeptide, resulting in truncated p.(Ala159ProfsTer9). According to the bioinformatics analysis results, compared with wild‐type CRYGD, p.(Ala159ProfsTer9) exhibits significantly decreased hydrophilicity. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that p.(Ala159ProfsTer9) aggregates in the cell in the form of granular deposits.

Conclusion

In this study, the novel frameshift mutation c.475delG, p.(Ala159ProfsTer9) in CRYGD was identified to cause congenital cataracts in a large Chinese family; increased hydrophobicity of p.(Ala159ProfsTer9) protein may be the underlying mechanism.
Mathematical‐based control method and performance analysis of a novel hydromechatronics driving system micro‐independent metering
Authors: Abuowda Karem , Dupac Mihai , Noroozi Siamak , Godfrey Philip
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to investigate the performance of a hydraulic actuator controlled by the novel system microindependent metering (MIM). This analysis has been performed by comparing the models of two systems which are the traditional independent metering (IM), which depends on poppet valve, and the new hydro‐mechatronics system MIM, which relies on a stepped rotary flow control valve. In general, IM is a hydraulic control system which guarantees a separation between the meter‐in and the meter‐out of the hydraulic actuator. A Valvistor valve, a special type of Poppet valves, was developed to be embedded into the IM system. This valve has controllability and stability shortcomings which prevent the system from spreading in the industrial applications. The Valvistor valve performance is highly affected by the fluid disturbances because the fluid is considered as a part of its control elements. A stepped rotary flow control valve has been developed to control hydraulic flow rate. The valve composed of a rotary orifice attached to a stepper motor. Using this valve instead of the traditional poppet type has led to a new configuration, which is termed by MIM. This form improves the hydraulic cylinder velocity performance by rejecting the fluid disturbances effect on the control circuit.
Ultra‐high spatial resolution BOLD fMRI in humans using combined segmented‐accelerated VFA‐FLEET with a recursive RF pulse design
Authors: Berman Avery J. L. , Grissom William A. , Witzel Thomas , Nasr Shahin , Park Daniel J. , Setsompop Kawin , Polimeni Jonathan R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To alleviate the spatial encoding limitations of single‐shot echo‐planar imaging (EPI) by developing multi‐shot segmented EPI for ultra‐high‐resolution functional MRI (fMRI) with reduced ghosting artifacts from subject motion and respiration.

Theory and Methods

Segmented EPI can reduce readout duration and reduce acceleration factors, however, the time elapsed between segment acquisitions (on the order of seconds) can result in intermittent ghosting, limiting its use for fMRI. Here, “FLEET” segment ordering, where segments are looped over before slices, was combined with a variable flip angle progression (VFA‐FLEET) to improve inter‐segment fidelity and maximize signal for fMRI. Scaling a sinc pulse’s flip angle for each segment (VFA‐FLEET‐Sinc) produced inconsistent slice profiles and ghosting, therefore, a recursive Shinnar‐Le Roux (SLR) radiofrequency (RF) pulse design was developed (VFA‐FLEET‐SLR) to generate unique pulses for every segment that together produce consistent slice profiles and signals.

Results

The temporal stability of VFA‐FLEET‐SLR was compared against conventional‐segmented EPI and VFA‐FLEET‐Sinc at 3T and 7T. VFA‐FLEET‐SLR showed reductions in both intermittent and stable ghosting compared to conventional‐segmented and VFA‐FLEET‐Sinc, resulting in improved image quality with a minor trade‐off in temporal SNR. Combining VFA‐FLEET‐SLR with acceleration, we achieved a 0.6‐mm isotropic acquisition at 7T, without zoomed imaging or partial Fourier, demonstrating reliable detection of blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) responses to a visual stimulus. To counteract the increased repetition time from segmentation, simultaneous multi‐slice VFA‐FLEET‐SLR was demonstrated using RF‐encoded controlled aliasing.

