Magnetic field generation by pointwise zero-helicity three-dimensional steady flow of an incompressible electrically conducting fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasskazov, Andrey; Chertovskih, Roman; Zheligovsky, Vladislav

2018-04-01

We introduce six families of three-dimensional space-periodic steady solenoidal flows, whose kinetic helicity density is zero at any point. Four families are analytically defined. Flows in four families have zero helicity spectrum. Sample flows from five families are used to demonstrate numerically that neither zero kinetic helicity density nor zero helicity spectrum prohibit generation of large-scale magnetic field by the two most prominent dynamo mechanisms: the magnetic α -effect and negative eddy diffusivity. Our computations also attest that such flows often generate small-scale field for sufficiently small magnetic molecular diffusivity. These findings indicate that kinetic helicity and helicity spectrum are not the quantities controlling the dynamo properties of a flow regardless of whether scale separation is present or not.

The Physics of Tokamak Start-up

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

D. Mueller

Tokamak start-up on present-day devices usually relies on inductively induced voltage from a central solenoid. In some cases inductive startup is assisted with auxiliary power from electron cyclotron radio frequency heating. ITER, the National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade and JT60, now under construction, will make use of the understanding gained from present-day devices to ensure successful start-up. Design of a spherical tokamak (ST) with DT capability for nuclear component testing would require an alternative to a central solenoid because the small central column in an ST has insufficient space to provide shielding for the insulators in the solenoid. Alternative start-upmore » techniques such as induction using outer poloidal field coils, electron Bernstein wave start-up, coaxial helicity injection and point source helicity injection have been used with success, but require demonstration of scaling to higher plasma current.« less

The physics of tokamak start-up

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mueller, D.

Tokamak start-up on present-day devices usually relies on inductively induced voltage from a central solenoid. In some cases, inductive startup is assisted with auxiliary power from electron cyclotron radio frequency heating. International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade and JT60, now under construction, will make use of the understanding gained from present-day devices to ensure successful start-up. Design of a spherical tokamak (ST) with DT capability for nuclear component testing would require an alternative to a central solenoid because the small central column in an ST has insufficient space to provide shielding for the insulators in themore » solenoid. Alternative start-up techniques such as induction using outer poloidal field coils, electron Bernstein wave start-up, coaxial helicity injection, and point source helicity injection have been used with success, but require demonstration of scaling to higher plasma current.« less

Dynamics of zonal flows in helical systems.

PubMed

Sugama, H; Watanabe, T-H

2005-03-25

A theory for describing collisionless long-time behavior of zonal flows in helical systems is presented and its validity is verified by gyrokinetic-Vlasov simulation. It is shown that, under the influence of particles trapped in helical ripples, the response of zonal flows to a given source becomes weaker for lower radial wave numbers and deeper helical ripples while a high-level zonal-flow response, which is not affected by helical-ripple-trapped particles, can be maintained for a longer time by reducing their bounce-averaged radial drift velocity. This implies a possibility that helical configurations optimized for reducing neoclassical ripple transport can simultaneously enhance zonal flows which lower anomalous transport.

Return of grand unified theory baryogenesis: Source of helical hypermagnetic fields for the baryon asymmetry of the universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamada, Kohei

2018-05-01

It has been considered that baryogenesis models without a generation of B -L asymmetry such as the GUT baryogenesis do not work since the asymmetry is washed out by the electroweak sphalerons. Here, we point out that helical hypermagnetic fields can be generated through the chiral magnetic effect with a chiral asymmetry generated in such baryogenesis models. The helical hypermagnetic fields then produce baryon asymmetry mainly at the electroweak symmetry breaking, which remains until today. Therefore, the baryogenesis models without B -L asymmetry can still be the origin of the present baryon asymmetry. In particular, if it can produce chiral asymmetry mainly carried by right-handed electrons of order of 10-3 in terms of the chemical potential to temperature ratio, the resultant present-day baryon asymmetry can be consistent with our Universe, although simple realizations of the GUT baryogenesis are hard to satisfy the condition. We also argue the way to overcome the difficulty in the GUT baryogenesis. The intergalactic magnetic fields with B0˜10-16 - 17 G and λ0˜10-2 - 3 pc are the smoking gun of the baryogenesis scenario as discussed before.

The alpha dynamo parameter and measurability of helicities in magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matthaeus, W. H.; Goldstein, M. L.; Lantz, S. R.

1986-01-01

Alpha, an important parameter in dynamo theory, is shown to be proportional to either the kinetic, current, magnetic, or velocity helicities of the fluctuating magnetic field and fluctuating velocity field. The particular helicity to which alpha is proportional depends on the assumptions used in deriving the first-order smoothed equations that describe the alpha effect. In two cases, viz., when alpha is proportional to either the magnetic helicity or velocity helicity, alpha can be determined experimentally from two-point measurements of the fluctuating fields in incompressible, homogeneous turbulence with arbitrary rotational symmetry. For the other two possibilities, alpha can be determined if the turbulence is isotropic.

Studies of Solar Helicity Using Vector Magnetograms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagyard, Mona J.; Pevstov, Alexei A.

1999-01-01

observations of photospheric magnetic fields made with vector magnetographs have been used recently to study solar helicity. In this paper we indicate what can and cannot be derived from vector magnetograms, and point out some potential problems in these data that could affect the calculations of 'helicity'. Among these problems are magnetic saturation, Faraday rotation, low spectral resolution, and the method of resolving the ambiguity in the azimuth.

Reduction of plasma density in the Helicity Injected Torus with Steady Inductance experiment by using a helicon pre-ionization source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hossack, Aaron C.; Jarboe, Thomas R.; Victor, Brian S.

2013-10-15

A helicon based pre-ionization source has been developed and installed on the Helicity Injected Torus with Steady Inductance (HIT-SI) spheromak. The source initiates plasma breakdown by injecting impurity-free, unmagnetized plasma into the HIT-SI confinement volume. Typical helium spheromaks have electron density reduced from (2–3) × 10{sup 19} m{sup −3} to 1 × 10{sup 19} m{sup −3}. Deuterium spheromak formation is possible with density as low as 2 × 10{sup 18} m{sup −3}. The source also enables HIT-SI to be operated with only one helicity injector at injector frequencies above 14.5 kHz. A theory explaining the physical mechanism driving the reductionmore » of breakdown density is presented.« less

Extreme-ultraviolet observations of global coronal wave rotation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Attrill, G. D. R.; Long, D. M.; Green, L. M.

2014-11-20

We present evidence of global coronal wave rotation in EUV data from SOHO/EIT, STEREO/EUVI, and SDO/AIA. The sense of rotation is found to be consistent with the helicity of the source region (clockwise for positive helicity, anticlockwise for negative helicity), with the source regions hosting sigmoidal structures. We also study two coronal wave events observed by SDO/AIA where no clear rotation (or sigmoid) is observed. The selected events show supporting evidence that they all originate with flux rope eruptions. We make comparisons across this set of observations (both with and without clear sigmoidal structures). On examining the magnetic configuration ofmore » the source regions, we find that the nonrotation events possess a quadrupolar magnetic configuration. The coronal waves that do show a rotation originate from bipolar source regions.« less

Shear-induced conformational ordering, relaxation, and crystallization of isotactic polypropylene.

PubMed

An, Haining; Li, Xiangyang; Geng, Yong; Wang, Yunlong; Wang, Xiao; Li, Liangbin; Li, Zhongming; Yang, Chuanlu

2008-10-02

The shear-induced coil-helix transition of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) has been studied with time-resolved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy at various temperatures. The effects of temperature, shear rate, and strain on the coil-helix transition were studied systematically. The induced conformational order increases with the shear rate and strain. A threshold of shear strain is required to induce conformational ordering. High temperature reduces the effect of shear on the conformational order, though a simple correlation was not found. Following the shear-induced conformational ordering, relaxation of helices occurs, which follows the first-order exponential decay at temperatures well above the normal melting point of iPP. The relaxation time versus temperature is fitted with an Arrhenius law, which generates an activation energy of 135 kJ/mol for the helix-coil transition of iPP. At temperatures around the normal melting point, two exponential decays are needed to fit well on the relaxation kinetic of helices. This suggests that two different states of helices are induced by shear: (i) isolated single helices far away from each other without interactions, which have a fast relaxation kinetic; (ii) aggregations of helices or helical bundles with strong interactions among each other, which have a much slower relaxation process. The helical bundles are assumed to be the precursors of nuclei for crystallization. The different helix concentrations and distributions are the origin of the three different processes of crystallization after shear. The correlation between the shear-induced conformational order and crystallization is discussed.

Hall effect on a Merging Formation Process of a Field-Reversed Configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaminou, Yasuhiro; Guo, Xuehan; Inomoto, Michiaki; Ono, Yasushi; Horiuchi, Ritoku

2015-11-01

Counter-helicity spheromak merging is one of the formation methods of a Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC). In counter-helicity spheromak merging, two spheromaks with opposing toroidal fields merge together, through magnetic reconnection events and relax into a FRC, which has no or little toroidal field. This process contains magnetic reconnection and a relaxation phenomena, and the Hall effect has some essential effects on these process because the X-point in the magnetic reconnection or the O-point of the FRC has no or little magnetic field. However, the Hall effect as both global and local effect on counter-helicity spheromak merging has not been elucidated. In this poster, we conducted 2D/3D Hall-MHD simulations and experiments of counter-helicity spheromak merging. We find that the Hall effect enhances the reconnection rate, and reduces the generation of toroidal sheared-flow. The suppression of the ``slingshot effect'' affects the relaxation process. We will discuss details in the poster.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Hongqi; Brandenburg, Axel; Sokoloff, D. D., E-mail: hzhang@bao.ac.cn

We adopt an isotropic representation of the Fourier-transformed two-point correlation tensor of the magnetic field to estimate the magnetic energy and helicity spectra as well as current helicity spectra of two individual active regions (NOAA 11158 and NOAA 11515) and the change of the spectral indices during their development as well as during the solar cycle. The departure of the spectral indices of magnetic energy and current helicity from 5/3 are analyzed, and it is found that it is lower than the spectral index of the magnetic energy spectrum. Furthermore, the fractional magnetic helicity tends to increase when the scale of themore » energy-carrying magnetic structures increases. The magnetic helicity of NOAA 11515 violates the expected hemispheric sign rule, which is interpreted as an effect of enhanced field strengths at scales larger than 30–60 Mm with opposite signs of helicity. This is consistent with the general cycle dependence, which shows that around the solar maximum the magnetic energy and helicity spectra are steeper, emphasizing the large-scale field.« less

Numerical simulation of helical flow in a cylindrical channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasiliev, A.; Sukhanovskii, A.; Stepanov, R.

2017-06-01

Numerical simulation of the helical flow in a cylindrical channel with diverter was carried out using open-source software OpenFOAM Extend 4.0. The velocity, vorticity and helicity density distributions were analyzed. It was shown that azimithal contribution of helicity is negative near the wall and positive in the center. In opposite axial helicity contribution is negative in the center and positive near the wall. Analysis of helicity of non-axisymmetric part of the flow showed that it has substantial values near the diverter but than rapidly decreases with y (axial coordinate) and further downstream it can be neglected. Dependencies of integrated values of azimuthal Hϕ and axial Hy contributions of helicity density on y show a remarkable quantitative similarity. It was found that integral values of Hϕ and Hy are negative for all y. Magnitudes of Hϕ and Hy decrease after the diverter up to y ≈ 70 mm and after that monotonically increase. The flow behind the diverter is characterized by substantial amount of helicity and can be used as a helicity generator.

Recombinant expression and solution structure of antimicrobial peptide aurelin from jellyfish Aurelia aurita

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shenkarev, Zakhar O.; Panteleev, Pavel V.; Balandin, Sergey V.

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Aurelin was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and its spatial structure was studied by NMR. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Aurelin compact structure encloses helical regions cross-linked by three disulfide bonds. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Aurelin shows structural homology to the BgK and ShK toxins of sea anemones. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Aurelin binds to the anionic lipid vesicles, but does not interact with zwitterionic ones. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Aurelin binds to DPC micelle surface with moderate affinity via two helical regions. -- Abstract: Aurelin is a 40-residue cationic antimicrobial peptide isolated from the mezoglea of a scyphoid jellyfish Aurelia aurita. Aurelin and its {sup 15}N-labeled analogue were overexpressed in Escherichiamore » coli and purified. Antimicrobial activity of the recombinant peptide was examined, and its spatial structure was studied by NMR spectroscopy. Aurelin represents a compact globule, enclosing one 3{sub 10}-helix and two {alpha}-helical regions cross-linked by three disulfide bonds. The peptide binds to anionic lipid (POPC/DOPG, 3:1) vesicles even at physiological salt concentration, it does not interact with zwitterionic (POPC) vesicles and interacts with the DPC micelle surface with moderate affinity via two {alpha}-helical regions. Although aurelin shows structural homology to the BgK and ShK toxins of sea anemones, its surface does not possess the 'functional dyad' required for the high-affinity interaction with the K{sup +}-channels. The obtained data permit to correlate the modest antibacterial properties and membrane activity of aurelin.« less

Comparison of magnetic helicity close to the sun and in magnetic clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rust, D.

Magnetic helicity is present in the solar atmosphere - as inferred from vector magnetograph measurements, solar filaments, S-shaped coronal structures known as sigmoids, and sunspot whorls. I will survey the possible solar sources of this magnetic helicity. Included are fieldline footpoint motions, effects of Coriolis forces, effects of convection, shear associated with differential rotation, and, of course, the internal dynamo. Besides the survey of possible local mechanisms for helicity generation, I will consider the global view of the flow of helicity from the sun into interplanetary space. The principal agents by which the sun sheds helicity are coronal mass ejections (CMEs). They are often associated with interplanetary magnetic clouds (MCs), whose fields are regularly probed with sensitive spacecraft magnetometers. MCs yield more direct measurements of helicity. They show that each MC carries helicity away from the sun. A major issue in solar-heliospheric research is whether the amount of helicity that MCs carry away in a solar cycle can be accounted for by the helicity generation mechanisms proposed so far. The NASA Solar and Heliospheric Physics Program supports this work under grants NAG5- 7921 and NAG 5-11584.

Can a pure vector gravitational wave mimic a pure tensor one?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, Bruce

2018-06-01

In the general theory of relativity, gravitational waves have two possible polarizations, which are transverse and traceless with helicity ±2 . Some alternative theories contain additional helicity 0 and helicity ±1 polarization modes. Here, we consider a hypothetical "pure vector" theory in which gravitational waves have only two possible polarizations, with helicity ±1 . We show that if these polarizations are allowed to rotate as the wave propagates, then for certain source locations on the sky, the strain outputs of three ideal interferometric gravitational wave detectors can exactly reproduce the strain outputs predicted by general relativity.

Godbillon Vey Helicity and Magnetic Helicity in Magnetohydrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, G. M.; Hu, Q.; Anco, S.; Zank, G. P.

2017-12-01

The Godbillon-Vey invariant arises in homology theory, and algebraic topology, where conditions for a layered family of 2D surfaces forms a 3D manifold were elucidated. The magnetic Godbillon-Vey helicity invariant in magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is a helicity invariant that occurs for flows, in which the magnetic helicity density hm= A\\cdotB=0 where A is the magnetic vector potential and B is the magnetic induction. Our purpose is to elucidate the evolution of the magnetic Godbillon-Vey field η =A×B/|A|2 and the Godbillon-Vey helicity hgv}= η \\cdot∇ × η in general MHD flows in which the magnetic helicity hm≠q 0. It is shown that hm acts as a source term in the Godbillon-Vey helicity transport equation, in which hm is coupled to hgv via the shear tensor of the background flow. The transport equation for hgv depends on the electric field potential ψ , which is related to the gauge for A, which takes its simplest form for the advected A gauge in which ψ =A\\cdot u where u is the fluid velocity.

Modified Involute Helical Gears: Computerized Design, Simulation of Meshing, and Stress Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert (Technical Monitor); Litvin, Faydor L.; Gonzalez-Perez, Ignacio; Carnevali, Luca; Kawasaki, Kazumasa; Fuentes-Aznar, Alfonso

2003-01-01

The computerized design, methods for generation, simulation of meshing, and enhanced stress analysis of modified involute helical gears is presented. The approaches proposed for modification of conventional involute helical gears are based on conjugation of double-crowned pinion with a conventional helical involute gear. Double-crowning of the pinion means deviation of cross-profile from an involute one and deviation in longitudinal direction from a helicoid surface. Using the method developed, the pinion-gear tooth surfaces are in point-contact, the bearing contact is localized and oriented longitudinally, and edge contact is avoided. Also, the influence of errors of aligment on the shift of bearing contact, vibration, and noise are reduced substantially. The theory developed is illustrated with numerical examples that confirm the advantages of the gear drives of the modified geometry in comparison with conventional helical involute gears.

Modified Involute Helical Gears: Computerized Design, Simulation of Meshing and Stress Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

The computerized design, methods for generation, simulation of meshing, and enhanced stress analysis of modified involute helical gears is presented. The approaches proposed for modification of conventional involute helical gears are based on conjugation of double-crowned pinion with a conventional helical involute gear. Double-crowning of the pinion means deviation of cross-profile from an involute one and deviation in longitudinal direction from a helicoid surface. Using the method developed, the pinion-gear tooth surfaces are in point-contact, the bearing contact is localized and oriented longitudinally, and edge contact is avoided. Also, the influence of errors of alignment on the shift of bearing contact, vibration, and noise are reduced substantially. The theory developed is illustrated with numerical examples that confirm the advantages of the gear drives of the modified geometry in comparison with conventional helical involute gears.

Magnetic helices as metastable states of finite XY ferromagnetic chains: An analytical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popov, Alexander P.; Pini, Maria Gloria

2018-04-01

We investigated a simple but non trivial model, consisting of a chain of N classical XY spins with nearest neighbor ferromagnetic interaction, where each of the two end-point spins is assumed to be exchange-coupled to a fully-pinned fictitious spin. In the mean field approximation, the system might be representative of a soft ferromagnetic film sandwiched between two magnetically hard layers. We show that, while the ground state is ferromagnetic and collinear, the system can attain non-collinear metastable states in the form of magnetic helices. The helical solutions and their stability were studied analytically in the absence of an external magnetic field. There are four possible classes of solutions. Only one class is metastable, and its helical states contain an integer number of turns. Among the remaining unstable classes, there is a class of helices which contain an integer number of turns. Therefore, an integer number of turns in a helical configuration is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition for metastability. These results may be useful to devise future applications of metastable magnetic helices as energy-storing elements.

Evaluation of CFD Methods for Simulation of Two-Phase Boiling Flow Phenomena in a Helical Coil Steam Generator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pointer, William David; Shaver, Dillon; Liu, Yang

The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy charges participants in the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program with the development of advanced modeling and simulation capabilities that can be used to address design, performance and safety challenges in the development and deployment of advanced reactor technology. The NEAMS has established a high impact problem (HIP) team to demonstrate the applicability of these tools to identification and mitigation of sources of steam generator flow induced vibration (SGFIV). The SGFIV HIP team is working to evaluate vibration sources in an advanced helical coil steam generator using computational fluidmore » dynamics (CFD) simulations of the turbulent primary coolant flow over the outside of the tubes and CFD simulations of the turbulent multiphase boiling secondary coolant flow inside the tubes integrated with high resolution finite element method assessments of the tubes and their associated structural supports. This report summarizes the demonstration of a methodology for the multiphase boiling flow analysis inside the helical coil steam generator tube. A helical coil steam generator configuration has been defined based on the experiments completed by Polytecnico di Milano in the SIET helical coil steam generator tube facility. Simulations of the defined problem have been completed using the Eulerian-Eulerian multi-fluid modeling capabilities of the commercial CFD code STAR-CCM+. Simulations suggest that the two phases will quickly stratify in the slightly inclined pipe of the helical coil steam generator. These results have been successfully benchmarked against both empirical correlations for pressure drop and simulations using an alternate CFD methodology, the dispersed phase mixture modeling capabilities of the open source CFD code Nek5000.« less

Temporal resolution measurement of 128-slice dual source and 320-row area detector computed tomography scanners in helical acquisition mode using the impulse method.

PubMed

Hara, Takanori; Urikura, Atsushi; Ichikawa, Katsuhiro; Hoshino, Takashi; Nishimaru, Eiji; Niwa, Shinji

2016-04-01

To analyse the temporal resolution (TR) of modern computed tomography (CT) scanners using the impulse method, and assess the actual maximum TR at respective helical acquisition modes. To assess the actual TR of helical acquisition modes of a 128-slice dual source CT (DSCT) scanner and a 320-row area detector CT (ADCT) scanner, we assessed the TRs of various acquisition combinations of a pitch factor (P) and gantry rotation time (R). The TR of the helical acquisition modes for the 128-slice DSCT scanner continuously improved with a shorter gantry rotation time and greater pitch factor. However, for the 320-row ADCT scanner, the TR with a pitch factor of <1.0 was almost equal to the gantry rotation time, whereas with pitch factor of >1.0, it was approximately one half of the gantry rotation time. The maximum TR values of single- and dual-source helical acquisition modes for the 128-slice DSCT scanner were 0.138 (R/P=0.285/1.5) and 0.074s (R/P=0.285/3.2), and the maximum TR values of the 64×0.5- and 160×0.5-mm detector configurations of the helical acquisition modes for the 320-row ADCT scanner were 0.120 (R/P=0.275/1.375) and 0.195s (R/P=0.3/0.6), respectively. Because the TR of a CT scanner is not accurately depicted in the specifications of the individual scanner, appropriate acquisition conditions should be determined based on the actual TR measurement. Copyright © 2016 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Point of optimal kinematic error: improvement of the instantaneous helical pivot method for locating centers of rotation.

PubMed

De Rosario, Helios; Page, Alvaro; Mata, Vicente

2014-05-07

This paper proposes a variation of the instantaneous helical pivot technique for locating centers of rotation. The point of optimal kinematic error (POKE), which minimizes the velocity at the center of rotation, may be obtained by just adding a weighting factor equal to the square of angular velocity in Woltring׳s equation of the pivot of instantaneous helical axes (PIHA). Calculations are simplified with respect to the original method, since it is not necessary to make explicit calculations of the helical axis, and the effect of accidental errors is reduced. The improved performance of this method was validated by simulations based on a functional calibration task for the gleno-humeral joint center. Noisy data caused a systematic dislocation of the calculated center of rotation towards the center of the arm marker cluster. This error in PIHA could even exceed the effect of soft tissue artifacts associated to small and medium deformations, but it was successfully reduced by the POKE estimation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Collective Modes of Dust Helical Clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsytovich, V. N.; Gousein-Zade, N. G.; Morfill, G. E.