Conclusions

VFA‐FLEET with a recursive RF pulse design supports acquisitions with low levels of artifact and spatial blur, enabling fMRI at previously inaccessible spatial resolutions with a “full‐brain” field of view.
Does sexual functioning improve with migraine improvements and/or weight loss?—A post hoc analysis in the Women's Health and Migraine (WHAM) trial
Authors: Schumacher Leah , Wing Rena , Thomas J. Graham , Pavlovic Jelena , Digre Kathleen , Farris Samantha , Steffen Kristine , Sarwer David , Bond Dale S.
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite plausibility of migraine headaches contributing to impaired sexual function among women, data are inconsistent and point to obesity as a potential confounder. Prospective studies that assess the relative importance of migraine improvements and weight loss in relation to sexual function could help elucidate associations among migraine, obesity and female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

Objective

To evaluate sexual function changes and predictors of improvement after behavioural weight loss (BWL) intervention for migraine or migraine education (ME).

Methods

Women with migraine and overweight/obesity were randomized to 16 weeks of BWL (n = 54) or ME (n = 56). Participants completed a 4‐week smartphone headache diary and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at pre‐ and post‐treatment. A validated FSFI total cut‐off score defined FSD. We compared changes in FSFI scores and FSD rates between conditions and evaluated migraine improvements and weight loss as predictors of sexual functioning in the full sample.

Results

Among treatment completers (n = 85), 56 (65.9%) participants who reported sexual activity at pre‐ and post‐treatment were analysed. Migraine improvements were similar between conditions, whereas BWL had greater weight losses compared with ME. FSD rates did not change overall (48.2% to 44.6%, p = .66) or by condition (BWL: 56.0% to 40.0% vs. ME: 41.9% to 48.4%, p = .17). Similar patterns were observed for changes in FSFI total and subscale scores. Across conditions, larger weight losses predicted greater improvements in FSFI total and arousal subscale scores, whereas larger migraine headache frequency reductions predicted greater improvements in FSFI satisfaction subscale scores.

Conclusion

Sexual functioning did not improve with either BWL or ME despite migraine headache improvements in both conditions and weight loss after BWL. However, weight loss related to improvements in physiological components of the sexual response (i.e., arousal) and overall sexual functioning, whereas reduced headache frequency related to improved sexual satisfaction. Additional research with larger samples is needed.
N6‐methyladenosine and RNA secondary structure affect transcript stability and protein abundance during systemic salt stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kramer Marianne C. , Janssen Kevin A. , Palos Kyle , Nelson Andrew D. L. , Vandivier Lee E. , Garcia Benjamin A. , Lyons Eric , Beilstein Mark A. , Gregory Brian D.
Published: July 2020

After transcription, a messenger RNA (mRNA) is further post‐transcriptionally regulated by several features including RNA secondary structure and covalent RNA modifications (specifically N6‐methyladenosine, m6A). Both RNA secondary structure and m6A have been demonstrated to regulate mRNA stability and translation and have been independently linked to plant responses to soil salinity levels. However, the effect of m6A on regulating RNA secondary structure and the combinatorial interplay between these two RNA features during salt stress response has yet to be studied. Here, we globally identify RNA‐protein interactions and RNA secondary structure during systemic salt stress. This analysis reveals that RNA secondary structure changes significantly during salt stress, and that it is independent of global changes in RNA‐protein interactions. Conversely, we find that m6A is anti‐correlated with RNA secondary structure in a condition‐dependent manner, with salt‐specific m6A correlated with a decrease in mRNA secondary structure during salt stress. Taken together, we suggest that salt‐specific m6A deposition and the associated loss of RNA secondary structure results in increases in mRNA stability for transcripts encoding abiotic stress response proteins and ultimately increases in protein levels from these stabilized transcripts. In total, our comprehensive analyses reveal important post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms involved in plant long‐term salt stress response and adaptation.
Description of Baetao‐Manteiga 41 and ‘Yunguilla’ superior Andean common beans for Tanzanian production environments
Authors: Nchimbi Msolla S. , Miklas P. , Fourie D. , Kilango M. , Porch T.
Published: July 2020

An international effort was initiated with the evaluation of a diverse set of large‐seeded Andean common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), the Andean Diversity Panel, in sub‐Saharan Africa. Several entries in the panel have been selected for extensive characterization on the basis of high performance across multiple location × year trials in Tanzania—conducted both on station and on farm. Baetao‐Manteiga 41, tested as ADP‐190, has a commercial Kablanketi (light purple speckled) seed type, and ‘Yunguilla’, tested as ADP‐447, has a commercial Calima (red mottled) seed type. Both lines exhibited yield stability, vigorous growth under low fertility conditions, angular leaf spot resistance, and moderate common bacterial blight resistance; Yunguilla also possessed rust resistance. These two lines were tested, selected, and characterized cooperatively by Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), the Tanzanian Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the USDA‐ARS, and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa, and in collaboration with local farmers in Tanzania.
Coevolution as an engine of biodiversity and a cornucopia of ecosystem services
Authors: Raguso Robert A.
Published: July 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Coevolutionary processes, which have governed interactions between organisms throughout the history of life, also serve as an engine of ecosystem services for humans. The escalating arms races between plants and herbivores, flowers and pollinators, have generated a cornucopia of foods, raw materials, perfumes, spices, ornamentals, medicines, and drugs. Human history is replete with aesthetic as well as economic inspiration drawn from such plants. Our future may depend on similar inspiration, as we confront novel health, agricultural, and environmental challenges in the face of global change.

Summary

“Coevolution” was coined to conceptualize escalating arms races between plants and herbivores in evolutionary time, often mediated by natural products. Our current view embraces broader coevolutionary relationships between obligate mutualists, symbionts, parasites, and enemies, which frequently increase rates of diversification in coevolving lineages. Because humans benefit from the foods, materials, and drugs produced by plants in response to reciprocal selective pressures, coevolutionary “escape and radiate” diversification may amplify ecosystem services along with species richness, with humans as beneficiaries. For example, coevolutionary escalation of defenses between Burseraceae and their herbivores resulted in hundreds of resinous tree species, anchoring the trade of copal, frankincense, and myrrh across the ancient world. Examination of three diverse angiosperm orders (Asparagales, Malpighiales, and Gentianales), reveals ecosystem services in the form of alkaloids and hallucinogens, perfumes, spices, coffee, and rubber. Pollinator‐mediated selection by hawk moths and bats gave rise to heavily perfumed “moonflowers” (gardenias and jasmines) with aesthetic appeal to humans, and to immense blooming displays by agave plants, co‐opted by humans as a source of tequila and mezcal. Even when pollinator‐mediated diversification does not arise through coevolution, the resulting biotic richness provides evolutionary insights as well as ecosystem services. The convergent evolution of “kettle‐trap” flowers in species‐rich plant lineages (Aristolochia and Ceropegia) reveals the surprising value of small flies as pollinators and the opportunity to develop biocontrol that leverages floral features attractive to agricultural pests and disease vectors. This article highlights coevolution as a source of ecosystem services and potential solutions to the emerging challenges of global change.
Donor Spins in Silicon for Quantum Technologies
Authors: Morello Andrea , Pla Jarryd J. , Bertet Patrice , Jamieson David N.
Published: July 2020

Dopant atoms are ubiquitous in semiconductor technologies, providing the tailored electronic properties that underpin the modern digital information era. Harnessing the quantum nature of these atomic‐scale objects represents a new and exciting technological revolution. In this article, the use of ion‐implanted donor spins in silicon for quantum technologies is described. It is reviewed how to fabricate and operate single‐atom spin qubits in silicon, obtaining some of the most coherent solid‐state qubits, and pathways to scale up these qubits to build large quantum processors are discussed. Heavier group‐V donors with large nuclear spins display electric quadrupole couplings that enable nuclear electric resonance, quantum chaos, and strain sensing. Donor ensembles can be coupled to microwave cavities to develop hybrid quantum Turing machines. Counted, deterministic implantation of single donors, combined with novel methods for precision placement, will allow the integration of individual donor spins with industry‐standard silicon fabrication processes, making implanted donors a prime physical platform for the second quantum revolution.
Numeric Optimization for Configurable, Parallel, Error‐Robust Entangling Gates in Large Ion Registers
Authors: Bentley Christopher D. B. , Ball Harrison , Biercuk Michael J. , Carvalho Andre R. R. , Hush Michael R. , Slatyer Harry J.
Published: July 2020