2005-10-01

The helical structures are the simplest 3D crystal-like cylindrical structures with radius R being a system of 2D clusters equally separated along the cylindrical axis with a relative rotation on constant angle φ0. For mean free path for grain charging much larger than the separation of the grains, the total energy of grain interaction is a sum of all pair grain interactions. The helical structures have been found experimentally for ions in laser traps in cylindrical gas discharges at very low temperatures (in both case as ``warms''). The equilibrium criterion and the criteria of stability including the absence of saddle points show that in the plane ρ, φ the bifurcation points are often present with new branches appearing (stable and unstable). Numerical MD simulations show that for cylindrical symmetry any random distributions of grains is developing into helical structures. The theory of collective modes of helical structures is developed for arbitrary grain interactions. The dispersion relation for frequencies of the collective modes for different branches of helical structures is derived and solved numerically for interaction including different type of screened grain potentials including the grain attraction. The dispersion relation in the first Brillouin zone for the square of the frequency ω2 is shown to be a be-cubic equation and gives the square of frequency ω2 > 0 for stable modes and the square of the growth rates for the unstable modes ω2 < 0. Modes for helical structures in parabolic external confining potential well perpendicular to cylindrical axis are found. Stabile self-confined structures without external confinement are discovered in presence of both non-collective and collective grain attractions.

Observation of reduced heat transport inside the magnetic island O point in the large helical device.

PubMed

Inagaki, S; Tamura, N; Ida, K; Nagayama, Y; Kawahata, K; Sudo, S; Morisaki, T; Tanaka, K; Tokuzawa, T

2004-02-06

Evidence for a reduction of heat transport inside the magnetic island O point is observed from the propagation of a cold pulse produced by a tracer encapsulated solid pellet in the Large Helical Device. A small peak and slow propagation of the cold pulse are observed inside the island. A significant result is that electron heat diffusivity inside the island is estimated to be 0.2 m(2)/s which is smaller than that outside the island by an order of magnitude.

Local Helicity Injection Systems for Non-solenoidal Startup in the PEGASUS Toroidal Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perry, J. M.; Barr, J. L.; Bongard, M. W.; Fonck, R. J.; Hinson, E. T.; Lewicki, B. T.; Redd, A. J.

2013-10-01

Local helicity injection is being developed in the PEGASUS Toroidal Experiment for non-solenoidal startup in spherical tokamaks. The effective loop voltage due to helicity injection scales with the area of the injectors, requiring the development of electron current injectors with areas much larger than the 2 cm2 plasma arc injectors used to date. Solid and gas-effused metallic electrodes were found to be unusable due to reduced injector area utilization from localized cathode spots and narrow operational regimes. An integrated array of 8 compact plasma arc sources is thus being developed for high current startup. It employs two monolithic power systems, for the plasma arc sources and the bias current extraction system. The array effectively eliminates impurity fueling from plasma-material interaction by incorporating a local scraper-limiter and conical-frustum bias electrodes to mitigate the effects of cathode spots. An energy balance model of helicity injection indicates that the resulting 20 cm2 of total injection area should provide sufficient current drive to reach 0.3 MA. At that level, helicity injection drive exceeds that from poloidal induction, which is the relevant operational regime for large-scale spherical tokamaks. Future placement of the injector array near an expanded boundary divertor region will test simultaneous optimization of helicity drive and the Taylor relaxation current limit. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa necrotizing chondritis complicating high helical ear piercing case report: clinical and public health perspectives.

PubMed

Sandhu, Amonpreet; Gross, Melissa; Wylie, John; Van Caeseele, Paul; Plourde, Pierre

2007-01-01

Auricular or high helical ear piercing is an increasingly widespread fashion trend that is associated with an increased risk of potentially serious post-piercing complications such as auricular perichondritis. An 11-year-old girl developed severe auricular perichondritis following piercing of the upper helical cartilage of her ear at a hairdressing salon. Four days post piercing, she returned to the same salon for a haircut during which the pierced site was manipulated. She presented to her family physician and was treated unsuccessfully with oral cephalexin. She was then referred to an infectious diseases consultant and received antipseudomonal intravenous antibiotics with subsequent resolution. She also required debridement and removal of necrotic cartilage. Public health investigation evaluated potential sources of infection including the piercing gun, disinfectant solutions, and hair cutting spray water bottles. Final culture results of the ear helical aspirate grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also cultured from one of the water bottles used to wet her hair during the haircut. Although the pseudomonal strains from the water bottle were different than the infecting one, this contamination presents a potential source of wound infection. Damage to the helical cartilage caused by the piercing gun may also have contributed to this infection. Initial empiric antibiotic therapy for these kinds of infection must include anti-pseudomonal coverage. Auricular or high helical ear piercing using a piercing gun is not recommended.

Spin dynamics in helical molecules with nonlinear interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz, E.; Albares, P.; Estévez, P. G.; Cerveró, J. M.; Gaul, C.; Diez, E.; Domínguez-Adame, F.

2018-04-01

It is widely admitted that the helical conformation of certain chiral molecules may induce a sizable spin selectivity observed in experiments. Spin selectivity arises as a result of the interplay between a helicity-induced spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and electric dipole fields in the molecule. From the theoretical point of view, different phenomena might affect the spin dynamics in helical molecules, such as quantum dephasing, dissipation and the role of metallic contacts. With a few exceptions, previous studies usually neglect the local deformation of the molecule about the carrier, but this assumption seems unrealistic to describe charge transport in molecular systems. We introduce an effective model describing the electron spin dynamics in a deformable helical molecule with weak SOC. We find that the electron–lattice interaction allows the formation of stable solitons such as bright solitons with well defined spin projection onto the molecule axis. We present a thorough study of these bright solitons and analyze their possible impact on the spin dynamics in deformable helical molecules.

Integrated reformer and shift reactor

DOEpatents

Bentley, Jeffrey M.; Clawson, Lawrence G.; Mitchell, William L.; Dorson, Matthew H.

2006-06-27

A hydrocarbon fuel reformer for producing diatomic hydrogen gas is disclosed. The reformer includes a first reaction vessel, a shift reactor vessel annularly disposed about the first reaction vessel, including a first shift reactor zone, and a first helical tube disposed within the first shift reactor zone having an inlet end communicating with a water supply source. The water supply source is preferably adapted to supply liquid-phase water to the first helical tube at flow conditions sufficient to ensure discharge of liquid-phase and steam-phase water from an outlet end of the first helical tube. The reformer may further include a first catalyst bed disposed in the first shift reactor zone, having a low-temperature shift catalyst in contact with the first helical tube. The catalyst bed includes a plurality of coil sections disposed in coaxial relation to other coil sections and to the central longitudinal axis of the reformer, each coil section extending between the first and second ends, and each coil section being in direct fluid communication with at least one other coil section.

The Emergence of Dirac points in Photonic Crystals with Mirror Symmetry

PubMed Central

He, Wen-Yu; Chan, C. T.

2015-01-01

We show that Dirac points can emerge in photonic crystals possessing mirror symmetry when band gap closes. The mechanism of generating Dirac points is discussed in a two-dimensional photonic square lattice, in which four Dirac points split out naturally after the touching of two bands with different parity. The emergence of such nodal points, characterized by vortex structure in momentum space, is attributed to the unavoidable band crossing protected by mirror symmetry. The Dirac nodes can be unbuckled through breaking the mirror symmetry and a photonic analog of Chern insulator can be achieved through time reversal symmetry breaking. Breaking time reversal symmetry can lead to unidirectional helical edge states and breaking mirror symmetry can reduce the band gap to amplify the finite size effect, providing ways to engineer helical edge states. PMID:25640993

Helical vortices: linear stability analysis and nonlinear dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selçuk, C.; Delbende, I.; Rossi, M.

2018-02-01

We numerically investigate, within the context of helical symmetry, the dynamics of a regular array of two or three helical vortices with or without a straight central hub vortex. The Navier-Stokes equations are linearised to study the instabilities of such basic states. For vortices with low pitches, an unstable mode is extracted which corresponds to a displacement mode and growth rates are found to compare well with results valid for an infinite row of point vortices or an infinite alley of vortex rings. For larger pitches, the system is stable with respect to helically symmetric perturbations. In the nonlinear regime, we follow the time-evolution of the above basic states when initially perturbed by the dominant instability mode. For two vortices, sequences of overtaking events, leapfrogging and eventually merging are observed. The transition between such behaviours occurs at a critical ratio involving the core size and the vortex-separation distance. Cases with three helical vortices are also presented.

Finite element analysis of helical flows in human aortic arch: A novel index

PubMed Central

Lee, Cheng-Hung; Liu, Kuo-Sheng; Jhong, Guan-Heng; Liu, Shih-Jung; Hsu, Ming-Yi; Wang, Chao-Jan; Hung, Kuo-Chun

2014-01-01

This study investigates the helical secondary flows in the aortic arch using finite element analysis. The relationship between helical flow and the configuration of the aorta in patients of whose three-dimensional images constructed from computed tomography scans was examined. A finite element model of the pressurized root, arch, and supra-aortic vessels was developed to simulate the pattern of helical secondary flows. Calculations indicate that most of the helical secondary flow was formed in the ascending aorta. Angle α between the zero reference point and the aortic ostium (correlation coefficient (r) = −0.851, P = 0.001), the dispersion index of the cross section of the ascending (r = 0.683, P = 0.021) and descending aorta (r = 0.732, P = 0.010), all correlated closely with the presence of helical flow (P < 0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis confirmed angel α to be independently associated with the helical flow pattern in therein (standardized coefficients = −0.721, P = 0.023). The presence of helical fluid motion based on the atherosclerotic risks of patients, including those associated with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or renal insufficiency, was also evaluated. Numerical simulation of the flow patterns in aortas incorporating the atherosclerotic risks may better explain the mechanism of formation of helical flows and provide insight into causative factors that underlie them. PMID:24803960

Transport phenomena in helical edge state interferometers: A Green's function approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizzo, Bruno; Arrachea, Liliana; Moskalets, Michael

2013-10-01

We analyze the current and the shot noise of an electron interferometer made of the helical edge states of a two-dimensional topological insulator within the framework of nonequilibrium Green's functions formalism. We study, in detail, setups with a single and with two quantum point contacts inducing scattering between the different edge states. We consider processes preserving the spin as well as the effect of spin-flip scattering. In the case of a single quantum point contact, a simple test based on the shot-noise measurement is proposed to quantify the strength of the spin-flip scattering. In the case of two single point contacts with the additional ingredient of gate voltages applied within a finite-size region at the top and bottom edges of the sample, we identify two types of interference processes in the behavior of the currents and the noise. One such process is analogous to that taking place in a Fabry-Pérot interferometer, while the second one corresponds to a configuration similar to a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. In the helical interferometer, these two processes compete.

Simulation Study of the Helical Superconducting Undulator Installation at the Advanced Photon Source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sajaev, V.; Borland, M.; Sun, Y.

A helical superconducting undulator is planned for installation at the APS. Such an installation would be first of its kind – helical devices were never installed in synchrotron light sources before. Due to its reduced horizontal aperture, a lattice modification is required to accommodate for large horizontal oscillations during injection. We describe the lattice change details and show the new lattice experimental test results. To understand the effect of the undulator on single-particle dynamics, first, its kick maps were computed using different methods. We have found that often-used Elleaume formula* for kick maps gives wrong results for this undulator. Wemore » then used the kick maps obtained by other methods to simulate the effect of the undulator on injection and lifetime.« less

An Ultimate Stereocontrol in Asymmetric Synthesis of Optically Pure Fully Aromatic Helicenes.

PubMed

Šámal, Michal; Chercheja, Serghei; Rybáček, Jiří; Vacek Chocholoušová, Jana; Vacek, Jaroslav; Bednárová, Lucie; Šaman, David; Stará, Irena G; Starý, Ivo

2015-07-08

The role of the helicity of small molecules in enantioselective catalysis, molecular recognition, self-assembly, material science, biology, and nanoscience is much less understood than that of point-, axial-, or planar-chiral molecules. To uncover the envisaged potential of helically chiral polyaromatics represented by iconic helicenes, their availability in an optically pure form through asymmetric synthesis is urgently needed. We provide a solution to this problem present since the birth of helicene chemistry in 1956 by developing a general synthetic methodology for the preparation of uniformly enantiopure fully aromatic [5]-, [6]-, and [7]helicenes and their functionalized derivatives. [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloisomerization of chiral triynes combined with asymmetric transformation of the first kind (ultimately controlled by the 1,3-allylic-type strain) is central to this endeavor. The point-to-helical chirality transfer utilizing a traceless chiral auxiliary features a remarkable resistance to diverse structural perturbations.

Two-phase pressure drop in a helical coil flow boiling system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardik, B. K.; Prabhu, S. V.

2018-05-01

The objective of the present work is to study the two-phase pressure drop in helical coils. Literature on the two-phase pressure drop in a helical coil suggests the complexity in flow boiling inside a helical coil due to secondary flow. Most of correlations reported in the literature on the two-phase pressure drop in a helical coil are limited to a specific operating range. No general correlation is available for a helical coil which is applicable for all fluids. In the present study, an experimental databank collected containing a total of 832 data points includes the data from the present study and from the literature. The data includes diabatic pressure drop of two fluids namely water and R123. Data covers a range of parameters namely a mass flux of 120-2058 kg/m2 s, a heat flux of 18-2831 kW/m2, an exit quality of 0.03-1, a density ratio of 32-1404 and a coil to tube diameter ratio of 14-58. The databank is compared with eighteen empirical correlations which include well referred correlations of straight tubes and the available correlations of helical coils. The straight tube correlations are not working well for the present data set. The helical coil correlations work reasonably well for the present databank. A correlation is suggested to predict the two-phase pressure drop in helical coils. The present study suggests that the influence of a helical coil is completely included in the single phase pressure drop correlation for helical coils.

Conversion from mutual helicity to self-helicity observed with IRIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, L. P.; Peter, H.; Chen, F.; Zhang, J.

2014-10-01

Context. In the upper atmosphere of the Sun observations show convincing evidence for crossing and twisted structures, which are interpreted as mutual helicity and self-helicity. Aims: We use observations with the new Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) to show the conversion of mutual helicity into self-helicity in coronal structures on the Sun. Methods: Using far UV spectra and slit-jaw images from IRIS and coronal images and magnetograms from SDO, we investigated the evolution of two crossing loops in an active region, in particular, the properties of the Si IV line profile in cool loops. Results: In the early stage two cool loops cross each other and accordingly have mutual helicity. The Doppler shifts in the loops indicate that they wind around each other. As a consequence, near the crossing point of the loops (interchange) reconnection sets in, which heats the plasma. This is consistent with the observed increase of the line width and of the appearance of the loops at higher temperatures. After this interaction, the two new loops run in parallel, and in one of them shows a clear spectral tilt of the Si IV line profile. This is indicative of a helical (twisting) motion, which is the same as to say that the loop has self-helicity. Conclusions: The high spatial and spectral resolution of IRIS allowed us to see the conversion of mutual helicity to self-helicity in the (interchange) reconnection of two loops. This is observational evidence for earlier theoretical speculations. Movie associated with Fig. 1 and Appendix A are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Faraday signature of magnetic helicity from reduced depolarization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brandenburg, Axel; Stepanov, Rodion

2014-05-10

Using one-dimensional models, we show that a helical magnetic field with an appropriate sign of helicity can compensate the Faraday depolarization resulting from the superposition of Faraday-rotated polarization planes from a spatially extended source. For radio emission from a helical magnetic field, the polarization as a function of the square of the wavelength becomes asymmetric with respect to zero. Mathematically speaking, the resulting emission occurs then either at observable or at unobservable (imaginary) wavelengths. We demonstrate that rotation measure (RM) synthesis allows for the reconstruction of the underlying Faraday dispersion function in the former case, but not in the latter.more » The presence of positive magnetic helicity can thus be detected by observing positive RM in highly polarized regions in the sky and negative RM in weakly polarized regions. Conversely, negative magnetic helicity can be detected by observing negative RM in highly polarized regions and positive RM in weakly polarized regions. The simultaneous presence of two magnetic constituents with opposite signs of helicity is shown to possess signatures that can be quantified through polarization peaks at specific wavelengths and the gradient of the phase of the Faraday dispersion function. Similar polarization peaks can tentatively also be identified for the bi-helical magnetic fields that are generated self-consistently by a dynamo from helically forced turbulence, even though the magnetic energy spectrum is then continuous. Finally, we discuss the possibility of detecting magnetic fields with helical and non-helical properties in external galaxies using the Square Kilometre Array.« less

Non-Solenoidal Tokamak Startup via Inboard Local Helicity Injection on the Pegasus ST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perry, J. M.; Barr, J. L.; Bodner, G. M.; Bongard, M. W.; Fonck, R. J.; Pachicano, J. L.; Reusch, J. A.; Rodriguez Sanchez, C.; Richner, N. J.; Schlossberg, D. J.

2016-10-01

Local helicity injection (LHI) is a non-solenoidal startup technique utilizing small injectors at the plasma edge to source current along helical magnetic field lines. Unstable injected current streams relax to a tokamak-like configuration with high toroidal current multiplication. Flexible placement of injectors permits tradeoffs between helicity injection rate, poloidal field induction, and magnetic geometry requirements for initial relaxation. Experiments using a new set of large-area injectors in the lower divertor explore the efficacy of high-field-side (HFS) injection. The increased area (4 cm2) current source is functional up to full Pegasus toroidal field (BT , inj = 0.23 T). However, relaxation to a tokamak state is increasingly frustrated for BT , inj > 0.15 T with uniform vacuum vertical field. Paths to relaxation at increased field include: manipulation of vacuum poloidal field geometry; increased injector current; and plasma initiation with outboard injectors, subsequently transitioning to divertor injector drive. During initial tests of HFS injectors, achieved Vinj was limited to 600 V by plasma-material interactions on the divertor plate, which may be mitigated by increasing injector elevation. In experiments with helicity injection as the dominant current drive Ip 0.13 MA has been attained, with T̲e > 100 eV and ne 1019 m-3. Extrapolation to full BT, longer pulse length, and Vinj 1 kV suggest Ip > 0.25 MA should be attainable in a plasma dominated by helicity drive. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Dynamic control of laser driven proton beams by exploiting self-generated, ultrashort electromagnetic pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kar, S.; Ahmed, H.; Nersisyan, G.; Brauckmann, S.; Hanton, F.; Giesecke, A. L.; Naughton, K.; Willi, O.; Lewis, C. L. S.; Borghesi, M.

2016-05-01

As part of the ultrafast charge dynamics initiated by high intensity laser irradiations of solid targets, high amplitude EM pulses propagate away from the interaction point and are transported along any stalks and wires attached to the target. The propagation of these high amplitude pulses along a thin wire connected to a laser irradiated target was diagnosed via the proton radiography technique, measuring a pulse duration of ˜20 ps and a pulse velocity close to the speed of light. The strong electric field associated with the EM pulse can be exploited for controlling dynamically the proton beams produced from a laser-driven source. Chromatic divergence control of broadband laser driven protons (upto 75% reduction in divergence of >5 MeV protons) was obtained by winding the supporting wire around the proton beam axis to create a helical coil structure. In addition to providing focussing and energy selection, the technique has the potential to post-accelerate the transiting protons by the longitudinal component of the curved electric field lines produced by the helical coil lens.

Dynamic control of laser driven proton beams by exploiting self-generated, ultrashort electromagnetic pulses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kar, S., E-mail: s.kar@qub.ac.uk; Ahmed, H.; Nersisyan, G.

As part of the ultrafast charge dynamics initiated by high intensity laser irradiations of solid targets, high amplitude EM pulses propagate away from the interaction point and are transported along any stalks and wires attached to the target. The propagation of these high amplitude pulses along a thin wire connected to a laser irradiated target was diagnosed via the proton radiography technique, measuring a pulse duration of ∼20 ps and a pulse velocity close to the speed of light. The strong electric field associated with the EM pulse can be exploited for controlling dynamically the proton beams produced from amore » laser-driven source. Chromatic divergence control of broadband laser driven protons (upto 75% reduction in divergence of >5 MeV protons) was obtained by winding the supporting wire around the proton beam axis to create a helical coil structure. In addition to providing focussing and energy selection, the technique has the potential to post-accelerate the transiting protons by the longitudinal component of the curved electric field lines produced by the helical coil lens.« less

Helicity and other conservation laws in perfect fluid motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serre, Denis

2018-03-01

In this review paper, we discuss helicity from a geometrical point of view and see how it applies to the motion of a perfect fluid. We discuss its relation with the Hamiltonian structure, and then its extension to arbitrary space dimensions. We also comment about the existence of additional conservation laws for the Euler equation, and its unlikely integrability in Liouville's sense.

Small-scale anisotropy induced by spectral forcing and by rotation in non-helical and helical turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vallefuoco, Donato; Naso, Aurore; Godeferd, Fabien S.

2018-02-01

We study the effect of large-scale spectral forcing on the scale-dependent anisotropy of the velocity field in direct numerical simulations of homogeneous turbulence. ABC-type forcing and helical or non-helical Euler-type forcing are considered. We propose a scale-dependent characterisation of anisotropy based on a modal decomposition of the two-point velocity tensor spectrum. This produces direction-dependent spectra of energy, helicity and polarisation. We examine the conditions that allow anisotropy to develop in the small scales due to forcing and we show that the theoretically expected isotropy is not exactly obtained, even in the smallest scales, for ABC and helical Euler forcings. When adding rotation, the anisotropy level in ABC-forced simulations is similar to that of lower Rossby number Euler-forced runs. Moreover, even at low rotation rate, the natural anisotropy induced by the Coriolis force is visible at all scales, and two distinct wavenumber ranges appear from our fine-grained characterisation, not separated by the Zeman scale but by a scale where rotation and dissipation are balanced.