A class of entangling gates for trapped atomic ions is studied and the use of numeric optimization techniques to create a wide range of fast, error‐robust gate constructions is demonstrated. A numeric optimization framework is introduced targeting maximally‐ and partially‐entangling operations on ion pairs, multi‐ion registers, multi‐ion subsets of large registers, and parallel operations within a single register. Ions are assumed to be individually addressed, permitting optimization over amplitude‐ and phase‐modulated controls. Calculations and simulations demonstrate that the inclusion of modulation of the difference phase for the bichromatic drive used in the Mølmer–Sørensen gate permits approximately time‐optimal control across a range of gate configurations, and when suitably combined with analytic constraints can also provide robustness against key experimental sources of error. The impact of experimental constraints such as bounds on coupling rates or modulation band‐limits on achievable performance is further demonstrated. Using a custom optimization engine based on TensorFlow, for optimizations on ion registers up to 20 ions, time‐to‐solution of order tens of minutes using a local‐instance laptop is also demonstrated, allowing computational access to system‐scales relevant to near‐term trapped‐ion devices.
Next‐generation global satellite system with mega‐constellations
Authors: Ravishankar Channasandra , Gopal Rajeev , BenAmmar Nassir , Zakaria Gaguk , Huang Xiaoling
Published: July 2020

Mega satellite constellations in low earth orbit (LEO) will provide complete global coverage; rapidly enhance overall capacity, even for unserved areas; and improve the quality of service (QoS) possible with lower signal propagation delays. Complemented by medium earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites and terrestrial network components under a hybrid communications architecture, these constellations will enable universal 5G service across the world while supporting diverse 5G use cases. With an unobstructed line‐of‐sight visibility of approximately 3 min, a typical LEO satellite requires efficient user terminal (UT), satellite, gateway, and intersatellite link handovers. A comprehensive mobility design for mega‐constellations involves cost‐effective space and ground phased‐array antennas for responsive and seamless tracking. An end‐to‐end multilayer protocol architecture spanning space and terrestrial technologies can be used to analyze and ensure QoS and mobility. A scalable routing and traffic engineering design based on software‐defined networking adequately handles continuous variability in network topology, differentiated user demands, and traffic transport in both temporal and spatial dimensions. The space‐based networks involving mega‐constellations will be better integrated with their terrestrial counterparts by fully leveraging the multilayer 5G framework, which is the foundational feature of our hybrid architecture.
Provision of traffic grooming for distributed satellite cluster networks
Authors: Peng Cong , Zhao Shanghong , Li Jun , Li Yongjun , Wang Weilong , Gao Hanghang
Published: July 2020

Distributed satellite cluster (DSC), which is usually used to construct backbone networks for space information networks, can be viewed as a single satellite carrying more payload with stronger ability. To implement traffic grooming in satellite optical backbone networks, the severe rate mismatch between wavelength and a single connection request must be considered due to the scarce characteristic of on‐board wavelength resources. In this paper, we adopt a typical DSC architecture in which the process of traffic grooming can be successfully partitioned into two independent parts, including intracluster traffic grooming and ring traffic grooming. For intracluster traffic grooming, we propose a multimode grooming method and design an improved ant colony algorithm (ACO) to obtain the optimum solutions. Simulation results show that the improved ACO yields better convergence performance than traditional ACO; in addition, the improved ACO has potentials in decreasing the number of wavelengths to be used. For ring traffic grooming, we develop a grooming circle (GC) construction algorithm based on bidirectional graph node partition. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms greedy algorithm not only in the construction of full GCs but also in improving wavelength utilization efficiency.
Abutilon indicum Mediated CuO Nanoparticles: Eco‐Approach, Optimum Process of Congo Red Dye Degradation, and Mathematical Model for Multistage Operation
Authors: Devi Priya Duraipandi , Elango Ganesh , Mohana Roopan Selvaraj , Shanavas Shajahan , Acevedo Roberto , Golkonda Mokeshrayalu , Sridharan Makuteswaran
Published: July 2020

CuO NPs were planned to synthesize using Abutilon indicum (A. indicum) leaf aqueous extract as an ecofriendly source without any harmful chemicals like other physio‐chemical methods. The ecofriendly synthesized shape controlled CuO NPs is further processed for several characterization tools to identify the morphology and its physical nature. Synthetic methodology was optimized using RSM technique. The characterization output results in crystalline rod shaped CuO NPs with 23±2 nm. Further, CuO NPs were screened for degradation study against harmful azo dye. The results indicates that the higher degradation rate in both the extract and synthesized CuO NPs, around 95.48 % degradation of dye using CuO NPs was identified using Pseudo first order reaction kinetics are being clearly stated in this manuscript. Furthermore, examination of CuO NPs in the direction of photocatalytic behaviour was optimized through taguchi methodology.
First Report for Levodopa Electrocatalytic Oxidation Based on Copper Metal‐Organic Framework (MOF): Application in a Voltammetric Sensor Development for Levodopa in Real Samples
Authors: Asadpour Joghani Roghaiyeh , Abbas Rafati Amir , Ghodsi Javad , Assari Parnaz , Feizollahi Azizallah
Published: July 2020

Levodopa (LD) determination was achieved for the first time by a cooper metal‐organic framework (MOF) based nanocomposite modified electrode. This research describes a simple, sensitive and cost‐effective electrochemical method for the detection of LD in real samples and the laboratory samples. This method is based on LD oxidation on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface modified with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and copper terephthalic acid MOF (MWCNTs/Cu (TPA) MOF) nanocomposite. MOF was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The synthesized MOF was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT‐IR), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical studies were accomplished by square wave voltammetry (SWV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The applied MOF, as a Cu‐containing synthetic peroxidase enzyme, can electrocatalyze oxidation of LD on the electrode surface and in incorporation with MWCNTs illustrated satisfactory synergic electrocatalytical properties which leads to sensitive detection of LD in the human serum sample. Limit of detection (LOD), sensitivity and linear range were 2 nmol L–1, 2.26 μA/μmol L–1 and 0.9‐35 μmol L–1 respectively, which in compared to other enzymatic or non‐enzymatic sensors were completely satisfying. Ultimately, stability, repeatability and reproducibility of as‐prepared sensor were investigated and the results were acceptable.
Simple and Efficient Synthesis of Guanidine‐Based Magnetic Nanocatalyst for the One‐Pot, Four‐Component Synthesis of Polyhydroquinolines in Water
Authors: Aghahosseini Hamideh , Ranjbar Mohammad Reza , Ramazani Ali
Published: July 2020

A new guanidine‐based magnetic nanocatalyst was prepared according to a three‐step operationally simple process using simple, cheap and readily‐available chemicals. Guanidine as the organocatalytic center was covalently attached to amino‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles via cyanuric chloride as a cross‐linking agent. The developed nanocatalyst was employed efficiently for the one‐pot, four‐component synthesis of polyhydroquinolines as the medicinally important polycyclic heterocycle compounds in water according to a convenient catalytic procedure. The nanocatalyst could be magnetically separated from the reaction mixture and reused for several times. The reaction profile was very clean and only 0.2 mol% of catalyst is needed to obtain products in excellent yields at very short reaction times according to an easy work‐up procedure.
Mn/Co Redox Cycle Promoted Catalytic Performance of Mesoporous SiO2‐Confined Highly Dispersed LaMnxCo1‐xO3 Perovskite Oxides in n‐Butylamine Combustion
Authors: Cui Wei , Chen Huawei , Liu Qing , Cui Mifen , Chen Xian , Fei Zhaoyang , Huang Jincan , Tao Zuliang , Wang Minghong , Qiao Xu
Published: July 2020