Controllable helical deformations on printed anisotropic composite soft actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dong; Li, Ling; Serjouei, Ahmad; Dong, Longteng; Weeger, Oliver; Gu, Guoying; Ge, Qi

2018-04-01

Helical shapes are ubiquitous in both nature and engineering. However, the development of soft actuators and robots that mimic helical motions has been hindered primarily due to the lack of efficient modeling approaches that take into account the material anisotropy and the directional change of the external loading point. In this work, we present a theoretical framework for modeling controllable helical deformations of cable-driven, anisotropic, soft composite actuators. The framework is based on the minimum potential energy method, and its model predictions are validated by experiments, where the microarchitectures of the soft composite actuators can be precisely defined by 3D printing. We use the developed framework to investigate the effects of material and geometric parameters on helical deformations. The results show that material stiffness, volume fraction, layer thickness, and fiber orientation can be used to control the helical deformation of a soft actuator. In particular, we found that a critical fiber orientation angle exists at which the twist of the actuator changes the direction. Thus, this work can be of great importance for the design and fabrication of soft actuators with tailored deformation behavior.

Method and apparatus for converting hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide

DOEpatents

Clawson, Lawrence G.; Mitchell, William L.; Bentley, Jeffrey M.; Thijssen, Johannes H.J.

2000-01-01

An apparatus and a method are disclosed for converting hydrocarbon fuel or an alcohol into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide. The apparatus includes a first vessel having a partial oxidation reaction zone and a separate steam reforming reaction zone that is distinct from the partial oxidation reaction zone. The first vessel has a first vessel inlet at the partial oxidation reaction zone and a first vessel outlet at the steam reforming zone. The reformer also includes a helical tube extending about the first vessel. The helical tube has a first end connected to an oxygen-containing source and a second end connected to the first vessel at the partial oxidation reaction zone. Oxygen gas from an oxygen-containing source can be directed through the helical tube to the first vessel. A second vessel having a second vessel inlet and second vessel outlet is annularly disposed about the first vessel. The helical tube is disposed between the first vessel and the second vessel and gases from the first vessel can be directed through second vessel.

Optimization of view weighting in tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithms to minimize helical artifacts in multi-slice helical CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xiangyang

2003-05-01

In multi-slice helical CT, the single-tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithm has been proposed to combat helical and cone beam artifacts by tilting a reconstruction plane to fit a helical source trajectory optimally. Furthermore, to improve the noise characteristics or dose efficiency of the single-tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithm, the multi-tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithm has been proposed, in which the reconstruction plane deviates from the pose globally optimized due to an extra rotation along the 3rd axis. As a result, the capability of suppressing helical and cone beam artifacts in the multi-tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithm is compromised. An optomized tilted-plane-based reconstruction algorithm is proposed in this paper, in which a matched view weighting strategy is proposed to optimize the capability of suppressing helical and cone beam artifacts and noise characteristics. A helical body phantom is employed to quantitatively evaluate the imaging performance of the matched view weighting approach by tabulating artifact index and noise characteristics, showing that the matched view weighting improves both the helical artifact suppression and noise characteristics or dose efficiency significantly in comparison to the case in which non-matched view weighting is applied. Finally, it is believed that the matched view weighting approach is of practical importance in the development of multi-slive helical CT, because it maintains the computational structure of fan beam filtered backprojection and demands no extra computational services.

A theory of the helical ripple-induced stochastic behavior of fast toroidal bananas in torsatrons and heliotrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnova, M. S.

2001-05-01

A theory of the helical ripple-induced stochastic behavior of fast toroidal bananas in torsatrons and heliotrons [K. Uo, J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 16, 1380 (1961)] is developed. It is supplemented by an analysis of the structure of the secondary magnetic wells along field lines. Conditions, under which these wells are suppressed in torsatrons-heliotrons by poloidally modulated helical field ripple, are found. It is shown that inside the secondary magnetic well-free region, favorable conditions exist for a transition of fast toroidal bananas to stochastic trajectories. The analytical estimation for the value of an additional radial jump of a banana particle near its turning point, induced by the helical field ripple effect, is derived. It is found to be similar to the corresponding banana radial jump in a tokamak with the toroidal field ripple. Critical values of the helical field ripple dangerous from the viewpoint of a banana transition to stochastic behavior are estimated.

Monte Carlo simulations of adult and pediatric computed tomography exams: Validation studies of organ doses with physical phantoms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Long, Daniel J.; Lee, Choonsik; Tien, Christopher

2013-01-15

Purpose: To validate the accuracy of a Monte Carlo source model of the Siemens SOMATOM Sensation 16 CT scanner using organ doses measured in physical anthropomorphic phantoms. Methods: The x-ray output of the Siemens SOMATOM Sensation 16 multidetector CT scanner was simulated within the Monte Carlo radiation transport code, MCNPX version 2.6. The resulting source model was able to perform various simulated axial and helical computed tomographic (CT) scans of varying scan parameters, including beam energy, filtration, pitch, and beam collimation. Two custom-built anthropomorphic phantoms were used to take dose measurements on the CT scanner: an adult male and amore » 9-month-old. The adult male is a physical replica of University of Florida reference adult male hybrid computational phantom, while the 9-month-old is a replica of University of Florida Series B 9-month-old voxel computational phantom. Each phantom underwent a series of axial and helical CT scans, during which organ doses were measured using fiber-optic coupled plastic scintillator dosimeters developed at University of Florida. The physical setup was reproduced and simulated in MCNPX using the CT source model and the computational phantoms upon which the anthropomorphic phantoms were constructed. Average organ doses were then calculated based upon these MCNPX results. Results: For all CT scans, good agreement was seen between measured and simulated organ doses. For the adult male, the percent differences were within 16% for axial scans, and within 18% for helical scans. For the 9-month-old, the percent differences were all within 15% for both the axial and helical scans. These results are comparable to previously published validation studies using GE scanners and commercially available anthropomorphic phantoms. Conclusions: Overall results of this study show that the Monte Carlo source model can be used to accurately and reliably calculate organ doses for patients undergoing a variety of axial or helical CT examinations on the Siemens SOMATOM Sensation 16 scanner.« less

Expanding Non-solenoidal Startup with Local Helicity Injection to Increased Toroidal Field and Helicity Injection Rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perry, J. M.; Barr, J. L.; Bodner, G. M.; Bongard, M. W.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Hinson, E. T.; Lewicki, B. T.; Reusch, J. A.; Schlossberg, D. J.; Winz, G. R.

2015-11-01

Local helicity injection (LHI) is a non-solenoidal startup technique under development on the Pegasus ST. Plasma currents up to 0.18 MA have been initiated by LHI in conjunction with poloidal field induction. A 0-D power balance model has been developed to predict plasma current evolution by balancing helicity input against resistive dissipation. The model is being validated against a set of experimental measurements and magnetic reconstructions with radically varied plasma geometric evolutions. Outstanding physics issues with LHI startup are the scalings of confinement and MHD activity with helicity injection rate and toroidal field strength, as well as injector behavior at high field. Preliminary results from the newly-installed Thomson scattering system suggest core temperatures of a few hundred eV during LHI startup. Measurements are being expanded to multiple spatial points for ongoing confinement studies. A set of larger-area injectors is being installed in the lower divertor region, where increased toroidal field will provide a helicity injection rate over 3 times that of outboard injectors. In this regime helicity injection will be the dominant current drive. Experiments with divertor injectors will permit experimental differentiation of several possible confinement models, and demonstrate the feasibility of LHI startup at high field. Work supported by US DOE grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Characteristics of Helical Flow through Neck Cutoffs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richards, D.; Konsoer, K. M.; Turnipseed, C.; Willson, C. S.

2017-12-01

Meander cutoffs and oxbows lakes are a ubiquitous feature of riverine landscapes yet there is a paucity of detailed investigations concentrated on the three-dimensional flow structure through evolving neck cutoffs. The purpose of this research is to investigate and characterize helical flow through neck cutoffs with two different planform configurations: elongate meander loops and serpentine loops. Three-dimensional velocity measurements was collected with an acoustic Doppler current profiler for five cutoffs on the White River, Arkansas. Pronounced helical flow was found through all elongate loop cutoff sites, formed from the balance between centrifugal force resulting from the curving of flow through the cutoff channel and pressure gradient force resulting from water surface super-elevation between primary flow and flow at the entrance and exit of the abandoned loop. The sense of motion of the helical flow caused near-surface fluid to travel outward toward the abandoned loop while near-bed fluid was redirected toward the downstream channel. Another characteristic of the helical flow structure for elongate loop cutoffs was the reversal of helical flow over a relatively short distance, causing patterns of secondary circulation that differed from typical patterns observed through curved channels with point bars. Lastly, helical flow was revealed within zones of strong flow recirculation, enhanced by an exchange of streamwise momentum between shear layers.

Helical undulator based on partial redistribution of uniform magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balal, N.; Bandurkin, I. V.; Bratman, V. L.; Fedotov, A. E.

2017-12-01

A new type of helical undulator based on redistribution of magnetic field of a solenoid by ferromagnetic helix has been proposed and studied both in theory and experiment. Such undulators are very simple and efficient for promising sources of coherent spontaneous THz undulator radiation from dense electron bunches formed in laser-driven photo-injectors.

Cherenkov sound on a surface of a topological insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, Sergey

2013-11-01

Topological insulators are currently of considerable interest due to peculiar electronic properties originating from helical states on their surfaces. Here we demonstrate that the sound excited by helical particles on surfaces of topological insulators has several exotic properties fundamentally different from sound propagating in nonhelical or even isotropic helical systems. Specifically, the sound may have strictly forward propagation absent for isotropic helical states. Its dependence on the anisotropy of the realistic surface states is of distinguished behavior which may be used as an alternative experimental tool to measure the anisotropy strength. Fascinating from the fundamental point of view backward, or anomalous, Cherenkov sound is excited above the critical angle π/2 when the anisotropy exceeds a critical value. Strikingly, at strong anisotropy the sound localizes into a few forward and backward beams propagating along specific directions.

Non-solenoidal Plasma Startup in the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sontag, Aaron

2008-11-01

Non-solenoidal (NS) startup will simplify the design of future tokamaks by eliminating need for a central solenoid and is required for an ST based CTF. In Pegasus, washer-stack current sources (plasma guns) are used to initiate NS discharges via point-source DC helicity injection. Current injected parallel to the helical vacuum field can relax into a tokamak-like configuration with toroidally-averaged closed flux and tokamak-like confinement. This requires no modification of the vacuum vessel and is scalable to fusion grade systems with proper geometry. Guns in the divertor region create discharges with Ip up to 50 kA, 3 times the vacuum windup. Nonlinear 3D simulation with NIMROD shows excitation of a line-tied kink, producing poloidal flux amplification. Evidence of flux amplification includes: reversal of edge poloidal magnetic flux; Ip increase over vacuum geometric windup; plasma position subject to radial force balance; and persistence of Ip after gun shut-off. Equilibria show high edge current (li = 0.2) and elevated q (qmin> 6), allowing access to high IN (IN> 12). Guns at the outboard midplane produce Ip up to 7 times the vacuum windup with large n=1 activity when edge q passes through rational surfaces. Line averaged density up to 2x10^19 m-3 after relaxation shows an increase in particle confinement over non-relaxed cases. Maximum Ip is determined by helicity and radial force balance, tokamak stability, and Taylor relaxation. Coupling midplane gun discharges to other CD is straightforward due to Ip decay times >3 ms. Poloidal field induction has been used to create NS discharges up to 80 kA and gun plasmas with Ip of 60 kA have been ramped to over 100 kA by including OH drive. Present research is aimed at understanding the physics of this technique in order to form NS targets in excess of 200 kA and design NS startup systems for larger devices.

Noncontact localized internal infrared radiation measurement using an infrared point detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hisaka, Masaki

2017-12-01

The techniques for temperature measurement within the human body are important for clinical applications. A method for noncontact local infrared (IR) radiation measurements was investigated deep within an object to simulate how the core human body temperature can be obtained. To isolate the IR light emitted from a specific area within the object from the external noise, the radiating IR light was detected using an IR point detector, which comprises a pinhole and a thermopile positioned at an imaging relation with the region of interest within the object. The structure of the helical filament radiating IR light inside a light bulb was thermally imaged by scanning the bulb in two dimensions. Moreover, this approach was used to effectively measure IR light in the range of human body temperature using a glass plate placed in front of the heat source, mimicking the ocular fundus.

Noncontact localized internal infrared radiation measurement using an infrared point detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hisaka, Masaki

2018-06-01

The techniques for temperature measurement within the human body are important for clinical applications. A method for noncontact local infrared (IR) radiation measurements was investigated deep within an object to simulate how the core human body temperature can be obtained. To isolate the IR light emitted from a specific area within the object from the external noise, the radiating IR light was detected using an IR point detector, which comprises a pinhole and a thermopile positioned at an imaging relation with the region of interest within the object. The structure of the helical filament radiating IR light inside a light bulb was thermally imaged by scanning the bulb in two dimensions. Moreover, this approach was used to effectively measure IR light in the range of human body temperature using a glass plate placed in front of the heat source, mimicking the ocular fundus.

Chiral perturbation theory and nucleon-pion-state contaminations in lattice QCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bär, Oliver

2017-05-01

Multiparticle states with additional pions are expected to be a non-negligible source of excited-state contamination in lattice simulations at the physical point. It is shown that baryon chiral perturbation theory can be employed to calculate the contamination due to two-particle nucleon-pion-states in various nucleon observables. Leading order results are presented for the nucleon axial, tensor and scalar charge and three Mellin moments of parton distribution functions (quark momentum fraction, helicity and transversity moment). Taking into account phenomenological results for the charges and moments the impact of the nucleon-pion-states on lattice estimates for these observables can be estimated. The nucleon-pion-state contribution results in an overestimation of all charges and moments obtained with the plateau method. The overestimation is at the 5-10% level for source-sink separations of about 2 fm. The source-sink separations accessible in contemporary lattice simulations are found to be too small for chiral perturbation theory to be directly applicable.

Cruise noise of the SR-2 propeller model in a wind tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dittmar, James H.

1989-01-01

Noise data on the SR-2 model propeller were taken in the NASA Lewis Research Center 8- by 6-Foot Wind Tunnel. The maximum blade passing tone rises with increasing helical tip Mach number to a peak level at a helical tip Mach number of about 1.05; then it remains the same or decreases at higher helical tip Mach numbers. This behavior, which has been observed with other propeller models, points to the possibility of using higher propeller tip speeds to limit airplane cabin noise while maintaining high flight speed and efficiency. Noise comparisons of the straight-blade SR-2 propeller and the swept-blade SR-7A propeller showed that the tailored sweep of the SR-7A appears to be the cause of both lower peak noise levels and a slower noise increase with increasing helical tip Mach number.

Helical wire stress analysis of unbonded flexible riser under irregular response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kunpeng; Ji, Chunyan

2017-06-01

A helical wire is a critical component of an unbonded flexible riser prone to fatigue failure. The helical wire has been the focus of much research work in recent years because of the complex multilayer construction of the flexible riser. The present study establishes an analytical model for the axisymmetric and bending analyses of an unbonded flexible riser. The interlayer contact under axisymmetric loads in this model is modeled by setting radial dummy springs between adjacent layers. The contact pressure is constant during the bending response and applied to determine the slipping friction force per unit helical wire. The model tracks the axial stress around the angular position at each time step to calculate the axial force gradient, then compares the axial force gradient with the slipping friction force to judge the helical wire slipping region, which would be applied to determine the bending stiffness for the next time step. The proposed model is verified against the experimental data in the literature. The bending moment-curvature relationship under irregular response is also qualitatively discussed. The stress at the critical point of the helical wire is investigated based on the model by considering the local flexure. The results indicate that the present model can well simulate the bending stiffness variation during irregular response, which has significant effect on the stress of helical wire.

The attainment of large accelerating gradients using near field synchrotron radiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Decker, G.

1989-01-01

Lienard-Wiechert potentials are used to find the electromagnetic field everywhere in free space resulting from a point charge moving on a helical trajectory. The total power emitted as synchrotron radiation from a particle on a circular path is calculated. The point charge results are generalized to the case of a line charge, and formulae are presented which can easily be evaluated numerically. A useful gradient of 80 MeV/m per kA of peak driving beam current over a distance of 1 cm is calculated using two 5 MeV driving beams moving on 1 cm radius helical orbits with bunch length 1more » mm. 11 refs., 5 figs.« less

π Spin Berry Phase in a Quantum-Spin-Hall-Insulator-Based Interferometer: Evidence for the Helical Spin Texture of the Edge States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wei; Deng, Wei-Yin; Hou, Jing-Min; Shi, D. N.; Sheng, L.; Xing, D. Y.

2016-08-01

The quantum spin Hall insulator is characterized by helical edge states, with the spin polarization of the electron being locked to its direction of motion. Although the edge-state conduction has been observed, unambiguous evidence of the helical spin texture is still lacking. Here, we investigate the coherent edge-state transport in an interference loop pinched by two point contacts. Because of the helical character, the forward interedge scattering enforces a π spin rotation. Two successive processes can only produce a nontrivial 2 π or trivial 0 spin rotation, which can be controlled by the Rashba spin-orbit coupling. The nontrivial spin rotation results in a geometric π Berry phase, which can be detected by a π phase shift of the conductance oscillation relative to the trivial case. Our results provide smoking gun evidence for the helical spin texture of the edge states. Moreover, it also provides the opportunity to all electrically explore the trajectory-dependent spin Berry phase in condensed matter.

Assessment of prokaryotic collagen-like sequences derived from streptococcal Scl1 and Scl2 proteins as a source of recombinant GXY polymers.

PubMed

Han, Runlin; Zwiefka, Antoni; Caswell, Clayton C; Xu, Yi; Keene, Douglas R; Lukomska, Ewa; Zhao, Zhihong; Höök, Magnus; Lukomski, Slawomir

2006-08-01

Collagen triple helix, composed of the repeating Gly-Xaa-Yaa (GXY) sequence, is a structural element found in all multicellular animals and also in some prokaryotes. Long GXY polymers are highly regarded components used in food, cosmetic, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, we explore a new concept for the production of recombinant GXY polymers which are based on the sequence of "prokaryotic collagens", the streptococcal collagen-like proteins Scl1 and Scl2. Analysis of 50 Scl variants identified the amino acid distribution and GXY-repeat usage that are involved in the stabilization of the triple helix in Scls. Using circular dichroism spectroscopy and electron microscopy, we show that significantly different recombinant rScl polypeptides form stable, unhydroxylated homotrimeric triple helices that can be produced both intra- and extracellularly in the Escherichia coli. These rScl constructs containing 20 to 129 GXY repeats had mid-point melting temperatures between 32 and 39 degrees C. Altogether, Scl-derived collagens, which are different from the mammalian collagens, can form stable triple helices under physiological conditions and can be used for the production of recombinant GXY polymers with a wide variety of potential applications.

Membrane-spanning α-helical barrels as tractable protein-design targets.

PubMed

Niitsu, Ai; Heal, Jack W; Fauland, Kerstin; Thomson, Andrew R; Woolfson, Derek N

2017-08-05

The rational ( de novo ) design of membrane-spanning proteins lags behind that for water-soluble globular proteins. This is due to gaps in our knowledge of membrane-protein structure, and experimental difficulties in studying such proteins compared to water-soluble counterparts. One limiting factor is the small number of experimentally determined three-dimensional structures for transmembrane proteins. By contrast, many tens of thousands of globular protein structures provide a rich source of 'scaffolds' for protein design, and the means to garner sequence-to-structure relationships to guide the design process. The α-helical coiled coil is a protein-structure element found in both globular and membrane proteins, where it cements a variety of helix-helix interactions and helical bundles. Our deep understanding of coiled coils has enabled a large number of successful de novo designs. For one class, the α-helical barrels-that is, symmetric bundles of five or more helices with central accessible channels-there are both water-soluble and membrane-spanning examples. Recent computational designs of water-soluble α-helical barrels with five to seven helices have advanced the design field considerably. Here we identify and classify analogous and more complicated membrane-spanning α-helical barrels from the Protein Data Bank. These provide tantalizing but tractable targets for protein engineering and de novo protein design.This article is part of the themed issue 'Membrane pores: from structure and assembly, to medicine and technology'. © 2017 The Author(s).

The formation of helical mesoporous silica nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Xiaobing; Pei, Xianfeng; Zhao, Huanyu; Chen, Yuanli; Guo, Yongmin; Li, Baozong; Hanabusa, Kenji; Yang, Yonggang

2008-08-01

Three chiral cationic gelators were synthesized. They can form translucent hydrogels in pure water. These hydrogels become highly viscous liquids under strong stirring. Mesoporous silica nanotubes with coiled pore channels in the walls were prepared using the self-assemblies of these gelators as templates. The mechanism of the formation of this hierarchical nanostructure was studied using transmission electron microscopy at different reaction times. The results indicated that there are some interactions between the silica source and the gelator. The morphologies of the self-assemblies of gelators changed gradually during the sol-gel transcription process. It seems that the silica source directed the organic self-assemblies into helical nanostructures.

Co-assembly of Zn(SPh){sub 2} and organic linkers into helical and zig-zag polymer chains

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu Yi; Yu Lingmin; Loo, Say Chye Joachim

2012-07-15

Two novel one-dimensional coordination polymers, single helicate [Zn(SPh){sub 2}(TPyTA)(EG)]{sub n} (EG=ethylene glycol) (1) and zig-zag structure [Zn(SPh){sub 2}(BPyVB)]{sub n} (2), were synthesized under solvothermal conditions at 150 Degree-Sign C or room temperature by the co-assembly of Zn(SPh){sub 2} and organic linkers such as 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPyTA) and 1,3-bis(trans-4-pyridylvinyl)benzene (BPyVB). X-ray crystallography study reveals that both polymers 1 and 2 crystallize in space group P2{sub 1}/c of the monoclinic system. The solid-state UV-vis absorption spectra show that 1 and 2 have maxium absorption onsets at 400 nm and 420 nm, respectively. TGA analysis indicates that 1 and 2 are stable up tomore » 110 Degree-Sign C and 210 Degree-Sign C. - Graphical abstract: Two novel one-dimensional coordination polymers, single helicate [Zn(SPh){sub 2}(TPyTA)(EG)]{sub n} (1) and zig-zag structure [Zn(SPh){sub 2}(BPyVB)]{sub n} (2), were synthesized. Solid-state UV-vis absorptions show that 1 and 2 have maxium absorption onsets at 400 nm and 420 nm, respectively. TGA analysis indicates that 1 and 2 are stable up to 110 Degree-Sign C and 210 Degree-Sign C. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Two novel one-dimensional coordination polymers have been synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TPyTA results in helical structures in 1 while BPyVB leads to zig-zag chains in 2. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Solid-state UV-vis absorption spectra and TGA analysis of the title polymers were studied.« less

Formation of a rotating jet during the filament eruption on 2013 April 10-11

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippov, B.; Srivastava, A. K.; Dwivedi, B. N.; Masson, S.; Aulanier, G.; Joshi, N. C.; Uddin, W.