In this study, highly‐dispersed perovskite‐type oxides LaMnxCo1‐xO3 supported on mesoporous SiO2 (LMxC1‐xO/SiO2) were synthesized by a citric acid‐assisted deposition method. For LMxC1‐xO/SiO2 catalysts, the double B‐site transition metal ions can not only significantly arise the surface defects, but also lead to the formation of (Mn3++Co3+)/(Co2++Mn4+) redox cycle, both of which were able to improve the catalytic performance of LMxC1‐xO/SiO2 in n‐butylamine combustion. Strikingly, LM0.2C0.8O/SiO2 catalyst showed the optimum catalytic performance (T90%=210 °C at a space velocity of 15,000 mL gcat−1 h−1) and the lowest NOx yield among the LMxC1‐xO/SiO2 samples, which could be greatly assigned to the accelerated activation and circulation of the oxygen species initiated by the surface defects and redox cycle.
Synthesis of Calix[6]thiophenes and Calix[6]furans
Authors: Lee Gon‐Ann , Shih Yi‐Fan , Lin Hung‐Chun , Wang Wen‐Chieh , Chan Hsu‐Ting , Lee Hsin‐Yi , Lee Chih‐Yi
Published: July 2020

After thiophene and furan were treated with n‐BuLi, respectively, the mixtures were reacted with various ketones and then dehydrated under acidic conditions. This reaction sequence led to the formation of 1‐(2‐heteroaryl)cycloalkenes and (2‐heteroaryl)alkenes. When the alkenes were treated with 10 mol % NIS, calix[4]arenes were produced as the major products, with minor amounts of calix[6]arenes sometimes being produced. Reducing the loading of NIS to 1 mol % and increasing its overall concentration to 6 M resulted in a substantial increase in the yield of hexaspirocyclohexyl calix[6]thiophene (from 2 to 66 %).
Mechanism and Regioselectivity of 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Nitrile Oxides to 3‐Methylene Oxindole: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Luo Xiaoling , Liu Song , Lan Yu
Published: July 2020

A theoretical study of the mechanism and regioselectivity of 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to 3‐methylene indolone has been performed by density functional theory at the M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory. The results indicate that the concerted pathway is more favorable than the stepwise pathway. Investigation of the regioselectivity of this reaction shows that the main product is predicted to be 3,5‐substituted isoxazoline derivatives, which is consistent with experimental observations. The substituent effect of nitrile oxides on the reactivity and regioselectivity were also investigated. The opposite regioselectivity was observed for nitrile oxides with electron‐donating groups (methyl and phenyl) compared with electron‐withdrawing groups (CN and CO2Me). Distortion–interaction energy analysis shows that the reactivity of 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to 3‐methylene indolone is controlled by both the distortion and interaction energies. Natural population analysis indicates that the carbon atom of the 1,3‐dipole prefers to bond to the terminal carbon atom of the exocyclic double bond of 3‐methylene indolone, forming the 3,5‐substituted isoxazoline product. Frontier molecular orbital analysis shows that the regioselectivity is controlled by the orbital interaction between the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the nitrile oxide and the highest occupied molecular orbital of 3‐methylene indolone.
A Method to Quench Carbodiimide‐Fueled Self‐Assembly
Authors: Schnitter Fabian , Boekhoven Job
Published: July 2020

In chemically fueled self‐assembly, the activation and deactivation of molecules for self‐assembly is coupled to a reaction cycle. In biological examples, these reactions are typically fast, such that the building blocks remain activated for mere seconds. In contrast, synthetic reaction cycles are slower for self‐assembly, i. e., with half‐lives on the order of minutes. In search of life‐like, dynamic behavior in synthetic systems, several groups explore faster reaction cycles that form transient labile building blocks with half‐lives of tens of seconds. These cycles show exciting properties, but brought about a new challenge,i. e., accurately analyzing the fast cycle is impossible with classical techniques. We thus introduce the notion of quenching chemical reaction cycles for self‐assembly. As a model, we use the fast carbodiimide‐fueled chemical reaction cycle and demonstrate a method that quenches all reactions immediately. We show its accuracy and demonstrate the application for several reaction cycles and a range of dissipative assemblies. Finally, we offer preliminary design rules to quench other chemically fueled reaction cycles.
Evaluation of effectiveness of photosensitizers used in laser endodontics disinfection: A systematic review
Authors: Sin Jonathan Hong‐Man , Walsh Laurence J. , Figueredo Carlos Marcelo , George Roy
Published: July 2020

Photo‐activated disinfection using photosensitizers has been proposed as an adjunct to conventional endodontic therapy for additional disinfection and improved treatment outcomes. This systematic review aims to investigate the effectiveness of photosensitizers used in laser endodontics disinfection. A comprehensive literature search is conducted to identify in vitro and in vivo studies involving photo‐activated disinfection in endodontic treatment. Publications are selected based on predetermined eligibility criteria. From 121 articles, 34 met the inclusion criteria, comprising eight polymicrobial and 26 bacteria‐specific studies. A total of 10 photosensitizers were investigated, including methylene blue, tolonium chloride, polyethylenimine and chlorin (e6), phenothia zinium, chitosan, rose bengal, malachite green, indocyanine green, chlorine p6 and curcumin. Photo‐activated disinfection using tolonium chloride or methylene blue can be an effective adjunct to conventional root canal therapy. More studies are needed to assess the performance of newer photosensitizers to optimize photo‐activated disinfection of the complex root canal space.
Comprehensive Understanding of the Eco‐Friendly Synthesis of Zeolites: Needs of 21st Century Sustainable Chemical Industries
Authors: Rani Poonam , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: July 2020

Zeolites have taken a leading position in petrochemical, fine, and bulk chemical industries due to their porous architecture, pore sizes, tunable acidity, and thermal stability. Various strategies of zeolites preparation, including template‐free, solvent‐free, and toxic mineral‐free strategies are summarized. Moreover, the zeolite synthesis using naturally occurring minerals and sustainable natural templates is also discussed, which involves the synthesis of nanocrystalline zeolites of different framework structures using plant‐based natural templates and biomass‐derived renewable chemicals. Overall this personal account provides the fundamentals of various sustainable synthetic strategies reported in the literature for the synthesis of zeolites with suitable examples that will be useful for the students and will motivate experienced researchers to develop various novel sustainable methods for the synthesis of zeolites and other inorganic materials of industrial relevance.
‐Aminonitriles: From Sustainable Preparation to Applications in Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Grundke Caroline , Vierengel Nina , Opatz Till
Published: July 2020

Due to their numerous reactivity modes, α‐aminonitriles represent versatile and valuable building blocks in organic total synthesis. Since their discovery by Adolph Strecker in 1850, this compound class has seen a wide dissemination in synthetic applications from laboratory to million‐ton industrial scale and was extensively used in the syntheses of various classes of natural products. As these compounds provide a multitude of reactivity options, we feel that a broad overview of their multiple reaction modes may reveal less familiar opportunities for successful total synthesis planning. This personal account article will thus focus on α‐aminonitriles used as key intermediates in selected natural product synthesis sequences which have been reported in the two decades since Enders’ and Shilvock's seminal review. Natural α‐aminonitriles will also briefly be treated.
Modeling, instrumentation, automation, and optimization of water resource recovery facilities (Review of 2018 Literature) DIRECT
Authors: Sweeney Michael , Kabouris John
Published: July 2020

A review of the literature published in 2018 on topics relating to water resource recovery facilities (WRRF) in the areas of modeling, automation, measurement and sensors and optimization of wastewater treatment (or water resource reclamation) is presented.