2015-07-01

We analyse multiwavelength and multiviewpoint observations of a helically twisted plasma jet formed during a confined filament eruption on 2013 April 10-11. Given a rather large-scale event with its high spatial and temporal resolution observations, it allows us to clearly understand some new physical details about the formation and triggering mechanism of twisting jet. We identify a pre-existing flux rope associated with a sinistral filament, which was observed several days before the event. The confined eruption of the filament within a null-point topology, also known as an Eiffel tower (or inverted-Y) magnetic field configuration results in the formation of a twisted jet after the magnetic reconnection near a null point. The sign of helicity in the jet is found to be the same as that of the sign of helicity in the filament. Untwisting motion of the reconnected magnetic field lines gives rise to the accelerating plasma along the jet axis. The event clearly shows the twist injection from the pre-eruptive magnetic field to the jet.

The Writhe of Helical Structures in the Solar Corona

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toeroek, T.; Berger, M. A.; Kliem, B.

2010-01-01

Context. Helicity is a fundamental property of magnetic fields, conserved in ideal MHD. In flux rope topology, it consists of twist and writhe helicity. Despite the common occurrence of helical structures in the solar atmosphere, little is known about how their shape relates to the writhe, which fraction of helicity is contained in writhe, and how much helicity is exchanged between twist and writhe when they erupt. Aims. Here we perform a quantitative investigation of these questions relevant for coronal flux ropes. Methods. The decomposition of the writhe of a curve into local and nonlocal components greatly facilitates its computation. We use it to study the relation between writhe and projected S shape of helical curves and to measure writhe and twist in numerical simulations of flux rope instabilities. The results are discussed with regard to filament eruptions and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Results. (1) We demonstrate that the relation between writhe and projected S shape is not unique in principle, but that the ambiguity does not affect low-lying structures, thus supporting the established empirical rule which associates stable forward (reverse) S shaped structures low in the corona with positive (negative) helicity. (2) Kink-unstable erupting flux ropes are found to transform a far smaller fraction of their twist helicity into writhe helicity than often assumed. (3) Confined flux rope eruptions tend to show stronger writhe at low heights than ejective eruptions (CMEs). This argues against suggestions that the writhing facilitates the rise of the rope through the overlying field. (4) Erupting filaments which are S shaped already before the eruption and keep the sign of their axis writhe (which is expected if field of one chirality dominates the source volume of the eruption), must reverse their S shape in the course of the rise. Implications for the occurrence of the helical kink instability in such events are discussed.

Finite-temperature effects in helical quantum turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark Di Leoni, Patricio; Mininni, Pablo D.; Brachet, Marc E.

2018-04-01

We perform a study of the evolution of helical quantum turbulence at different temperatures by solving numerically the Gross-Pitaevskii and the stochastic Ginzburg-Landau equations, using up to 40963 grid points with a pseudospectral method. We show that for temperatures close to the critical one, the fluid described by these equations can act as a classical viscous flow, with the decay of the incompressible kinetic energy and the helicity becoming exponential. The transition from this behavior to the one observed at zero temperature is smooth as a function of temperature. Moreover, the presence of strong thermal effects can inhibit the development of a proper turbulent cascade. We provide Ansätze for the effective viscosity and friction as a function of the temperature.

Determination of magnetic helicity in the solar wind and implications for cosmic ray propagation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matthaeus, W. M.; Goldstein, M. L.

1981-01-01

Magnetic helicity (Hm) is the mean value of the correlation between a turbulent magnetic field and the magnetic vector potential. A technique is described for determining Hm and its 'reduced' spectrum from the two point magnetic correlation matrix. The application of the derived formalism to solar wind magnetic fluctuations is discussed, taking into account cases for which only single point measurements are available. The application procedure employs the usual 'frozen in approximation' approach. The considered method is applied to an analysis of several periods of Voyager 2 interplanetary magnetometer data near 2.8 AU. During these periods the correlation length, or energy containing length, was found to be approximately 3 x 10 to the 11th cm

The attainment of large accelerating gradients using near field synchrotron radiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Decker, G.

1989-10-15

Lienard-Wiechert potentials are used to find the electromagnetic field everywhere in free space resulting from a point charge moving on a helical trajectory. The total power emitted as synchrotron radiation from a particle on a circular path is calculated. The point charge results are generalized to the case of a line charge, and formulae are presented which can easily be evaluated numerically. A useful gradient of 80 MeV/m per kA of peak driving beam current over a distance of 1 cm is calculated using two 5 MeV driving beams moving on 1 cm radius helical orbits with bunch length 1more » mm. {copyright} 1989 American Institute of Physics« less

Helical screw viscometer

DOEpatents

Aubert, J.H.; Chapman, R.N.; Kraynik, A.M.

1983-06-30

A helical screw viscometer for the measurement of the viscosity of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids comprising an elongated cylindrical container closed by end caps defining a circular cylindrical cavity within the container, a cylindrical rotor member having a helical screw or ribbon flight carried by the outer periphery thereof rotatably carried within the cavity whereby the fluid to be measured is confined in the cavity filling the space between the rotor and the container wall. The rotor member is supported by axle members journaled in the end caps, one axle extending through one end cap and connectable to a drive source. A pair of longitudinally spaced ports are provided through the wall of the container in communication with the cavity and a differential pressure meter is connected between the ports for measuring the pressure drop caused by the rotation of the helical screw rotor acting on the confined fluid for computing viscosity.

Spacetime symmetries and Kepler's third law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Tiec, Alexandre

2012-11-01

The curved spacetime geometry of a system of two point masses moving on a circular orbit has a helical symmetry. We show how Kepler’s third law for circular motion, and its generalization in post-Newtonian theory, can be recovered from a simple, covariant condition on the norm of the associated helical Killing vector field. This unusual derivation can be used to illustrate some concepts of prime importance in a general relativity course, including those of Killing field, covariance, coordinate dependence and gravitational redshift.

Probing magnetic helicity with synchrotron radiation and Faraday rotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oppermann, N.; Junklewitz, H.; Robbers, G.; Enßlin, T. A.

2011-06-01

We present a first application of the recently proposed LITMUS test for magnetic helicity, as well as a thorough study of its applicability under different circumstances. In order to apply this test to the galactic magnetic field, the newly developed critical filter formalism is used to produce an all-sky map of the Faraday depth. The test does not detect helicity in the galactic magnetic field. To understand the significance of this finding, we made an applicability study, showing that a definite conclusion about the absence of magnetic helicity in the galactic field has not yet been reached. This study is conducted by applying the test to simulated observational data. We consider simulations in a flat sky approximation and all-sky simulations, both with assumptions of constant electron densities and realistic distributions of thermal and cosmic ray electrons. Our results suggest that the LITMUS test does indeed perform very well in cases where constant electron densities can be assumed, both in the flat-sky limit and in the galactic setting. Non-trivial distributions of thermal and cosmic ray electrons, however, may complicate the scenario to the point where helicity in the magnetic field can escape detection.

A Prospective Evaluation of Helical Tomotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bauman, Glenn; Yartsev, Slav; Rodrigues, George

2007-06-01

Purpose: To report results from two clinical trials evaluating helical tomotherapy (HT). Methods and Materials: Patients were enrolled in one of two prospective trials of HT (one for palliative and one for radical treatment). Both an HT plan and a companion three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) plan were generated. Pretreatment megavoltage computed tomography was used for daily image guidance. Results: From September 2004 to January 2006, a total of 61 sites in 60 patients were treated. In all but one case, a clinically acceptable tomotherapy plan for treatment was generated. Helical tomotherapy plans were subjectively equivalent or superior to 3D-CRT inmore » 95% of plans. Helical tomotherapy was deemed equivalent or superior in two thirds of dose-volume point comparisons. In cases of inferiority, differences were either clinically insignificant and/or reflected deliberate tradeoffs to optimize the HT plan. Overall imaging and treatment time (median) was 27 min (range, 16-91 min). According to a patient questionnaire, 78% of patients were satisfied to very satisfied with the treatment process. Conclusions: Helical tomotherapy demonstrated clear advantages over conventional 3D-CRT in this diverse patient group. The prospective trials were helpful in deploying this technology in a busy clinical setting.« less

A compact tunable polarized X-ray source based on laser-plasma helical undulators

PubMed Central

Luo, J.; Chen, M.; Zeng, M.; Vieira, J.; Yu, L. L.; Weng, S. M.; Silva, L. O.; Jaroszynski, D. A.; Sheng, Z. M.; Zhang, J.

2016-01-01

Laser wakefield accelerators have great potential as the basis for next generation compact radiation sources because of their extremely high accelerating gradients. However, X-ray radiation from such devices still lacks tunability, especially of the intensity and polarization distributions. Here we propose a tunable polarized radiation source based on a helical plasma undulator in a plasma channel guided wakefield accelerator. When a laser pulse is initially incident with a skew angle relative to the channel axis, the laser and accelerated electrons experience collective spiral motions, which leads to elliptically polarized synchrotron-like radiation with flexible tunability on radiation intensity, spectra and polarization. We demonstrate that a radiation source with millimeter size and peak brilliance of 2 × 1019 photons/s/mm2/mrad2/0.1% bandwidth can be made with moderate laser and electron beam parameters. This brilliance is comparable with third generation synchrotron radiation facilities running at similar photon energies, suggesting that laser plasma based radiation sources are promising for advanced applications. PMID:27377126

Ratio of ellipticities between 192 and 208 nm (R1 ): An effective electronic circular dichroism parameter for characterization of the helical components of proteins and peptides.

PubMed

Banerjee, Raja; Sheet, Tridip

2017-11-01

Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy represents an important tool for characterization of the peptide and protein secondary structures that mainly arise from the conformational disposition of the peptide backbone in solution. In 1991 Manning and Woody proposed that, in addition to the signal intensity, the ratio between [θ]nπ* and [θ]ππ*ǁ ((R 2 ) ≅ [θ] 222 /[θ] 208 ), along with [θ]ππ*⊥ and [θ]ππ*ǁ ((R 1 ) ≅ [θ] 192 /[θ] 208 ), may be utilized towards identifying the peptide/protein conformation (especially 3 10 - and α-helices). However, till date the use of the ratiometric ellipticity component for helical structure analysis of peptides and proteins has not been reported. We studied a series of temperature dependent CD spectra of a thermally stable, model helical peptide and its related analogs in water as a function of added 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) in order to explore their landscape of helicity. For the first time, we have experimentally shown here that the R 1 parameter can characterize better the individual helices, while the other parameter R 2 and the signal intensity do not always converge. We emphasize the use of the R 1 ratio of ellipticities for helical characterization because of the common origin of these two bands (exciton splitting of the amide π→ π* transition in a helical polypeptide). This approach may become worthwhile and timely with the increasing accessibility of CD synchrotron sources. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Predicting Transmembrane Helix Packing Arrangements using Residue Contacts and a Force-Directed Algorithm

PubMed Central

Nugent, Timothy; Jones, David T.

2010-01-01

Alpha-helical transmembrane proteins constitute roughly 30% of a typical genome and are involved in a wide variety of important biological processes including cell signalling, transport of membrane-impermeable molecules and cell recognition. Despite significant efforts to predict transmembrane protein topology, comparatively little attention has been directed toward developing a method to pack the helices together. Here, we present a novel approach to predict lipid exposure, residue contacts, helix-helix interactions and finally the optimal helical packing arrangement of transmembrane proteins. Using molecular dynamics data, we have trained and cross-validated a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to predict per residue lipid exposure with 69% accuracy. This information is combined with additional features to train a second SVM to predict residue contacts which are then used to determine helix-helix interaction with up to 65% accuracy under stringent cross-validation on a non-redundant test set. Our method is also able to discriminate native from decoy helical packing arrangements with up to 70% accuracy. Finally, we employ a force-directed algorithm to construct the optimal helical packing arrangement which demonstrates success for proteins containing up to 13 transmembrane helices. This software is freely available as source code from http://bioinf.cs.ucl.ac.uk/memsat/mempack/. PMID:20333233

ANATOMY OF HELICAL EXTRAGALACTIC JETS: THE CASE OF S5 0836+710

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perucho, M.; Kovalev, Y. Y.; Lobanov, A. P.

Helical structures are common in extragalactic jets. They are usually attributed in the literature to periodical phenomena in the source (e.g., precession). In this work, we use very long baseline interferometry data of the radio jet in the quasar S5 0836+710 and hypothesize that the ridgeline of helical jets like this corresponds to a pressure maximum in the jet and assume that the helically twisted pressure maximum is the result of a helical wave pattern. For our study, we use observations of the jet in S5 0836+710 at different frequencies and epochs. The results show that the structures observed aremore » physical and not generated artificially by the observing arrays. Our hypothesis that the observed intensity ridgeline can correspond to a helically twisted pressure maximum is confirmed by our observational tests. This interpretation allows us to explain jet misalignment between parsec and kiloparsec scales when the viewing angle is small, and also brings us to the conclusion that high-frequency observations may show only a small region of the jet flow concentrated around the maximum pressure ridgeline observed at low frequencies. Our work provides a potential explanation for the apparent transversal superluminal speeds observed in several extragalactic jets by means of transversal shift of an apparent core position with time.« less

Morphology of blazar-induced gamma ray halos due to a helical intergalactic magnetic field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Long, Andrew J.; Vachaspati, Tanmay, E-mail: andrewjlong@asu.edu, E-mail: tvachasp@asu.edu

We study the characteristic size and shape of idealized blazar-induced cascade halos in the 1–100,GeV energy range assuming various non-helical and helical configurations for the intergalactic magnetic field (IGMF). While the magnetic field creates an extended halo, the helicity provides the halo with a twist. Under simplifying assumptions, we assess the parameter regimes for which it is possible to measure the size and shape of the halo from a single source and then to deduce properties of the IGMF. We find that blazar halo measurements with an experiment similar to Fermi-LAT are best suited to probe a helical magnetic fieldmore » with strength and coherence length today in the ranges 10{sup −17} ∼< B{sub 0} / Gauss ∼< 10{sup −13} and 10 Mpc ∼< λ ∼< 10 Gpc where H ∼ B{sub 0}{sup 2} / λ is the magnetic helicity density. Stronger magnetic fields or smaller coherence scales can still potentially be investigated, but the connection between the halo morphology and the magnetic field properties is more involved. Weaker magnetic fields or longer coherence scales require high photon statistics or superior angular resolution.« less

Effect of sterically demanding substituents on the conformational stability of the collagen triple helix.

PubMed

Erdmann, Roman S; Wennemers, Helma

2012-10-17

The effect of sterically demanding groups at proline residues on the conformational stability of the collagen triple helix was examined. The thermal stabilities (T(m) and ΔG) of eight different triple helices derived from collagen model peptides with (4R)- or (4S)-configured amidoprolines bearing either methyl or bulkier tert-butyl groups in the Xaa or Yaa position were determined and served as a relative measure for the conformational stability of the corresponding collagen triple helices. The results show that sterically demanding substituents are tolerated in the collagen triple helix when they are attached to (4R)-configured amidoprolines in the Xaa position or to (4S)-configured amidoprolines in the Yaa position. Structural studies in which the preferred conformation of (4R)- or (4S)-configured amidoproline were overlaid with the Pro and Hyp residues within a crystal structure of collagen revealed that the sterically demanding groups point to the outside of these two triple helices and thereby do not interfere with the formation of the triple helix. In all of the other examined collagen derivatives with lower stability of the triple helices, the acetyl or pivaloyl residues point toward the inside of the triple helix and clash with a residue of the neighboring strand. The results also revealed that unfavorable steric dispositions affect the conformational stability of the collagen triple helix more than unfavorable ring puckers of the proline residues. The results are useful for the design of functionalized collagen based materials.

A new simple dynamo model for solar activity cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoi, Nobumitsu; Schmitt, Dieter

2015-04-01

The solar magnetic activity cycle has been investigated in an elaborated manner with several types of dynamo models [1]. In most of the current mean-field approaches, the inhomogeneity of the large-scale flow is treated as an essential ingredient in the mean magnetic field equation whereas it is completely neglected in the turbulence equation. In this work, a new simple model for the solar activity cycle is proposed. The present model differs from the previous ones mainly in two points. First, in addition to the helicity coefficient α, we consider a term related to the cross helicity, which represents the effect of the inhomogeneous mean flow, in the turbulent electromotive force [2, 3]. Second, this transport coefficient (γ) is not treated as an adjustable parameter, but the evolution equation for γ is simultaneously solved. The basic scenario for the solar activity cycle in this approach is as follows: The toroidal field is induced by the toroidal rotation in mediation by the turbulent cross helicity. Then due to the α or helicity effect, the poloidal field is generated from the toroidal field. The poloidal field induced by the α effect produces a turbulent cross helicity whose sign is opposite to the original one (negative cross-helicity production). The cross helicity with this opposite sign induces a reversed toroidal field. Results of the eigenvalue analysis of the model equations are shown, which confirm the above scenario. References [1] Charbonneau, Living Rev. Solar Phys. 7, 3 (2010). [2] Yoshizawa, A. Phys. Fluids B 2, 1589 (1990). [3] Yokoi, N. Geophys. Astrophys. Fluid Dyn. 107, 114 (2013).

Physics of Tokamak Plasma Start-up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, Dennis

2012-10-01

This tutorial describes and reviews the state-of-art in tokamak plasma start-up and its importance to next step devices such as ITER, a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility and a Tokamak/ST demo. Tokamak plasma start-up includes breakdown of the initial gas, ramp-up of the plasma current to its final value and the control of plasma parameters during those phases. Tokamaks rely on an inductive component, typically a central solenoid, which has enabled attainment of high performance levels that has enabled the construction of the ITER device. Optimizing the inductive start-up phase continues to be an area of active research, especially in regards to achieving ITER scenarios. A new generation of superconducting tokamaks, EAST and KSTAR, experiments on DIII-D and operation with JET's ITER-like wall are contributing towards this effort. Inductive start-up relies on transformer action to generate a toroidal loop voltage and successful start-up is determined by gas breakdown, avalanche physics and plasma-wall interaction. The goal of achieving steady-sate tokamak operation has motivated interest in other methods for start-up that do not rely on the central solenoid. These include Coaxial Helicity Injection, outer poloidal field coil start-up, and point source helicity injection, which have achieved 200, 150 and 100 kA respectively of toroidal current on closed flux surfaces. Other methods including merging reconnection startup and Electron Bernstein Wave (EBW) plasma start-up are being studied on various devices. EBW start-up generates a directed electron channel due to wave particle interaction physics while the other methods mentioned rely on magnetic helicity injection and magnetic reconnection which are being modeled and understood using NIMROD code simulations.

Quasiparticle dynamics in reshaped helical Dirac cone of topological insulators

PubMed Central

Miao, Lin; Wang, Z. F.; Ming, Wenmei; Yao, Meng-Yu; Wang, Meixiao; Yang, Fang; Song, Y. R.; Zhu, Fengfeng; Fedorov, Alexei V.; Sun, Z.; Gao, C. L.; Liu, Canhua; Xue, Qi-Kun; Liu, Chao-Xing; Liu, Feng; Qian, Dong; Jia, Jin-Feng

2013-01-01

Topological insulators and graphene present two unique classes of materials, which are characterized by spin-polarized (helical) and nonpolarized Dirac cone band structures, respectively. The importance of many-body interactions that renormalize the linear bands near Dirac point in graphene has been well recognized and attracted much recent attention. However, renormalization of the helical Dirac point has not been observed in topological insulators. Here, we report the experimental observation of the renormalized quasiparticle spectrum with a skewed Dirac cone in a single Bi bilayer grown on Bi2Te3 substrate from angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. First-principles band calculations indicate that the quasiparticle spectra are likely associated with the hybridization between the extrinsic substrate-induced Dirac states of Bi bilayer and the intrinsic surface Dirac states of Bi2Te3 film at close energy proximity. Without such hybridization, only single-particle Dirac spectra are observed in a single Bi bilayer grown on Bi2Se3, where the extrinsic Dirac states Bi bilayer and the intrinsic Dirac states of Bi2Se3 are well separated in energy. The possible origins of many-body interactions are discussed. Our findings provide a means to manipulate topological surface states. PMID:23382185

Quasiparticle dynamics in reshaped helical Dirac cone of topological insulators.

PubMed

Miao, Lin; Wang, Z F; Ming, Wenmei; Yao, Meng-Yu; Wang, Meixiao; Yang, Fang; Song, Y R; Zhu, Fengfeng; Fedorov, Alexei V; Sun, Z; Gao, C L; Liu, Canhua; Xue, Qi-Kun; Liu, Chao-Xing; Liu, Feng; Qian, Dong; Jia, Jin-Feng

2013-02-19

Topological insulators and graphene present two unique classes of materials, which are characterized by spin-polarized (helical) and nonpolarized Dirac cone band structures, respectively. The importance of many-body interactions that renormalize the linear bands near Dirac point in graphene has been well recognized and attracted much recent attention. However, renormalization of the helical Dirac point has not been observed in topological insulators. Here, we report the experimental observation of the renormalized quasiparticle spectrum with a skewed Dirac cone in a single Bi bilayer grown on Bi(2)Te(3) substrate from angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. First-principles band calculations indicate that the quasiparticle spectra are likely associated with the hybridization between the extrinsic substrate-induced Dirac states of Bi bilayer and the intrinsic surface Dirac states of Bi(2)Te(3) film at close energy proximity. Without such hybridization, only single-particle Dirac spectra are observed in a single Bi bilayer grown on Bi(2)Se(3), where the extrinsic Dirac states Bi bilayer and the intrinsic Dirac states of Bi(2)Se(3) are well separated in energy. The possible origins of many-body interactions are discussed. Our findings provide a means to manipulate topological surface states.

Enzymatically cross-linked tilapia gelatin hydrogels: physical, chemical, and hybrid networks.

PubMed

Bode, Franziska; da Silva, Marcelo Alves; Drake, Alex F; Ross-Murphy, Simon B; Dreiss, Cécile A

2011-10-10

This Article investigates different types of networks formed from tilapia fish gelatin (10% w/w) in the presence and absence of the enzymatic cross-linker microbial transglutaminase. The influence of the temperature protocol and cross-linker concentration (0-55 U mTGase/g gelatin) was examined in physical, chemical, and hybrid gels, where physical gels arise from the formation of triple helices that act as junction points when the gels are cooled below the gelation point. A combination of rheology and optical rotation was used to study the evolution of the storage modulus (G') over time and the number of triple helices formed for each type of gel. We attempted to separate the final storage modulus of the gels into its chemical and physical contributions to examine the existence or otherwise of synergism between the two types of networks. Our experiments show that the gel characteristics vary widely with the thermal protocol. The final storage modulus in chemical gels increased with enzyme concentration, possibly due to the preferential formation of closed loops at low cross-linker amount. In chemical-physical gels, where the physical network (helices) was formed consecutively to the covalent one, we found that below a critical enzyme concentration the more extensive the chemical network is (as measured by G'), the weaker the final gel is. The storage modulus attributed to the physical network decreased exponentially as a function of G' from the chemical network, but both networks were found to be purely additive. Helices were not thermally stabilized. The simultaneous formation of physical and chemical networks (physical-co-chemical) resulted in G' values higher than the individual networks formed under the same conditions. Two regimes were distinguished: at low enzyme concentration (10-20 U mTGase/g gelatin), the networks were formed in series, but the storage modulus from the chemical network was higher in the presence of helices (compared to pure chemical gels); at higher enzyme concentration (30-40 U mTGase/g gelatin), strong synergistic effects were found as a large part of the covalent network became ineffective upon melting of the helices.

A Sun-to-Earth Analysis of Magnetic Helicity of the 2013 March 17–18 Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Sanchita; Gopalswamy, Nat; Nandy, Dibyendu; Akiyama, Sachiko; Yashiro, Seiji; Makela, Pertti; Xie, Hong

2017-12-01

We compare the magnetic helicity in the 2013 March 17–18 interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) flux rope at 1 au and in its solar counterpart. The progenitor coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted on 2013 March 15 from NOAA active region 11692 and is associated with an M1.1 flare. We derive the source region reconnection flux using the post-eruption arcade (PEA) method that uses the photospheric magnetogram and the area under the PEA. The geometrical properties of the near-Sun flux rope is obtained by forward-modeling of white-light CME observations. Combining the geometrical properties and the reconnection flux, we extract the magnetic properties of the CME flux rope. We derive the magnetic helicity of the flux rope using its magnetic and geometric properties obtained near the Sun and at 1 au. We use a constant-α force-free cylindrical flux rope model fit to the in situ observations in order to derive the magnetic and geometric information of the 1 au ICME. We find a good correspondence in both amplitude and sign of the helicity between the ICME and the CME, assuming a semi-circular (half torus) ICME flux rope with a length of π au. We find that about 83% of the total flux rope helicity at 1 au is injected by the magnetic reconnection in the low corona. We discuss the effect of assuming flux rope length in the derived value of the magnetic helicity. This study connecting the helicity of magnetic flux ropes through the Sun–Earth system has important implications for the origin of helicity in the interplanetary medium and the topology of ICME flux ropes at 1 au and hence their space weather consequences.

All conjugate-maximal-helicity-violating amplitudes from topological open string theory in twistor space.

PubMed

Roiban, Radu; Volovich, Anastasia

2004-09-24

It has recently been proposed that the D-instanton expansion of the open topological B model on P(3|4) is equivalent to the perturbative expansion of the maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory in four dimensions. In this letter we show how to construct the gauge theory results for all n-point conjugate-maximal-helicity-violating amplitudes by computing the integral over the moduli space of curves of degree n-3 in P(3|4), providing strong support to the string theory construction.

Reduced-vibration tube array

DOEpatents

Bruck, Gerald J.; Bartolomeo, Daniel R.

2004-07-20

A reduced-vibration tube array is disclosed. The array includes a plurality of tubes in a fixed arrangement and a plurality of damping members positioned within the tubes. The damping members include contoured interface regions characterized by bracing points that selectively contact the inner surface of an associated tube. Each interface region is sized and shaped in accordance with the associated tube, so that the damping member bracing points are spaced apart a vibration-reducing distance from the associated tube inner surfaces at equilibrium. During operation, mechanical interaction between the bracing points and the tube inner surfaces reduces vibration by a damage-reducing degree. In one embodiment, the interface regions are serpentine shaped. In another embodiment, the interface regions are helical in shape. The interface regions may be simultaneously helical and serpentine in shape. The damping members may be fixed within the associated tubes, and damping member may be customized several interference regions having attributes chosen in accordance with desired flow characteristics and associated tube properties.

Development of compact explosively driven ferromagnetic seed source for helical magnetic flux compression generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Peng; Zhang, He; Ma, Shaojie; Shi, Yunlei

2018-05-01

A compact explosively driven ferromagnetic generator (FMG) is developed for seed power source of helical magnetic flux compression generator (HMFCG). The mechanism of FMG is studied by establishing a magnetoelectric conversion model. Analytical calculations and numerical simulations are conducted on the magnetostatic field of open-circuit magnet in FMG. The calculation method for the magnet's cross-sectional magnetic flux is obtained. The pulse sources made of different materials and equipped with different initiation modes are experimentally explored. Besides, the dynamic coupling experiments of FMG and HMFCG are carried out. The results show that, N35 single-ended and double-ended initiating FMGs have an energy conversion efficiency ηt not less than 14.6% and 24.4%, respectively; FMG has an output pulse current not less than 4kA and an energy of about 3J on 320nH inductive load; HMFCG experiences energy gains of about 2-3 times. FMG and HMFCG can be coupled to form a full-blast electrical driving pulse source.

Performance analyses of helical coil heat exchangers. The effect of external coil surface modification on heat exchanger effectiveness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrzejczyk, Rafał; Muszyński, Tomasz

2016-12-01

The shell and coil heat exchangers are commonly used in heating, ventilation, nuclear industry, process plant, heat recovery and air conditioning systems. This type of recuperators benefits from simple construction, the low value of pressure drops and high heat transfer. In helical coil, centrifugal force is acting on the moving fluid due to the curvature of the tube results in the development. It has been long recognized that the heat transfer in the helical tube is much better than in the straight ones because of the occurrence of secondary flow in planes normal to the main flow inside the helical structure. Helical tubes show good performance in heat transfer enhancement, while the uniform curvature of spiral structure is inconvenient in pipe installation in heat exchangers. Authors have presented their own construction of shell and tube heat exchanger with intensified heat transfer. The purpose of this article is to assess the influence of the surface modification over the performance coefficient and effectiveness. The experiments have been performed for the steady-state heat transfer. Experimental data points were gathered for both laminar and turbulent flow, both for co current- and countercurrent flow arrangement. To find optimal heat transfer intensification on the shell-side authors applied the number of transfer units analysis.

Plasma Flow During RF Discharges in VASIMR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobson, V. T.; Chang Diaz, F. R.; Squire, J. P.; Ilin, A. V.; Bengtson, R. D.; Carter, M. D.; Goulding, R. H.

1999-01-01

The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) plasma source consists of a helical antenna, driven at frequencies of 4 to 19 MHz with powers up to 1 kW, in a magnetic field up to 3 kG. Helium is the current test gas, and future experiments with hydrogen are planned. Plasma density and temperature profiles were measured by a reciprocating Langmuir probe, and plasma flow profiles were measured with a reciprocating Mach probe. Both probes were located about 0.5 m downstream from the helical antenna. The plasma source operated in capacitive and inductive modes in addition to a helicon mode. During capacitive and inductive modes, densities were low and plasma flow was < 0.5 Cs. When the plasma operated in a helicon mode, the densities measured downstream from the source were higher [10(exp 12) / cubic cm ] and plasma flow along the magnetic field was of the order Mach 1. Details of the measurements will be shown.

Increasing the magnetic helicity content of a plasma by pulsing a magnetized source.

PubMed

Woodruff, S; Stallard, B W; McLean, H S; Hooper, E B; Bulmer, R; Cohen, B I; Hill, D N; Holcomb, C T; Moller, J; Wood, R D

2004-11-12

By operating a magnetized coaxial gun in a pulsed mode it is possible to produce large voltage pulses of duration approximately 500 mus while reaching a few kV, giving a discrete input of helicity into a spheromak. In the sustained spheromak physics experiment (SSPX), it is observed that pulsing serves to nearly double the stored magnetic energy and double the temperature. We discuss these results by comparison with 3D MHD simulations of the same phenomenon.

Helicity and potential vorticity in the surface boundary layer turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chkhetiani, Otto; Kurgansky, Michael; Koprov, Boris; Koprov, Victor

2016-04-01

An experimental measurement of all three components of the velocity and vorticity vectors, as well as the temperature and its gradient, and potential vorticity, has been developed using four acoustic anemometers. Anemometers were placed at vertices of a tetrahedron, the horizontal base of which was a rectangular triangle with equal legs, and the upper point was exactly above the top of the right angle. The distance from the surface to the tetrahedron its base was 5.5 m, and the lengths of legs and a vertical edge were 5 m. The measurements were carried out of total duration near 100 hours both in stable and unstable stratification conditions (at the Tsimlyansk Scientific Station in a uniform area of virgin steppe 700 x 650 m, August 2012). A covariance-correlation matrix for turbulent variations in all measured values has been calculated. In the daytime horizontal and vertical components of the helicity are of the order of -0.03 and +0.01 m s-2, respectively. The nighttime signs remain unchanged, but the absolute values are several times smaller. It is confirmed also by statistics of a relative helicity. The cospectra and spectral correlation coefficients have been calculated for all helicity components. The time variations in the components of "instantaneous" relative helicity and potential vorticity are considered. Connections of helicity with Monin-Obukhov length and the wind vertical profile structure are discussed. This work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (Project No 14-27-00134).

Controlling light’s helicity at the source: orbital angular momentum states from lasers

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Optical modes that carry orbital angular momentum (OAM) are routinely produced external to the laser cavity and have found a variety of applications, thus increasing the demand for integrated solutions for their production. Yet such modes are notoriously difficult to produce from lasers due to the strict symmetry requirements for their creation, together with the need to break the degeneracy in helicity. Here, we review the progress made since 1992 in producing such twisted light modes directly at the source, from gas to solid-state lasers, bulk to integrated on-chip solutions, through to generic devices for on-demand OAM in both scalar and vector forms. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Optical orbital angular momentum’. PMID:28069767

Propagation analysis of the helicity-drive Alfven wave in the HIST spherical torus plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyobu, T.; Hanao, T.; Hirono, H.; Ito, K.; Matsumoto, K.; Nakayama, T.; Kikuchi, Y.; Fukumoto, N.; Nagata, M.

2012-10-01

Coaxial Helicity Injection is an efficient current-drive method used in spherical torus experiments. It is a key issue to investigate the dynamo mechanism required to maintain the plasmas. The behavior of a low frequency Alfven wave being possibly related to the dynamo current drive has been studied on HIST. The observed magnetic fluctuation with about 80 kHz propagates along the open flux column (OFC) region, spreading toward the core region. The parallel phase velocity is estimated at 321 km/s from the propagation velocity measured axially along the OFC. The parallel phase velocity agrees well to the Alfven velocity. The radial perpendicular propagation of the Alfven wave can be calculated by a theory based on cold or warm plasma approximation with the Hall term. The theoretical calculation indicates that there are two resonance points and is a cut-off point. These resonance and cut-off points agree well with the magnetic measurement. A part of fluctuation propagates slowly beyond the first resonance point. The wave polarization is left-handed near the resonance point and then converts to be nearly liner outside the resonance point. From these results, we speculate that the torsional Alfven wave evolves to the kinetic Alfven wave during the radial propagation.

Interaction of a magnetic island chain in a tokamak plasma with a resonant magnetic perturbation of rapidly oscillating phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitzpatrick, Richard

2017-12-01

An investigation is made into the interaction of a magnetic island chain, embedded in a tokamak plasma, with an externally generated magnetic perturbation of the same helicity whose helical phase is rapidly oscillating. The analysis is similar in form to the classic analysis used by Kapitza [Sov. Phys. JETP 21, 588 (1951)] to examine the angular motion of a rigid pendulum whose pivot point undergoes rapid vertical oscillations. The phase oscillations are found to modify the existing terms, and also to give rise to new terms, in the equations governing the secular evolution of the island chain's radial width and helical phase. An examination of the properties of the new secular evolution equation reveals that it is possible to phase-lock an island chain to an external magnetic perturbation with an oscillating helical phase in a stabilizing phase relation provided that the amplitude, ɛ, of the phase oscillations (in radians) is such that |J0(ɛ )|≪1 , and the mean angular frequency of the perturbation closely matches the natural angular frequency of the island chain.

Stabilizing effect of helical current drive on tearing modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Y.; Lu, X. Q.; Dong, J. Q.; Gong, X. Y.; Zhang, R. B.

2018-01-01

The effect of helical driven current on the m = 2/n = 1 tearing mode is studied numerically in a cylindrical geometry using the method of reduced magneto-hydro-dynamic simulation. The results show that the local persistent helical current drive from the beginning time can be applied to control the tearing modes, and will cause a rebound effect called flip instability when the driven current reaches a certain value. The current intensity threshold value for the occurrence of flip instability is about 0.00087I0. The method of controlling the development of tearing mode with comparative economy is given. If the local helical driven current is discontinuous, the magnetic island can be controlled within a certain range, and then, the tearing modes stop growing; thus, the flip instability can be avoided. We also find that the flip instability will become impatient with delay injection of the driven current because the high order harmonics have been developed in the original O-point. The tearing mode instability can be controlled by using the electron cyclotron current drive to reduce the gradient of the current intensity on the rational surfaces.

Analysis of peripheral doses for base of tongue treatment by linear accelerator and helical TomoTherapy IMRT

PubMed Central

Lamba, Michael A. S.; Elson, Howard R.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the peripheral doses to various organs from a typical head and neck intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment delivered by linear accelerator (linac) and helical TomoTherapy. Multiple human CT data sets were used to segment critical structures and organs at risk, fused and adjusted to an anthropomorphic phantom. Eighteen contours were designated for thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) placement. Following the RTOG IMRT Protocol 0522, treatment of the primary tumor and involved nodes (PTV70) and subclinical disease sites (PTV56) was planned utilizing IMRT to 70 Gy and 56 Gy. Clinically acceptable treatment plans were produced for linac and TomoTherapy treatments. TLDs were placed and each treatment plan was delivered to the anthropomorphic phantom four times. Within 2.5 cm (one helical TomoTherapy field width) superior and inferior to the field edges, normal tissue doses were on average 45% lower using linear accelerator. Beyond 2.5 cm, the helical TomoTherapy normal tissue dose was an average of 52% lower. The majority of points proved to be statistically different using the Student's t‐test with p<0.05. Using one method of calculation, probability of a secondary malignancy was 5.88% for the linear accelerator and 4.08% for helical TomoTherapy. Helical TomoTherapy delivers more dose than a linac immediately above and below the treatment field, contributing to the higher peripheral doses adjacent to the field. At distances beyond one field width (where leakage is dominant), helical TomoTherapy doses are lower than linear accelerator doses. PACS number: 87.50.cm Dosimetry/exposure assessment

Unenhanced 320-row multidetector computed tomography of the brain in children: comparison of image quality and radiation dose among wide-volume, one-shot volume, and helical scan modes.

PubMed

Jeon, Sun Kyung; Choi, Young Hun; Cheon, Jung-Eun; Kim, Woo Sun; Cho, Yeon Jin; Ha, Ji Young; Lee, Seung Hyun; Hyun, Hyejin; Kim, In-One

2018-04-01

The 320-row multidetector computed tomography (CT) scanner has multiple scan modes, including volumetric modes. To compare the image quality and radiation dose of 320-row CT in three acquisition modes - helical, one-shot volume, and wide-volume scan - at pediatric brain imaging. Fifty-seven children underwent unenhanced brain CT using one of three scan modes (helical scan, n=21; one-shot volume scan, n=17; wide-volume scan, n=19). For qualitative analysis, two reviewers evaluated overall image quality and image noise using a 5-point grading system. For quantitative analysis, signal-to-noise ratio, image noise and posterior fossa artifact index were calculated. To measure the radiation dose, adjusted CT dose index per unit volume (CTDI adj ) and dose length product (DLP) were compared. Qualitatively, the wide-volume scan showed significantly less image noise than the helical scan (P=0.009), and less streak artifact than the one-shot volume scan (P=0.001). The helical mode showed significantly lower signal-to-noise ratio, with a higher image noise level compared with the one-shot volume and wide-volume modes (all P<0.05). The CTDI adj and DLP were significantly lower in the one-shot volume and wide-volume modes compared with those in the helical scan mode (all P<0.05). For pediatric unenhanced brain CT, both the wide-volume and one-shot volume scans reduced radiation dose compared to the helical scan mode, while the wide-volume scan mode showed fewer streak artifacts in the skull vertex and posterior fossa than the one-shot volume scan.

Amplitude analysis of the B+/--->phiK*(892)+/- decay.