Practitioner points

Summary of advances in the field of modeling, instrumentation, automation, and optimization in 2018.

This review outlines the major contributions of researchers and practitioners that have been published in peer‐reviewed journals and conference proceedings.

The article is organized into sections for ease of reference, but several reviewed articles are related to more than one section.
Sex During Menstruation: Race, Sexual Identity, and Women’s Accounts of Pleasure and Disgust
Authors: Fahs Breanne
Published: July 2020

This study analyzes qualitative interviews with 40 women across a range of age, race, and sexual orientation to examine experiences with sex during menstruation. Results show that 25 women describe negative reactions, two describe neutral reactions, and 13 describe positive reactions. Negative responses involve four themes: discomfort and labor to clean ‘messes,’ overt partner discomfort, negative self-perception, and managing partner’s disgust. Positive responses cohere around physical and emotional pleasure from sex while menstruating and rebellion against anti-menstrual attitudes. Race and sexual identity differences appear: White women and bisexual or lesbian-identified women describe more positive feelings than women of color or heterosexual women. Bisexual women with male partners describe more positive reactions than heterosexual women with male partners, implying that heterosexual identity relates to negative attitudes more than heterosexual behavior. Those with positive attitudes also enjoy masturbation more than others. Additionally, interviews address sexual and racial identities’ informing body practices, partner choice affecting body affirmation, and resistance against ideas about women’s bodies as ‘disgusting.’
Electroweak-symmetric dark monopoles from preheating
Authors: Bai Yang , Korwar Mrunal , Orlofsky Nicholas
Published: July 2020

Abstract

If the dark sector contains ’t Hooft-Polyakov monopoles and a small enough dark gauge coupling, dark monopoles could be a macroscopic dark matter candidate. Its Higgs-portal coupling to the Standard Model can modify the electroweak vacuum in the monopole interior. In the most striking cases, dark monopoles could even contain electroweak-symmetric cores and generate multi-hit signals at large-volume detectors. If they are produced via parametric resonance in the early Universe, monopoles with radii up to one micron and masses up to ten kilotonnes could account for all of dark matter.
Quantum field theories of arbitrary-spin massive multiplets and Palatini quantum gravity
Authors: Anselmi Damiano
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We formulate quantum field theories of massive fields of arbitrary spins. The presence of both physical and fake particles, organized into multiplets, makes it possible to fulfill the requirements of locality, unitarity and renormalizability at the same time. The theories admit cubic and quartic self-interactions and can be coupled to quantum gravity and gauge fields. The simplest irreducible bosonic and fermionic multiplets are made of towers of alternating physical and fake particles. Their mass spectrum is constrained by RG invariant relations and depends on just one or two masses. The fixed points of the renormalization-group flow are scale invariant, but not necessarily conformal invariant. The Palatini version of quantum gravity with fakeons is equivalent to the non-Palatini one coupled to a peculiar multiplet of order 3. As a consequence, it is equally renormalizable and unitary.
Realistic classical binding energies in the ω-Skyrme model
Authors: Gudnason Sven Bjarke , Speight James Martin
Published: July 2020

Abstract

An omega-meson extension of the Skyrme model — without the Skyrme term but including the pion mass — first considered by Adkins and Nappi is studied in detail for baryon numbers 1 to 8. The static problem is reformulated as a constrained energy minimisation problem within a natural geometric framework and studied analytically on compact domains, and numerically on Euclidean space. Using a constrained second-order Newton flow algorithm, classical energy minimisers are constructed for various values of the omegapion coupling. At high coupling, these Skyrmion solutions are qualitatively similar to the Skyrmions of the standard Skyrme model with massless pions. At sufficiently low coupling, they show similarities with those in the lightly bound Skyrme model: the Skyrmions of low baryon number dissociate into lightly bound clusters of distinct 1-Skyrmions, and the classical binding energies for baryon numbers 2 through 8 have realistic values.