PubMed

Aubert, B; Bona, M; Boutigny, D; Karyotakis, Y; Lees, J P; Poireau, V; Prudent, X; Tisserand, V; Zghiche, A; Garra Tico, J; Grauges, E; Lopez, L; Palano, A; Eigen, G; Stugu, B; Sun, L; Abrams, G S; Battaglia, M; Brown, D N; Button-Shafer, J; Cahn, R N; Groysman, Y; Jacobsen, R G; Kadyk, J A; Kerth, L T; Kolomensky, Yu G; Kukartsev, G; Lopes Pegna, D; Lynch, G; Mir, L M; Orimoto, T J; Ronan, M T; Tackmann, K; Wenzel, W A; del Amo Sanchez, P; Hawkes, C M; Watson, A T; Held, T; Koch, H; Lewandowski, B; Pelizaeus, M; Schroeder, T; Steinke, M; Walker, D; Asgeirsson, D J; Cuhadar-Donszelmann, T; Fulsom, B G; Hearty, C; Mattison, T S; McKenna, J A; Khan, A; Saleem, M; Teodorescu, L; Blinov, V E; Bukin, A D; Druzhinin, V P; Golubev, V B; Onuchin, A P; Serednyakov, S I; Skovpen, Yu I; Solodov, E P; Todyshev, K Yu; Bondioli, M; Curry, S; Eschrich, I; Kirkby, D; Lankford, A J; Lund, P; Mandelkern, M; Martin, E C; Stoker, D P; Abachi, S; Buchanan, C; Foulkes, S D; Gary, J W; Liu, F; Long, O; Shen, B C; Zhang, L; Paar, H P; Rahatlou, S; Sharma, V; Berryhill, J W; Campagnari, C; Cunha, A; Dahmes, B; Hong, T M; Kovalskyi, D; Richman, J D; Beck, T W; Eisner, A M; Flacco, C J; Heusch, C A; Kroseberg, J; Lockman, W S; Schalk, T; Schumm, B A; Seiden, A; Williams, D C; Wilson, M G; Winstrom, L O; Chen, E; Cheng, C H; Fang, F; Hitlin, D G; Narsky, I; Piatenko, T; Porter, F C; Andreassen, R; Mancinelli, G; Meadows, B T; Mishra, K; Sokoloff, M D; Blanc, F; Bloom, P C; Chen, S; Ford, W T; Hirschauer, J F; Kreisel, A; Nagel, M; Nauenberg, U; Olivas, A; Smith, J G; Ulmer, K A; Wagner, S R; Zhang, J; Gabareen, A M; Soffer, A; Toki, W H; Wilson, R J; Winklmeier, F; Zeng, Q; Altenburg, D D; Feltresi, E; Hauke, A; Jasper, H; Merkel, J; Petzold, A; Spaan, B; Wacker, K; Brandt, T; Klose, V; Kobel, M J; Lacker, H M; Mader, W F; Nogowski, R; Schubert, J; Schubert, K R; Schwierz, R; Sundermann, J E; Volk, A; Bernard, D; Bonneaud, G R; Latour, E; Lombardo, V; Thiebaux, Ch; Verderi, M; Clark, P J; Gradl, W; Muheim, F; Playfer, S; Robertson, A I; Xie, Y; Andreotti, M; Bettoni, D; Bozzi, C; Calabrese, R; Cecchi, A; Cibinetto, G; Franchini, P; Luppi, E; Negrini, M; Petrella, A; Piemontese, L; Prencipe, E; Santoro, V; Anulli, F; Baldini-Ferroli, R; Calcaterra, A; de Sangro, R; Finocchiaro, G; Pacetti, S; Patteri, P; Peruzzi, I M; Piccolo, M; Rama, M; Zallo, A; Buzzo, A; Contri, R; Lo Vetere, M; Macri, M M; Monge, M R; Passaggio, S; Patrignani, C; Robutti, E; Santroni, A; Tosi, S; Chaisanguanthum, K S; Morii, M; Wu, J; Dubitzky, R S; Marks, J; Schenk, S; Uwer, U; Bard, D J; Dauncey, P D; Flack, R L; Nash, J A; Nikolich, M B; Panduro Vazquez, W; Tibbetts, M; Behera, P K; Chai, X; Charles, M J; Mallik, U; Meyer, N T; Ziegler, V; Cochran, J; Crawley, H B; Dong, L; Eyges, V; Meyer, W T; Prell, S; Rosenberg, E I; Rubin, A E; Gao, Y Y; Gritsan, A V; Guo, Z J; Lae, C K; Denig, A G; Fritsch, M; Schott, G; Arnaud, N; Béquilleux, J; Davier, M; Grosdidier, G; Höcker, A; Lepeltier, V; Le Diberder, F; Lutz, A M; Pruvot, S; Rodier, S; Roudeau, P; Schune, M H; Serrano, J; Sordini, V; Stocchi, A; Wang, W F; Wormser, G; Lange, D J; Wright, D M; Bingham, I; Chavez, C A; Forster, I J; Fry, J R; Gabathuler, E; Gamet, R; Hutchcroft, D E; Payne, D J; Schofield, K C; Touramanis, C; Bevan, A J; George, K A; Di Lodovico, F; Menges, W; Sacco, R; Cowan, G; Flaecher, H U; Hopkins, D A; Paramesvaran, S; Salvatore, F; Wren, A C; Brown, D N; Davis, C L; Allison, J; Barlow, N R; Barlow, R J; Chia, Y M; Edgar, C L; Lafferty, G D; West, T J; Yi, J I; Anderson, J; Chen, C; Jawahery, A; Roberts, D A; Simi, G; Tuggle, J M; Blaylock, G; Dallapiccola, C; Hertzbach, S S; Li, X; Moore, T B; Salvati, E; Saremi, S; Cowan, R; Dujmic, D; Fisher, P H; Koeneke, K; Sciolla, G; Sekula, S J; Spitznagel, M; Taylor, F; Yamamoto, R K; Zhao, M; Zheng, Y; Mclachlin, S E; Patel, P M; Robertson, S H; Lazzaro, A; Palombo, F; Bauer, J M; Cremaldi, L; Eschenburg, V; Godang, R; Kroeger, R; Sanders, D A; Summers, D J; Zhao, H W; Brunet, S; Côté, D; Simard, M; Taras, P; Viaud, F B; Nicholson, H; De Nardo, G; Fabozzi, F; Lista, L; Monorchio, D; Sciacca, C; Baak, M A; Raven, G; Snoek, H L; Jessop, C P; LoSecco, J M; Benelli, G; Corwin, L A; Honscheid, K; Kagan, H; Kass, R; Morris, J P; Rahimi, A M; Regensburger, J J; Wong, Q K; Blount, N L; Brau, J; Frey, R; Igonkina, O; Kolb, J A; Lu, M; Rahmat, R; Sinev, N B; Strom, D; Strube, J; Torrence, E; Gagliardi, N; Gaz, A; Margoni, M; Morandin, M; Pompili, A; Posocco, M; Rotondo, M; Simonetto, F; Stroili, R; Voci, C; Ben-Haim, E; Briand, H; Calderini, G; Chauveau, J; David, P; Del Buono, L; de la Vaissière, Ch; Hamon, O; Leruste, Ph; Malclès, J; Ocariz, J; Perez, A; Gladney, L; Biasini, M; Covarelli, R; Manoni, E; Angelini, C; Batignani, G; Bettarini, S; Carpinelli, M; Cenci, R; Cervelli, A; Forti, F; Giorgi, M A; Lusiani, A; Marchiori, G; Mazur, M A; Morganti, M; Neri, N; Paoloni, E; Rizzo, G; Walsh, J J; Haire, M; Biesiada, J; Elmer, P; Lau, Y P; Lu, C; Olsen, J; Smith, A J S; Telnov, A V; Baracchini, E; Bellini, F; Cavoto, G; D'Orazio, A; del Re, D; Di Marco, E; Faccini, R; Ferrarotto, F; Ferroni, F; Gaspero, M; Jackson, P D; Li Gioi, L; Mazzoni, M A; Morganti, S; Piredda, G; Polci, F; Renga, F; Voena, C; Ebert, M; Hartmann, T; Schröder, H; Waldi, R; Adye, T; Castelli, G; Franek, B; Olaiya, E O; Ricciardi, S; Roethel, W; Wilson, F F; Aleksan, R; Emery, S; Escalier, M; Gaidot, A; Ganzhur, S F; Hamel de Monchenault, G; Kozanecki, W; Vasseur, G; Yèche, Ch; Zito, M; Chen, X R; Liu, H; Park, W; Purohit, M V; Wilson, J R; Allen, M T; Aston, D; Bartoldus, R; Bechtle, P; Berger, N; Claus, R; Coleman, J P; Convery, M R; Dingfelder, J C; Dorfan, J; Dubois-Felsmann, G P; Dunwoodie, W; Field, R C; Glanzman, T; Gowdy, S J; Graham, M T; Grenier, P; Hast, C; Hryn'ova, T; Innes, W R; Kaminski, J; Kelsey, M H; Kim, H; Kim, P; Kocian, M L; Leith, D W G S; Li, S; Luitz, S; Luth, V; Lynch, H L; MacFarlane, D B; Marsiske, H; Messner, R; Muller, D R; O'Grady, C P; Ofte, I; Perazzo, A; Perl, M; Pulliam, T; Ratcliff, B N; Roodman, A; Salnikov, A A; Schindler, R H; Schwiening, J; Snyder, A; Stelzer, J; Su, D; Sullivan, M K; Suzuki, K; Swain, S K; Thompson, J M; Va'vra, J; van Bakel, N; Wagner, A P; Weaver, M; Wisniewski, W J; Wittgen, M; Wright, D H; Yarritu, A K; Yi, K; Young, C C; Burchat, P R; Edwards, A J; Majewski, S A; Petersen, B A; Wilden, L; Ahmed, S; Alam, M S; Bula, R; Ernst, J A; Jain, V; Pan, B; Saeed, M A; Wappler, F R; Zain, S B; Bugg, W; Krishnamurthy, M; Spanier, S M; Eckmann, R; Ritchie, J L; Ruland, A M; Schilling, C J; Schwitters, R F; Izen, J M; Lou, X C; Ye, S; Bianchi, F; Gallo, F; Gamba, D; Pelliccioni, M; Bomben, M; Bosisio, L; Cartaro, C; Cossutti, F; Della Ricca, G; Lanceri, L; Vitale, L; Azzolini, V; Lopez-March, N; Martinez-Vidal, F; Milanes, D A; Oyanguren, A; Albert, J; Banerjee, Sw; Bhuyan, B; Hamano, K; Kowalewski, R; Nugent, I M; Roney, J M; Sobie, R J; Back, J J; Harrison, P F; Ilic, J; Latham, T E; Mohanty, G B; Pappagallo, M; Band, H R; Chen, X; Dasu, S; Flood, K T; Hollar, J J; Kutter, P E; Pan, Y; Pierini, M; Prepost, R; Wu, S L; Neal, H

2007-11-16

We perform an amplitude analysis of B+/--->phi(1020)K*(892)+/- decay with a sample of about 384 x 10(6) BB[over ] pairs recorded with the BABAR detector. Overall, twelve parameters are measured, including the fractions of longitudinal fL and parity-odd transverse f perpendicular amplitudes, branching fraction, strong phases, and six parameters sensitive to CP violation. We use the dependence on the Kpi invariant mass of the interference between the JP=1(-) and 0+ Kpi components to resolve the discrete ambiguity in the determination of the strong and weak phases. Our measurements of fL=0.49+/-0.05+/-0.03, f perpendicular=0.21+/-0.05+/-0.02, and the strong phases point to the presence of a substantial helicity-plus amplitude from a presently unknown source.

A linear biopolymer in the vicinity of the triple point. The homopolymer case.

PubMed

Frank-Kamenetskii, M D; Chogovadze, G I

1984-06-01

This is a theoretical study of a situation where each residue of a linear biopolymer may adopt one of three conformational states. Such a situation exists in the case of DNA, since it may be in helical A, B, . . ., Z forms as well as the melted state. In the vicinity of the triple point in the phrase diagram three states, e.g. the A form, the B form and the denatured state, co-exist within a given molecule. We present an exact analytical solution of the simplest homopolymer model. Theory predicts that the presence of two helical states in one molecule should affect the helix-coil transition in two ways. The melting temperature experiences an upward shift and the melting range width is increased, by a factor of square root of two as a maximum.

Multi-Point Thomson Scattering Diagnostic for the Helicity Injected Torus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liptac, J. E.; Smith, R. J.; Hoffman, C. S.; Jarboe, T. R.; Nelson, B. A.; Leblanc, B. P.; Phillips, P.

1999-11-01

The multi-point Thomson scattering system on the Helicity Injected Torus--II can determine electron temperature and density at 11 radial positions at a single time during the plasma discharge. The system includes components on loan from both PPPL and from the University of Texas. The collection optics and Littrow spectrometer from Princeton, and the 1 GW laser and multi-anode microchannel plate detector from Texas have been integrated into a compact structure, creating a mobile and reliable diagnostic. The mobility of the system allows alignment to occur in a room adjacent to the experiment, greatly reducing the disturbance to normal machine operation. The four main parts of the Thomson scattering system, namely, the laser, the beam line, the collection optics, and the mobile structure are presented and discussed.

Synthesis of Helical Carbon Fibers and Related Materials: A Review on the Past and Recent Developments

PubMed Central

Raghubanshi, Himanshu; Dikio, Ezekiel Dixon

2015-01-01

Helical carbon fibers (HCFs) have been widely studied due to their unique helical morphology and superior properties, which make them efficient materials for several potential applications. This review summarizes the past and current advancement on the synthesis of HCFs. The review focuses and discusses synthesis strategies and effect of experimental parameters on the growth of HCFs. The effect of preparation method of catalyst, catalyst nature, catalyst composition, catalyst size, catalyst initial and final shape, reaction temperature, reaction time, carbon source, impurities, and electromagnetic field on the growth of HCFs is reviewed. We also discuss the growth mechanism for HCFs and the synthesis of HCFs related materials. Finally, we conclude with a brief summary and an outlook on the challenges and future prospects of HCFs. PMID:28347045

Evolution of the baryon asymmetry through the electroweak crossover in the presence of a helical magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamada, Kohei; Long, Andrew J.

2016-12-01

We elaborate upon the model of baryogenesis from decaying magnetic helicity by focusing on the evolution of the baryon number and magnetic field through the Standard Model electroweak crossover. The baryon asymmetry is determined by a competition between the helical hypermagnetic field, which sources baryon number, and the electroweak sphaleron, which tends to wash out baryon number. At the electroweak crossover, both of these processes become inactive; the hypermagnetic field is converted into an electromagnetic field, which does not source baryon number, and the weak gauge boson masses grow, suppressing the electroweak sphaleron reaction. An accurate prediction of the relic baryon asymmetry requires a careful treatment of the crossover. We extend our previous study [K. Kamada and A. J. Long, Phys. Rev. D 94, 063501 (2016)], taking into account the gradual conversion of the hypermagnetic into the electromagnetic field. If the conversion is not completed by the time of sphaleron freeze-out, as both analytic and numerical studies suggest, the relic baryon asymmetry is enhanced compared to previous calculations. The observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe can be obtained for a primordial magnetic field that has a present-day field strength and coherence length of B0˜10-17 G and λ0˜10-3 pc and a positive helicity. For larger B0 the baryon asymmetry is overproduced, which may be in conflict with blazar observations that provide evidence for an intergalactic magnetic field of strength B0≳10-14 - 16 G .

Core plasma design of the compact helical reactor with a consideration of the equipartition effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goto, T.; Miyazawa, J.; Yanagi, N.; Tamura, H.; Tanaka, T.; Sakamoto, R.; Suzuki, C.; Seki, R.; Satake, S.; Nunami, M.; Yokoyama, M.; Sagara, A.; the FFHR Design Group

2018-07-01

Integrated physics analysis of plasma operation scenario of the compact helical reactor FFHR-c1 has been conducted. The DPE method, which predicts radial profiles in a reactor by direct extrapolation from the reference experimental data, has been extended to implement the equipartition effect. Close investigation of the plasma operation regime has been conducted and a candidate plasma operation point of FFHR-c1 has been identified within the parameter regime that has already been confirmed in LHD experiment in view of MHD equilibrium, MHD stability and neoclassical transport.

Spatial fluctuations of helical Dirac fermions on the surface of topological insulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beidenkopf, Haim

2013-03-01

Strong topological insulators are materials that host exotic states on their surfaces due to a topological band inversion in their bulk band structure. These surface states have Dirac dispersion as if they were massless relativistic particles, and are assured to remain metallic by time reversal symmetry. The helical spin texture associated with the Dirac dispersion prohibits backscattering, which we have imaged using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopic mappings. This topological protection can be lifted by time-reversal breaking perturbations that induce a gap at the Dirac point and cant the helical spin texture. Massive Dirac electrons had been visualized by angular resolved photo emission spectroscopy in magnetically doped topological insulators. While we do not identify a gapped spectrum in our STM measurements of similar compounds, we do find a dominating electrostatic response to the charged content of those dopants. In their presence the Dirac spectrum exhibits strong spatial fluctuations. As a result translational invariance is broken over a characteristic length scale and the Dirac-point energy is only locally defined. Possible global manifestations of these local fluctuations will be discussed, as well as alternative avenues for breaking time reversal symmetry while maintaining the integrity of the Dirac spectrum. This work was supported by NSF, NSF-MRSEC, and DARPA.

Molecular mechanism of melting of a helical polymer crystal: Role of conformational order, packing and mobility of polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheerla, Ramesh; Krishnan, Marimuthu

2018-03-01

The molecular mechanism of melting of a superheated helical polymer crystal has been investigated using isothermal-isobaric molecular dynamics simulation that allows anisotropic deformation of the crystal lattice. A detailed microscopic analysis of the onset and progression of melting and accompanying changes in the polymer conformational order, translational, and orientation order of the solid along the melting pathway is presented. Upon gradual heating from room temperature to beyond the melting point at ambient pressure, the crystal exhibits signatures of premelting well below the solid-to-liquid melting transition at the melting point. The melting transition is manifested by abrupt changes in the crystal volume, lattice energy, polymer conformation, and dynamical properties. In the premelting stage, the crystal lattice structure and backbone orientation of the polymer chains are retained but with the onset of weakening of long-range helical order and interchain packing of polymers perpendicular to the fibre axis of the crystal. The premelting also marks the onset of conformational defects and anisotropic solid-state diffusion of polymers along the fibre axis. The present study underscores the importance of the interplay between intermolecular packing, interactions, and conformational dynamics at the atomic level in determining the macroscopic melting behavior of polymer crystals.

Imprints of magnetic power and helicity spectra on radio polarimetry statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Junklewitz, H.; Enßlin, T. A.

2011-06-01

The statistical properties of turbulent magnetic fields in radio-synchrotron sources should be imprinted on the statistics of polarimetric observables. In search of these imprints, i.e. characteristic modifications of the polarimetry statistics caused by magnetic field properties, we calculate correlation and cross-correlation functions from a set of observables that contain total intensity I, polarized intensity P, and Faraday depth φ. The correlation functions are evaluated for all combinations of observables up to fourth order in magnetic field B. We derive these analytically as far as possible and from first principles using only some basic assumptions, such as Gaussian statistics for the underlying magnetic field in the observed region and statistical homogeneity. We further assume some simplifications to reduce the complexity of the calculations, because for a start we were interested in a proof of concept. Using this statistical approach, we show that it is possible to gain information about the helical part of the magnetic power spectrum via the correlation functions < P(kperp) φ(k'_{perp)φ(k''perp)>B} and < I(kperp) φ(k'_{perp)φ(k''perp)>B}. Using this insight, we construct an easy-to-use test for helicity called LITMUS (Local Inference Test for Magnetic fields which Uncovers heliceS), which gives a spectrally integrated measure of helicity. For now, all calculations are given in a Faraday-free case, but set up so that Faraday rotational effects can be included later.

Structure of a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase from Bacillus anthracis

PubMed Central

Hou, Jing; Wojciechowska, Kamila; Zheng, Heping; Chruszcz, Maksymilian; Cooper, David R.; Cymborowski, Marcin; Skarina, Tatiana; Gordon, Elena; Luo, Haibin; Savchenko, Alexei; Minor, Wladek

2012-01-01

The crystal structure of a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase from Bacillus anthracis strain ‘Ames Ancestor’ complexed with NADP has been determined and refined to 1.87 Å resolution. The structure of the enzyme consists of a Rossmann fold composed of seven parallel β-strands sandwiched by three α-­helices on each side. An NADP molecule from an endogenous source is bound in the conserved binding pocket in the syn conformation. The loop region responsible for binding another substrate forms two perpendicular short helices connected by a sharp turn. PMID:22684058

User's guide for a large signal computer model of the helical traveling wave tube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, Raymond W.

1992-01-01

The use is described of a successful large-signal, two-dimensional (axisymmetric), deformable disk computer model of the helical traveling wave tube amplifier, an extensively revised and operationally simplified version. We also discuss program input and output and the auxiliary files necessary for operation. Included is a sample problem and its input data and output results. Interested parties may now obtain from the author the FORTRAN source code, auxiliary files, and sample input data on a standard floppy diskette, the contents of which are described herein.

Optimization of the Magnetic Field Structure for Sustained Plasma Gun Helicity Injection for Magnetic Turbulence Studies at the Bryn Mawr Plasma Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cartagena-Sanchez, C. A.; Schaffner, D. A.; Johnson, H. K.; Fahim, L. E.

2017-10-01

A long-pulsed magnetic coaxial plasma gun is being implemented and characterized at the Bryn Mawr Plasma Laboratory (BMPL). A cold cathode discharged between the cylindrical electrodes generates and launches plasma into a 24cm diameter, 2m long chamber. Three separately pulsed magnetic coils are carefully positioned to generate radial magnetic field between the electrodes at the gun edge in order to provide stuffing field. Magnetic helicity is continuously injected into the flux-conserving vacuum chamber in a process akin to sustained slow-formation of spheromaks. The aim of this source, however, is to supply long pulses of turbulent magnetized plasma for measurement rather than for sustained spheromak production. The work shown here details the optimization of the magnetic field structure for this sustained helicity injection.

Fully interferometric controllable anomalous refraction efficiency using cross modulation with plasmonic metasurfaces.

PubMed

Liu, Zhaocheng; Chen, Shuqi; Li, Jianxiong; Cheng, Hua; Li, Zhancheng; Liu, Wenwei; Yu, Ping; Xia, Ji; Tian, Jianguo

2014-12-01

We present a method of fully interferometric, controllable anomalous refraction efficiency by introducing cross-modulated incident light based on plasmonic metasurfaces. Theoretical analyses and numerical simulations indicate that the anomalous and ordinary refracted beams generated from two opposite-helicity incident beams and following the generalized Snell's law will have a superposition for certain incident angles, and the anomalous refraction efficiency can be dynamically controlled by changing the relative phase of the incident sources. As the incident wavelength nears the resonant wavelength of the plasmonic metasurfaces, two equal-amplitude incident beams with opposite helicity can be used to control the anomalous refraction efficiency. Otherwise, two unequal-amplitude incident beams with opposite helicity can be used to fully control the anomalous refraction efficiency. This Letter may offer a further step in the development of controllable anomalous refraction.

Nonreciprocal Transverse Photonic Spin and Magnetization-Induced Electromagnetic Spin-Orbit Coupling

PubMed Central

Levy, Miguel; Karki, Dolendra

2017-01-01

We present a formulation of electromagnetic spin-orbit coupling in magneto-optic media, and propose an alternative source of spin-orbit coupling to non-paraxial optics vortices. Our treatment puts forth a formulation of nonreciprocal transverse-spin angular-momentum-density shifts for evanescent waves in magneto-optic waveguide media. It shows that magnetization-induced electromagnetic spin-orbit coupling is possible, and that it leads to unequal spin to orbital angular momentum conversion in magneto-optic media evanescent waves in opposite propagation-directions. Generation of free-space helicoidal beams based on this conversion is shown to be spin-helicity- and magnetization-dependent. We show that transverse-spin to orbital angular momentum coupling into magneto-optic waveguide media engenders spin-helicity-dependent unidirectional propagation. This unidirectional effect produces different orbital angular momenta in opposite directions upon excitation-spin-helicity reversals. PMID:28059120

Multi-hadron-state contamination in nucleon observables from chiral perturbation theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bär, Oliver

2018-03-01

Multi-particle states with additional pions are expected to be a non-negligible source of the excited-state contamination in lattice simulations at the physical point. It is shown that baryon chiral perturbation theory (ChPT) can be employed to calculate the contamination due to two-particle nucleon-pion states in various nucleon observables. Results to leading order are presented for the nucleon axial, tensor and scalar charge and three Mellin moments of parton distribution functions: the average quark momentum fraction, the helicity and the transversity moment. Taking into account experimental and phenomenological results for the charges and moments the impact of the nucleon-pionstates on lattice estimates for these observables can be estimated. The nucleon-pion-state contribution leads to an overestimation of all charges and moments obtained with the plateau method. The overestimation is at the 5-10% level for source-sink separations of about 2 fm. Existing lattice data is not in conflict with the ChPT predictions, but the comparison suggests that significantly larger source-sink separations are needed to compute the charges and moments with few-percent precision. Talk given at the 35th International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory, 18 - 24 June 2017, Granada, Spain.

Nematic order on the surface of a three-dimensional topological insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lundgren, Rex; Yerzhakov, Hennadii; Maciejko, Joseph

2017-12-01

We study the spontaneous breaking of rotational symmetry in the helical surface state of three-dimensional topological insulators due to strong electron-electron interactions, focusing on time-reversal invariant nematic order. Owing to the strongly spin-orbit coupled nature of the surface state, the nematic order parameter is linear in the electron momentum and necessarily involves the electron spin, in contrast with spin-degenerate nematic Fermi liquids. For a chemical potential at the Dirac point (zero doping), we find a first-order phase transition at zero temperature between isotropic and nematic Dirac semimetals. This extends to a thermal phase transition that changes from first to second order at a finite-temperature tricritical point. At finite doping, we find a transition between isotropic and nematic helical Fermi liquids that is second order even at zero temperature. Focusing on finite doping, we discuss various observable consequences of nematic order, such as anisotropies in transport and the spin susceptibility, the partial breakdown of spin-momentum locking, collective modes and induced spin fluctuations, and non-Fermi-liquid behavior at the quantum critical point and in the nematic phase.

Helical waves in easy-plane antiferromagnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semenov, Yuriy G.; Li, Xi-Lai; Xu, Xinyi; Kim, Ki Wook

2017-12-01

Effective spin torques can generate the Néel vector oscillations in antiferromagnets (AFMs). Here, it is theoretically shown that these torques applied at one end of a normal AFM strip can excite a helical type of spin wave in the strip whose properties are drastically different from characteristic spin waves. An analysis based on both a Néel vector dynamical equation and the micromagnetic simulation identifies the direction of magnetic anisotropy and the damping factor as the two key parameters determining the dynamics. Helical wave propagation requires the hard axis of the easy-plane AFM to be aligned with the traveling direction, while the damping limits its spatial extent. If the damping is neglected, the calculation leads to a uniform periodic domain wall structure. On the other hand, finite damping decelerates the helical wave rotation around the hard axis, ultimately causing stoppage of its propagation along the strip. With the group velocity staying close to spin-wave velocity at the wave front, the wavelength becomes correspondingly longer away from the excitation point. In a sufficiently short strip, a steady-state oscillation can be established whose frequency is controlled by the waveguide length as well as the excitation energy or torque.

The Tropical Cyclone Response to Structural and Temporal Variability in the Environmental Wind Profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onderlinde, Matthew J.

The aim of this dissertation is to attain a better understanding of how tropical cyclones (TCs) respond to variations in the three-dimensional environmental wind field. Much attention has been given to the impact of environmental wind shear in the 850 -- 200 hPa layer on tropical cyclones. However, even with the same magnitude of shear, helicity in this layer can vary significantly. A new parameter is presented, the tropical cyclone-relative environmental helicity (TCREH). Positive TCREH leads to a tilted storm that enhances local storm scale helicity in regions of convection within the TC. Initially we proposed that this enhanced local scale helicity may allow for more robust and longer lasting convection which is more effective at generating latent heat and subsequent TC intensification. Further investigation shows that this is a secondary influence on TC intensity and that variations in the azimuthal and radial position of convection in the TC play a stronger role. Vertical tilt of the vortex is often attributed to wind shear. Different values of helicity modulate this tilt and certain tilt configurations are more favorable for development or intensification than others, suggesting that mean positive environmental helicity is more favorable for development and intensification than mean negative helicity. Idealized modeling simulations demonstrate the impact of environmental helicity on TC development and intensification. Results show that wind profiles with the same 850-200 hPa wind shear but different values of helicity lead to different rates of development. TCREH also is computed from Era-Interim reanalysis (1979 -- 2011) and GFS analyses (2004 -- 2011) to determine if a significant signal exists between TCREH and TC intensification. Mean annular helicity is averaged over various time periods and correlated with the TC intensity change during those periods. Results suggest a weak but statistically significant correlation between environmental helicity and TC intensity change with positive helicity being more favorable for intensification. Another goal of this dissertation is to identify the mechanisms that lead to the observed variations in intensification rate. Results suggest that the difference in intensification rate between TCs embedded in positive versus negative TCREH primarily results from the position of convection and associated latent heat fluxes relative to the wind shear vector. When TCREH is positive, convection is more readily advected upshear and air parcels that experience larger fluxes are more frequently ingested into the TC core. Trajectories computed from high resolution simulations demonstrate the recovery of equivalent potential temperature downwind of convection, latent heat flux near the TC core, and parcel routes through updrafts in convection. Trajectory characteristics show that low-level unstable air is lofted into deep convection near the radius of maximum winds more frequently when TCREH is positive. Contoured frequency-by-altitude diagrams (CFADs) show that convection is distributed differently around TCs embedded in environments characterized by positive versus negative TCREH. They also show that the nature of the most intense convection differs only slightly between cases of positive and negative TCREH. Finally, the implications of time-varying environments around TCs are examined. Until now, idealized numerical simulations of the tropical cyclone (TC) response to time-varying wind shear have applied instantaneous changes in the TC environment. A new modeling framework allows for smoothly transitioning environmental wind states: time-varying point-downscaling (TVPDS). TVPDS is an enhancement of the point-downscaling technique (Nolan 2011) developed for the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. It uses analysis nudging to smoothly transition between different environmental vertical wind (and/or temperature and moisture) profiles while coordinating the point-downscaling method such that the environment remains in balance. Using this new framework, results from previous studies are reexamined to test whether the instantaneous 'shock' to the environment has implications for TC intensity evolution. Results suggest that instantaneous changes to the TC environment indeed do lead to an unrealistic response to an increase in shear. TVPDS simulations of quasi-steady state, moderately intense (~50 ms-1) TCs show that the response to increasing wind shear is a steady reduction in intensity without a recovery to the pre-shear intensity. TVPDS simulations also show that the rate at which the TC weakens depends on how rapidly the environment transitions from low to high shear. Analyses of surface fluxes and regions of convection are presented to determine how the time-varying shear affects the TC.

An auto-inhibitory helix in CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase hijacks the catalytic residue and constrains a pliable, domain-bridging helix pair

PubMed Central

Ramezanpour, Mohsen; Lee, Jaeyong; Taneva, Svetla G.; Tieleman, D. Peter; Cornell, Rosemary B.

2018-01-01

The activity of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT), a key enzyme in phosphatidylcholine synthesis, is regulated by reversible interactions of a lipid-inducible amphipathic helix (domain M) with membrane phospholipids. When dissociated from membranes, a portion of the M domain functions as an auto-inhibitory (AI) element to suppress catalysis. The AI helix from each subunit binds to a pair of α helices (αE) that extend from the base of the catalytic dimer to create a four-helix bundle. The bound AI helices make intimate contact with loop L2, housing a key catalytic residue, Lys122. The impacts of the AI helix on active-site dynamics and positioning of Lys122 are unknown. Extensive MD simulations with and without the AI helix revealed that backbone carbonyl oxygens at the point of contact between the AI helix and loop L2 can entrap the Lys122 side chain, effectively competing with the substrate, CTP. In silico, removal of the AI helices dramatically increased αE dynamics at a predicted break in the middle of these helices, enabling them to splay apart and forge new contacts with loop L2. In vitro cross-linking confirmed the reorganization of the αE element upon membrane binding of the AI helix. Moreover, when αE bending was prevented by disulfide engineering, CCT activation by membrane binding was thwarted. These findings suggest a novel two-part auto-inhibitory mechanism for CCT involving capture of Lys122 and restraint of the pliable αE helices. We propose that membrane binding enables bending of the αE helices, bringing the active site closer to the membrane surface. PMID:29519816

High temperature helical tubular receiver for concentrating solar power system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hossain, Nazmul

In the field of conventional cleaner power generation technology, concentrating solar power systems have introduced remarkable opportunity. In a solar power tower, solar energy concentrated by the heliostats at a single point produces very high temperature. Falling solid particles or heat transfer fluid passing through that high temperature region absorbs heat to generate electricity. Increasing the residence time will result in more heat gain and increase efficiency. A novel design of solar receiver for both fluid and solid particle is approached in this paper which can increase residence time resulting in higher temperature gain in one cycle compared to conventional receivers. The helical tubular solar receiver placed at the focused sunlight region meets the higher outlet temperature and efficiency. A vertical tubular receiver is modeled and analyzed for single phase flow with molten salt as heat transfer fluid and alloy625 as heat transfer material. The result is compared to a journal paper of similar numerical and experimental setup for validating our modeling. New types of helical tubular solar receivers are modeled and analyzed with heat transfer fluid turbulent flow in single phase, and granular particle and air plug flow in multiphase to observe the temperature rise in one cyclic operation. The Discrete Ordinate radiation model is used for numerical analysis with simulation software Ansys Fluent 15.0. The Eulerian granular multiphase model is used for multiphase flow. Applying the same modeling parameters and boundary conditions, the results of vertical and helical receivers are compared. With a helical receiver, higher temperature gain of heat transfer fluid is achieved in one cycle for both single phase and multiphase flow compared to the vertical receiver. Performance is also observed by varying dimension of helical receiver.

Computation of parton distributions from the quasi-PDF approach at the physical point

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandrou, Constantia; Bacchio, Simone; Cichy, Krzysztof; Constantinou, Martha; Hadjiyiannakou, Kyriakos; Jansen, Karl; Koutsou, Giannis; Scapellato, Aurora; Steffens, Fernanda

2018-03-01

We show the first results for parton distribution functions within the proton at the physical pion mass, employing the method of quasi-distributions. In particular, we present the matrix elements for the iso-vector combination of the unpolarized, helicity and transversity quasi-distributions, obtained with Nf = 2 twisted mass cloverimproved fermions and a proton boosted with momentum |p→| = 0.83 GeV. The momentum smearing technique has been applied to improve the overlap with the proton boosted state. Moreover, we present the renormalized helicity matrix elements in the RI' scheme, following the non-perturbative renormalization prescription recently developed by our group.

Concerning neutral flux shielding in the U-3M torsatron

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dreval, N. B., E-mail: mdreval@kipt.kharkov.ua

2015-03-15

The volume of the torsatron U-3M vacuum chamber is about 70 m{sup 3}, whereas the plasma volume is about 0.3 m{sup 3}. The large buffer volume of the chamber serves as a source of a substantial neutral flux into the U-3M plasma. A fraction of this flux falls onto the torsatron helical coils located in front of the plasma, due to which the dynamics of neutral influx into the plasma modifies. The shielding of the molecular flux from the buffer volume into the plasma is estimated using numerical calculations. Only about 10% of the incident flux reaches the plasma volume.more » Estimates show that about 20% of atoms escape beyond the helical coils without colliding with them. Under these conditions, the helical coils substantially affect the neutral flux. A discharge regime with a hot low-density plasma produced by a frame antenna is considered. The spatial distribution of the molecular density produced in this regime by the molecular flux from the chamber buffer volume after it has passed between the helical coils is calculated. The contributions of the fluxes emerging from the side and inner surfaces of the helical coils are considered. The calculations show that the shape of the spatial distribution of the molecular density differs substantially from the shape of the magnetic surfaces.« less

A second-generation superconducting undulator cryostat for the APS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuerst, J.; Hasse, Q.; Ivanyushenkov, Y.; Kasa, M.; Shiroyanagi, Y.

2017-12-01

A second-generation cryocooler-based cryostat has been designed and built to support a new helically wound superconducting undulator (SCU) magnet for the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The design represents an evolution of existing SCU cryostats currently in operation in the APS storage ring. Value engineering and lessons learned have resulted in a smaller, cheaper, and simpler cryostat design compatible with existing planar magnets as well as the new helically wound device. We describe heat load and quench response results, design and operational details, and the “build-to-spec” procurement strategy.

Modeling activities on the negative-ion-based Neutral Beam Injectors of the Large Helical Device

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agostinetti, P.; Antoni, V.; Chitarin, G.

2011-09-26

At the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) large-scaled negative ion sources have been widely used for the Neutral Beam Injectors (NBIs) mounted on the Large Helical Device (LHD), which is the world-largest superconducting helical system. These injectors have achieved outstanding performances in terms of beam energy, negative-ion current and optics, and represent a reference for the development of heating and current drive NBIs for ITER.In the framework of the support activities for the ITER NBIs, the PRIMA test facility, which includes a RF-drive ion source with 100 keV accelerator (SPIDER) and a complete 1 MeV Neutral Beam system (MITICA)more » is under construction at Consorzio RFX in Padova.An experimental validation of the codes has been undertaken in order to prove the accuracy of the simulations and the soundness of the SPIDER and MITICA design. To this purpose, the whole set of codes have been applied to the LHD NBIs in a joint activity between Consorzio RFX and NIFS, with the goal of comparing and benchmarking the codes with the experimental data. A description of these modeling activities and a discussion of the main results obtained are reported in this paper.« less

Reflections on the ambivalent helix.

PubMed

Galloway, J W

1989-09-15

The helix is nature's favourite shape. Because of its elementary geometry and distinctive appearance it is also the clearest instance of an enantiomorphic object--a helix and its mirror image are identical in all respects except their screw sense. This is a distinction that can be ignored from the points of view of pure geometry and pure group theory but any helical structure is actually available as either or both hands. Whether in nature helices do occur as just one hand, or both, is one of the best--perhaps the best--puzzles of the science of form. In this short review I look at a few examples of naturally occurring helices, some where only one hand is found, some where both are commonly found, and perhaps the most interesting examples in biological terms--those where both are found but one hand is very much rarer than the other. I review what mechanisms--physico-chemical, genetic, evolutionary--underlie the different manifestations of left- and right-handedness.

Cruise noise of the 2/9th scale model of the Large-scale Advanced Propfan (LAP) propeller, SR-7A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dittmar, James H.; Stang, David B.

1987-01-01

Noise data on the Large-scale Advanced Propfan (LAP) propeller model SR-7A were taken in the NASA Lewis Research Center 8 x 6 foot Wind Tunnel. The maximum blade passing tone noise first rises with increasing helical tip Mach number to a peak level, then remains the same or decreases from its peak level when going to higher helical tip Mach numbers. This trend was observed for operation at both constant advance ratio and approximately equal thrust. This noise reduction or, leveling out at high helical tip Mach numbers, points to the use of higher propeller tip speeds as a possible method to limit airplane cabin noise while maintaining high flight speed and efficiency. Projections of the tunnel model data are made to the full scale LAP propeller mounted on the test bed aircraft and compared with predictions. The prediction method is found to be somewhat conservative in that it slightly overpredicts the projected model data at the peak.

Cruise noise of the 2/9 scale model of the Large-scale Advanced Propfan (LAP) propeller, SR-7A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dittmar, James H.; Stang, David B.

1987-01-01

Noise data on the Large-scale Advanced Propfan (LAP) propeller model SR-7A were taken in the NASA Lewis Research Center 8 x 6 foot Wind Tunnel. The maximum blade passing tone noise first rises with increasing helical tip Mach number to a peak level, then remains the same or decreases from its peak level when going to higher helical tip Mach numbers. This trend was observed for operation at both constant advance ratio and approximately equal thrust. This noise reduction or, leveling out at high helical tip Mach numbers, points to the use of higher propeller tip speeds as a possible method to limit airplane cabin noise while maintaining high flight speed and efficiency. Projections of the tunnel model data are made to the full scale LAP propeller mounted on the test bed aircraft and compared with predictions. The prediction method is found to be somewhat conservative in that it slightly overpredicts the projected model data at the peak.

SU-E-I-49: Influence of Scanner Output Measurement Technique on KERMA Ratios in CT.

PubMed

Ogden, K; Roskopf, M; Scalzetti, E

2012-06-01

KERMA ratios (RK) are defined as the ratio of KERMA measured at a specific phantom location (K) to in-air isocenter CT scanner output (KCT). In this work we investigate the impact of measurement methodology on KCT values. OSL dosimeter chips were used to measure KCT for a GE VCT scanner (GE Medical Systems, Waukesha WI), using the 40 mm nominal beam width. Methods included a single point measurement at the center of the beam (1 tube rotation), and extended z-axis measurements using multiple adjacent OSL's (7.5 cm extent), with single tube rotation, multiple contiguous axial scans, and helical scans (pitch of 1.375). Measurements were made in air and on the scan table at 80 and 120 kV. Averaged single point measurements were consistent, with a mean coefficient of variation of 2.5%. For extended measurements with a single tube rotation, the mean value was equivalent to the single point measurements. For multiple contiguous axial scans, the in-air KCT values were higher than the single rotation mean value and single point measurements by 13% and 10.3% at 120 and 80 kV, respectively, and for the on-table measurements the values were 14.9% and 8.1% higher at 120 and 80 kV, respectively. The increase is due to beam overlap caused by z- axis over-beaming. Extended measurements using helical scanning were equivalent to the multiple rotation axial measurements when corrected for the helical pitch. For all methodologies, the in-air values exceeded the on- table measurements by an average of 23% and 19.4% at 80 and 120 kV, respectively. Scanner KCT values must be measured to allow organ dose estimation using published RK values. It is imperative that the KCT measurement methodology is the same as for the published values, or large errors may be introduced into the resulting organ dose estimates. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Bio-inspired robot design for viscous fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Grace; Lipman, Tyler; Jung, Sunghwan

Many modern micro-robots are designed for biomedical applications to transport drugs to targets or to operate tests in the body for diagnosis. However, most micro-robots simply mimic the morphology and the propulsive mechanism of micro-organisms without understanding the underlying physics of low-Re swimming. Two types of swimming motions have been observed in micro-organisms; stresslet and source-dipole swimming. The stresslet swimmer (e.g. E. coli) uses a rotating helical appendage, whereas the source-dipole swimmer (e.g. Paramecium) creates surface velocity for propulsion. Using this principle, we designed a robot to swim in very viscous fluids either by rotating a helix or creating surface velocity, simply by changing the orientation of the appendage. Further, we will discuss the performance of this robot (swimming speed and rotation speed) with respect to the number, winding angle, and radius of helices in a very viscous fluid.

Flexible and stretchable power sources for wearable electronics

PubMed Central

Zamarayeva, Alla M.; Ostfeld, Aminy E.; Wang, Michael; Duey, Jerica K.; Deckman, Igal; Lechêne, Balthazar P.; Davies, Greg; Steingart, Daniel A.; Arias, Ana Claudia

2017-01-01

Flexible and stretchable power sources represent a key technology for the realization of wearable electronics. Developing flexible and stretchable batteries with mechanical endurance that is on par with commercial standards and offer compliance while retaining safety remains a significant challenge. We present a unique approach that demonstrates mechanically robust, intrinsically safe silver-zinc batteries. This approach uses current collectors with enhanced mechanical design, such as helical springs and serpentines, as a structural support and backbone for all battery components. We show wire-shaped batteries based on helical band springs that are resilient to fatigue and retain electrochemical performance over 17,000 flexure cycles at a 0.5-cm bending radius. Serpentine-shaped batteries can be stretched with tunable degree and directionality while maintaining their specific capacity. Finally, the batteries are integrated, as a wearable device, with a photovoltaic module that enables recharging of the batteries. PMID:28630897

INTERACTION OF TWO FILAMENT CHANNELS OF DIFFERENT CHIRALITIES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Joshi, Navin Chandra; Magara, Tetsuya; Moon, Yong-Jae

2016-07-10

We present observations of the interactions between the two filament channels of different chiralities and associated dynamics that occurred during 2014 April 18–20. While two flux ropes of different helicity with parallel axial magnetic fields can only undergo a bounce interaction when they are brought together, the observations at first glance show that the heated plasma is moving from one filament channel to the other. The SDO /AIA 171 Å observations and the potential-field source-surface magnetic field extrapolation reveal the presence of a fan-spine magnetic configuration over the filament channels with a null point located above them. Three different eventsmore » of filament activations, partial eruptions, and associated filament channel interactions have been observed. The activation initiated in one filament channel seems to propagate along the neighboring filament channel. We believe that the activation and partial eruption of the filaments brings the field lines of flux ropes containing them closer to the null point and triggers the magnetic reconnection between them and the fan-spine magnetic configuration. As a result, the hot plasma moves along the outer spine line toward the remote point. Utilizing the present observations, for the first time we have discussed how two different-chirality filament channels can interact and show interrelation.« less

Study on Elastic Helical TDR Sensing Cable for Distributed Deformation Detection

PubMed Central

Tong, Renyuan; Li, Ming; Li, Qing

2012-01-01

In order to detect distributed ground surface deformation, an elastic helical structure Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) sensing cable is shown in this paper. This special sensing cable consists of three parts: a silicone rubber rope in the center; a couple of parallel wires coiling around the rope; a silicone rubber pipe covering the sensing cable. By analyzing the relationship between the impedance and the structure of the sensing cable, the impedance model shows that the sensing cable impedance will increase when the cable is stretched. This specific characteristic is verified in the cable stretching experiment which is the base of TDR sensing technology. The TDR experiment shows that a positive reflected signal is created at the stretching deformation point on the sensing cable. The results show that the deformation section length and the stretching elongation will both affect the amplitude of the reflected signal. Finally, the deformation locating experiments show that the sensing cable can accurately detect the deformation point position on the sensing cable. PMID:23012560

Face Gear Drive With Helical Involute Pinion: Geometry, Generation by a Shaper and a Worm, Avoidance of Singularities and Stress Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litvin, Faydor L.; Fuentes, Alfonso; Gonzalez-Perez, Ignacio; Piscopo, Alessandro; Ruzziconi, Paolo

2005-01-01

A new type of face-gear drive with intersected axes of rotation formed by a helical involute pinion and conjugated face-gear has been investigated. Generation of face-gears by a shaper free of undercutting and pointing has been investigated. A new method of grinding or cutting of face-gears by a worm of special shape has been developed. A computerized design procedure has been developed to avoid undercutting and pointing by a shaper or by a generating worm. Also, a method to determine the limitations of the helix angle magnitude has been developed. The method provides a localization of the bearing contact to reduce the shift of bearing contact caused by misalignment. The analytical method provides a simulation of the meshing and contact of misaligned gear drives. An automatic mesh generation method has been developed and used to conduct a 3D contact stress analysis of several teeth. The theory developed is illustrated with several examples.

Reactor design for uniform chemical vapor deposition-grown films without substrate rotation

DOEpatents

Wanlass, M.

1985-02-19

A quartz reactor vessel for growth of uniform semiconductor films includes a vertical, cylindrical reaction chamber in which a substrate-supporting pedestal provides a horizontal substrate-supporting surface spaced on its perimeter from the chamber wall. A cylindrical confinement chamber of smaller diameter is disposed coaxially above the reaction chamber and receives reaction gas injected at a tangent to the inside chamber wall, forming a helical gas stream that descends into the reaction chamber. In the reaction chamber, the edge of the substrate-supporting pedestal is a separation point for the helical flow, diverting part of the flow over the horizontal surface of the substrate in an inwardly spiraling vortex.

Reactor design for uniform chemical vapor deposition-grown films without substrate rotation

DOEpatents

Wanlass, Mark

1987-01-01

A quartz reactor vessel for growth of uniform semiconductor films includes a vertical, cylindrical reaction chamber in which a substrate-supporting pedestal provides a horizontal substrate-supporting surface spaced on its perimeter from the chamber wall. A cylindrical confinement chamber of smaller diameter is disposed coaxially above the reaction chamber and receives reaction gas injected at a tangent to the inside chamber wall, forming a helical gas stream that descends into the reaction chamber. In the reaction chamber, the edge of the substrate-supporting pedestal is a separation point for the helical flow, diverting part of the flow over the horizontal surface of the substrate in an inwardly spiraling vortex.

In situ calibration of neutron activation system on the large helical device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pu, N.; Nishitani, T.; Isobe, M.; Ogawa, K.; Kawase, H.; Tanaka, T.; Li, S. Y.; Yoshihashi, S.; Uritani, A.

2017-11-01

In situ calibration of the neutron activation system on the Large Helical Device (LHD) was performed by using an intense 252Cf neutron source. To simulate a ring-shaped neutron source, we installed a railway inside the LHD vacuum vessel and made a train loaded with the 252Cf source run along a typical magnetic axis position. Three activation capsules loaded with thirty pieces of indium foils stacked with total mass of approximately 18 g were prepared. Each capsule was irradiated over 15 h while the train was circulating. The activation response coefficient (9.4 ± 1.2) × 10-8 of 115In(n, n')115mIn reaction obtained from the experiment is in good agreement with results from three-dimensional neutron transport calculations using the Monte Carlo neutron transport simulation code 6. The activation response coefficients of 2.45 MeV birth neutron and secondary 14.1 MeV neutron from deuterium plasma were evaluated from the activation response coefficient obtained in this calibration experiment with results from three-dimensional neutron calculations using the Monte Carlo neutron transport simulation code 6.

RF Antenna Design for a Helicon Plasma Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godden, Katarina; Stassel, Brendan; Warta, Daniel; Yep, Isaac; Hicks, Nathaniel; Munk, Jens

2017-10-01

A helicon plasma source is under development for the new Plasma Science and Engineering Laboratory at the University of Alaska Anchorage. The helicon source is of a type comprising Pyrex and stainless steel cylindrical sections, joined to an ultrahigh vacuum chamber. A radio frequency (RF) helical antenna surrounds the Pyrex chamber, as well as DC solenoidal magnetic field coils. This presentation focuses on the design of the RF helical antenna and RF matching network, such that helicon wave power is coupled to argon plasma with minimal reflected power to the RF amplifier. The amplifier output is selectable between 2-30 MHz, with forward c.w. power up to 1.5 kW. Details and computer simulation of the antenna geometry, materials, and power matching will be presented, as well as the matching network of RF transmission line, tuning capacitors, and cooling system. An initial computational study of power coupling to the plasma will also be described. Supported by U.S. NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering Grant PHY-1619615, by the Alaska Space Grant Program, and by UAA Innovate 2017.

Escherichia coli DnaA forms helical structures along the longitudinal cell axis distinct from MreB filaments.

PubMed

Boeneman, Kelly; Fossum, Solveig; Yang, Yanhua; Fingland, Nicholas; Skarstad, Kirsten; Crooke, Elliott

2009-05-01

DnaA initiates chromosomal replication in Escherichia coli at a well-regulated time in the cell cycle. To determine how the spatial distribution of DnaA is related to the location of chromosomal replication and other cell cycle events, the localization of DnaA in living cells was visualized by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The gfp gene was randomly inserted into a dnaA-bearing plasmid via in vitro transposition to create a library that included internally GFP-tagged DnaA proteins. The library was screened for the ability to rescue dnaA(ts) mutants, and a candidate gfp-dnaA was used to replace the dnaA gene of wild-type cells. The resulting cells produce close to physiological levels of GFP-DnaA from the endogenous promoter as their only source of DnaA and somewhat under-initiate replication with moderate asynchrony. Visualization of GFP-tagged DnaA in living cells revealed that DnaA adopts a helical pattern that spirals along the long axis of the cell, a pattern also seen in wild-type cells by immunofluorescence with affinity purified anti-DnaA antibody. Although the DnaA helices closely resemble the helices of the actin analogue MreB, co-visualization of GFP-tagged DnaA and RFP-tagged MreB demonstrates that DnaA and MreB adopt discrete helical structures along the length of the longitudinal cell axis.

Binary black hole spacetimes with a helical Killing vector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Klein, Christian

Binary black hole spacetimes with a helical Killing vector, which are discussed as an approximation for the early stage of a binary system, are studied in a projection formalism. In this setting the four-dimensional Einstein equations are equivalent to a three-dimensional gravitational theory with a SL(2,R)/SO(1,1) sigma model as the material source. The sigma model is determined by a complex Ernst equation. 2+1 decompositions of the three-metric are used to establish the field equations on the orbit space of the Killing vector. The two Killing horizons of spherical topology which characterize the black holes, the cylinder of light where themore » Killing vector changes from timelike to spacelike, and infinity are singular points of the equations. The horizon and the light cylinder are shown to be regular singularities, i.e., the metric functions can be expanded in a formal power series in the vicinity. The behavior of the metric at spatial infinity is studied in terms of formal series solutions to the linearized Einstein equations. It is shown that the spacetime is not asymptotically flat in the strong sense to have a smooth null infinity under the assumption that the metric tends asymptotically to the Minkowski metric. In this case the metric functions have an oscillatory behavior in the radial coordinate in a nonaxisymmetric setting, the asymptotic multipoles are not defined. The asymptotic behavior of the Weyl tensor near infinity shows that there is no smooth null infinity.« less

Cervical helical axis characteristics and its center of rotation during active head and upper arm movements-comparisons of whiplash-associated disorders, non-specific neck pain and asymptomatic individuals.

PubMed

Grip, Helena; Sundelin, Gunnevi; Gerdle, Björn; Stefan Karlsson, J

2008-09-18

The helical axis model can be used to describe translation and rotation of spine segments. The aim of this study was to investigate the cervical helical axis and its center of rotation during fast head movements (side rotation and flexion/extension) and ball catching in patients with non-specific neck pain or pain due to whiplash injury as compared with matched controls. The aim was also to investigate correlations with neck pain intensity. A finite helical axis model with a time-varying window was used. The intersection point of the axis during different movement conditions was calculated. A repeated-measures ANOVA model was used to investigate the cervical helical axis and its rotation center for consecutive levels of 15 degrees during head movement. Irregularities in axis movement were derived using a zero-crossing approach. In addition, head, arm and upper body range of motion and velocity were observed. A general increase of axis irregularity that correlated to pain intensity was observed in the whiplash group. The rotation center was superiorly displaced in the non-specific neck pain group during side rotation, with the same tendency for the whiplash group. During ball catching, an anterior displacement (and a tendency to an inferior displacement) of the center of rotation and slower and more restricted upper body movements implied a changed movement strategy in neck pain patients, possibly as an attempt to stabilize the cervical spine during head movement.

Emergency-vehicle VHF antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, R. E.; Carlson, A. W.; Lewis, J.

1977-01-01

Helical VHF antenna mounts on roof of moving vehicle to communicate with distant stations via earth satellites. Antenna requires no pointing and can provide two-way communication while vehicle moves at high speed. Device has proved extremely successful in electrocardiogram transmission tests between medical services vehicle and hospital emergency room.

Helical Fiber Amplifier

DOEpatents

Koplow, Jeffrey P.; Kliner, Dahy; Goldberg, Lew

2002-12-17

A multi-mode gain fiber is provided which affords substantial improvements in the maximum pulse energy, peak power handling capabilities, average output power, and/or pumping efficiency of fiber amplifier and laser sources while maintaining good beam quality (comparable to that of a conventional single-mode fiber source). These benefits are realized by coiling the multimode gain fiber to induce significant bend loss for all but the lowest-order mode(s).

Helicity-Selective Enhancement and Polarization Control of Attosecond High Harmonic Waveforms Driven by Bichromatic Circularly Polarized Laser Fields.

PubMed

Dorney, Kevin M; Ellis, Jennifer L; Hernández-García, Carlos; Hickstein, Daniel D; Mancuso, Christopher A; Brooks, Nathan; Fan, Tingting; Fan, Guangyu; Zusin, Dmitriy; Gentry, Christian; Grychtol, Patrik; Kapteyn, Henry C; Murnane, Margaret M

2017-08-11

High harmonics driven by two-color counterrotating circularly polarized laser fields are a unique source of bright, circularly polarized, extreme ultraviolet, and soft x-ray beams, where the individual harmonics themselves are completely circularly polarized. Here, we demonstrate the ability to preferentially select either the right or left circularly polarized harmonics simply by adjusting the relative intensity ratio of the bichromatic circularly polarized driving laser field. In the frequency domain, this significantly enhances the harmonic orders that rotate in the same direction as the higher-intensity driving laser. In the time domain, this helicity-dependent enhancement corresponds to control over the polarization of the resulting attosecond waveforms. This helicity control enables the generation of circularly polarized high harmonics with a user-defined polarization of the underlying attosecond bursts. In the future, this technique should allow for the production of bright highly elliptical harmonic supercontinua as well as the generation of isolated elliptically polarized attosecond pulses.

Theory and algorithms for image reconstruction on chords and within regions of interest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Yu; Pan, Xiaochuan; Sidky, Emilâ Y.

2005-11-01

We introduce a formula for image reconstruction on a chord of a general source trajectory. We subsequently develop three algorithms for exact image reconstruction on a chord from data acquired with the general trajectory. Interestingly, two of the developed algorithms can accommodate data containing transverse truncations. The widely used helical trajectory and other trajectories discussed in literature can be interpreted as special cases of the general trajectory, and the developed theory and algorithms are thus directly applicable to reconstructing images exactly from data acquired with these trajectories. For instance, chords on a helical trajectory are equivalent to the n-PI-line segments. In this situation, the proposed algorithms become the algorithms that we proposed previously for image reconstruction on PI-line segments. We have performed preliminary numerical studies, which include the study on image reconstruction on chords of two-circle trajectory, which is nonsmooth, and on n-PI lines of a helical trajectory, which is smooth. Quantitative results of these studies verify and demonstrate the proposed theory and algorithms.

Quantification of a Helical Origami Fold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Eric; Han, Xiaomin; Chen, Zi

2015-03-01

Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, is traditionally viewed as an amusing pastime and medium of artistic expression. However, in recent years, origami has served as a source of inspiration for innovations in science and engineering. Here, we present the geometric and mechanical properties of a twisting origami fold. The origami structure created by the fold exhibits several interesting properties, including rigid foldibility, local bistability and finely tunable helical coiling, with control over pitch, radius and handedness of the helix. In addition, the pattern generated by the fold closely mimics the twist buckling patterns shown by thin materials, for example, a mobius strip. We use six parameters of the twisting origami pattern to generate a fully tunable graphical model of the fold. Finally, we present a mathematical model of the local bistability of the twisting origami fold. Our study elucidates the mechanisms behind the helical coiling and local bistability of the twisting origami fold, with potential applications in robotics and deployable structures. Acknowledgment to Branco Weiss Fellowship for funding.

A four-way junction with triple-helical arms: design, characterization, and stability.

PubMed

Makube, N; Klump, H H

2000-05-01

The formation of the four-way junction containing four triple-helical arms has been demonstrated using chemical methods (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and chemical footprinting using OsO(4) as a probe) and physical methods (UV absorbance melting and DSC). The junction J(T1T3) was assembled from two 20-mer purine strands and two 44-mer pyrimidine strands. To determine the contribution of the different arms to the stability of the complete structure of J(T1T3), the junction was compared to two simplified substructures, J(T1) and J(T3), respectively. Common to these complexes is the underlying double-helical four-way junction Js. Addition of Na(+) had a profound effect on stabilizing and subsequently folding the junctions into the stacked X-structures. The following results support the structure present: (i) The native polyacrylamide electrophoresis exhibits only a single band(s) corresponding to one species present when all four single strands are mixed in equal amounts. (ii) OsO(4) modifications were investigated at pH 5.0 and in the presence of 10 mM Mg(2+) and 100 mM Na(+). There is no cleavage of thymine residues at the branch point and throughout the structure. (iii) The thermal unfolding of J(T1) and J(T3) illustrates that the triple-helical arms are more stable than the double-helical arms which are contained in these junctions and that J(T1T3) with four triple-helical arms is slightly more stable than J(T1) and J(T3). (iv) The calorimetric transition enthalpies determined for the arms of J(T1T3) are comparable to those associated with the unfolding of its corresponding arms in J(T1) and J(T3). The results also illustrate that the formation of the junctions is not restricted by the pH, [Na(+)], sequence composition of the arms, and/or the loop position. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Evidence for Helical Magnetic fields in Kiloparsec-Scale AGN Jets and the Action of a Cosmic Battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabuzda, D. C.; Christodoulou, D. M.; Contopulos, I.; Kazanas, D.

2012-01-01

A search for transverse kiloparsec-scale gradients in Faraday rotation-measure (RM) maps of extragalactic radio sources in the literature has yielded 6 AGNs displaying continuous, monotonic RM gradients across their jets, oriented roughly orthogonal to the local jet direction. The most natural interpretation of such transverse RM gradients is that they are caused by the systematic change in the line-of-sight components of helical magnetic fields associated with these jets. All the identified transverse RM gradients increase in the counterclockwise (CCW) direction on the sky relative to the centers of these AGNs. Taken together with the results of Contopoulos et al. who found evidence for a predominance of clockwise (CW) transverse RM gradients across parsec-scale (VLBI) jets, this provides new evidence for preferred orientations of RM gradients due to helical jet magnetic fields, with a reversal from CW in the inner jets to CCW farther from the centers of activity. This can be explained by the "Poynting-Robertson cosmic-battery" mechanism, which can generate helical magnetic fields with a. characteristic "twist," which are expelled with the jet outflows. If the Poynting-Robertson battery mechanism is not operating, an alternative mechanism must be identified, which is able to explain the 'predominance of CW /CCW RM gradients on parsec/kiloparsec scales.

Impact of magnetic islands in the plasma edge on particle fueling and exhaust in the HSX and W7-X stellarators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stephey, L.; Bader, A.; Effenberg, F.

Tmore » he edge magnetic structure in the Helically Symmetric eXperiment (HSX) and Wendelstein 7X (W7-X) stellarators has been shown to have a significant impact on the particle fueling and exhaust of the plasma main species (hydrogen) as well as impurity helium. For HSX, the plasma sourcing to exhaust ratio, quantified by the effective and global particle confinement times τ p * and τ p , H , respectively, increases when a magnetic island chain is located in the plasma edge. he fueling efficiency is reduced by 25% when the plasma boundary is deformed by the magnetic islands. he X-point geometry also yields higher plasma temperatures in front of the main recycling region. When the island is moved radially inward, both τ p * and τ p decrease by 10 % – 25 % depending on plasma density. he τ p , H results rely heavily on EMC3-EIRENE modeling which confirms reduced fueling efficiency due to more rapid ionization in the outward shifted island position. hese findings suggest that for a helically optimized system like HSX, the plasma fueling from the recycling source, as well as from active gas injection, can be controlled by the magnetic island chain in the plasma edge—which is a basic requirement for a divertor system. his process is also effective for the control of effective helium exhaust times, as τ p , H e * measured by perturbative gas puff experiments is reduced by up to 40% when the islands are shifted inwards. For Wendelstein 7-X, a similar reduction of τ p , H e * was inferred when magnetic islands were moved from the far plasma edge into the confined plasma region. Finally, however, the effective confinement features of H as the main plasma species were not affected due to the non-optimal position of the magnetic islands with respect to the highly localized ionization domain during the limiter startup campaign.« less

Impact of magnetic islands in the plasma edge on particle fueling and exhaust in the HSX and W7-X stellarators

DOE PAGES

Stephey, L.; Bader, A.; Effenberg, F.; ...

2018-05-29

Tmore » he edge magnetic structure in the Helically Symmetric eXperiment (HSX) and Wendelstein 7X (W7-X) stellarators has been shown to have a significant impact on the particle fueling and exhaust of the plasma main species (hydrogen) as well as impurity helium. For HSX, the plasma sourcing to exhaust ratio, quantified by the effective and global particle confinement times τ p * and τ p , H , respectively, increases when a magnetic island chain is located in the plasma edge. he fueling efficiency is reduced by 25% when the plasma boundary is deformed by the magnetic islands. he X-point geometry also yields higher plasma temperatures in front of the main recycling region. When the island is moved radially inward, both τ p * and τ p decrease by 10 % – 25 % depending on plasma density. he τ p , H results rely heavily on EMC3-EIRENE modeling which confirms reduced fueling efficiency due to more rapid ionization in the outward shifted island position. hese findings suggest that for a helically optimized system like HSX, the plasma fueling from the recycling source, as well as from active gas injection, can be controlled by the magnetic island chain in the plasma edge—which is a basic requirement for a divertor system. his process is also effective for the control of effective helium exhaust times, as τ p , H e * measured by perturbative gas puff experiments is reduced by up to 40% when the islands are shifted inwards. For Wendelstein 7-X, a similar reduction of τ p , H e * was inferred when magnetic islands were moved from the far plasma edge into the confined plasma region. Finally, however, the effective confinement features of H as the main plasma species were not affected due to the non-optimal position of the magnetic islands with respect to the highly localized ionization domain during the limiter startup campaign.« less

Impact of magnetic islands in the plasma edge on particle fueling and exhaust in the HSX and W7-X stellarators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephey, L.; Bader, A.; Effenberg, F.; Schmitz, O.; Wurden, G. A.; Anderson, D. T.; Anderson, F. S. B.; Biedermann, C.; Dinklage, A.; Feng, Y.; Frerichs, H.; Fuchert, G.; Geiger, J.; Harris, J. H.; König, R.; Kornejew, P.; Krychowiak, M.; Lore, J. D.; Unterberg, E. A.; Waters, I.; W7-X Team

2018-06-01

The edge magnetic structure in the Helically Symmetric eXperiment (HSX) and Wendelstein 7X (W7-X) stellarators has been shown to have a significant impact on the particle fueling and exhaust of the plasma main species (hydrogen) as well as impurity helium. For HSX, the plasma sourcing to exhaust ratio, quantified by the effective and global particle confinement times τp * and τ p , H , respectively, increases when a magnetic island chain is located in the plasma edge. The fueling efficiency is reduced by 25% when the plasma boundary is deformed by the magnetic islands. The X-point geometry also yields higher plasma temperatures in front of the main recycling region. When the island is moved radially inward, both τp * and τp decrease by 10 % - 25 % depending on plasma density. The τ p , H results rely heavily on EMC3-EIRENE modeling which confirms reduced fueling efficiency due to more rapid ionization in the outward shifted island position. These findings suggest that for a helically optimized system like HSX, the plasma fueling from the recycling source, as well as from active gas injection, can be controlled by the magnetic island chain in the plasma edge—which is a basic requirement for a divertor system. This process is also effective for the control of effective helium exhaust times, as τp , H e * measured by perturbative gas puff experiments is reduced by up to 40% when the islands are shifted inwards. For Wendelstein 7-X, a similar reduction of τp , H e * was inferred when magnetic islands were moved from the far plasma edge into the confined plasma region. However, the effective confinement features of H as the main plasma species were not affected due to the non-optimal position of the magnetic islands with respect to the highly localized ionization domain during the limiter startup campaign.

Off-shell amplitudes as boundary integrals of analytically continued Wilson line slope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotko, P.; Serino, M.; Stasto, A. M.

2016-08-01

One of the methods to calculate tree-level multi-gluon scattering amplitudes is to use the Berends-Giele recursion relation involving off-shell currents or off-shell amplitudes, if working in the light cone gauge. As shown in recent works using the light-front perturbation theory, solutions to these recursions naturally collapse into gauge invariant and gauge-dependent components, at least for some helicity configurations. In this work, we show that such structure is helicity independent and emerges from analytic properties of matrix elements of Wilson line operators, where the slope of the straight gauge path is shifted in a certain complex direction. This is similar to the procedure leading to the Britto-Cachazo-Feng-Witten (BCFW) recursion, however we apply a complex shift to the Wilson line slope instead of the external momenta. While in the original BCFW procedure the boundary integrals over the complex shift vanish for certain deformations, here they are non-zero and are equal to the off-shell amplitudes. The main result can thus be summarized as follows: we derive a decomposition of a helicity-fixed off-shell current into gauge invariant component given by a matrix element of a straight Wilson line plus a reminder given by a sum of products of gauge invariant and gauge dependent quantities. We give several examples realizing this relation, including the five-point next-to-MHV helicity configuration.

Systematic periodicity in waviness of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes explained by helical buckling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jahangiri, Mehdi

2017-09-01

A hypothesis is proposed in this work to account for the geometry of individual vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) that not only justifies the directionality of their growth, but also explains the origin of the waviness frequently reported for these nanotube forests. Such waviness has fundamental effects on the transport/conduction properties of VACNTs, either through or along them, regarding phenomena such as mass, stress, heat and electricity. Despite the general opinion about randomness of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) tortuosity, we demonstrate here that rules of helical buckling of tubular strings is applicable to VACNTs, based on which a regular 3D helical geometry is proposed for VACNTs, with a 2D sine wave shape side-profile. In this framework, gradual increase of the total free surface energy by growth of CNTs ensues their partial cohesion, driven by van der Waals interactions, to reduce the excess surface energy. On the other hand, their cohesion is accompanied by their deformation and loss of straightness, which in turn, translates to buildup of an elastic strain energy in the system. The balance of the two energies along with the spatial constraints on each CNT at its contact points with neighboring CNTs, is manifested in its helical buckling, that is systematically influenced by nanostructural characteristics of VACNTs, such as their diameter, wall thickness and inter-CNT spacing.

Systematic periodicity in waviness of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes explained by helical buckling.

PubMed

Jahangiri, Mehdi

2017-09-15

A hypothesis is proposed in this work to account for the geometry of individual vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) that not only justifies the directionality of their growth, but also explains the origin of the waviness frequently reported for these nanotube forests. Such waviness has fundamental effects on the transport/conduction properties of VACNTs, either through or along them, regarding phenomena such as mass, stress, heat and electricity. Despite the general opinion about randomness of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) tortuosity, we demonstrate here that rules of helical buckling of tubular strings is applicable to VACNTs, based on which a regular 3D helical geometry is proposed for VACNTs, with a 2D sine wave shape side-profile. In this framework, gradual increase of the total free surface energy by growth of CNTs ensues their partial cohesion, driven by van der Waals interactions, to reduce the excess surface energy. On the other hand, their cohesion is accompanied by their deformation and loss of straightness, which in turn, translates to buildup of an elastic strain energy in the system. The balance of the two energies along with the spatial constraints on each CNT at its contact points with neighboring CNTs, is manifested in its helical buckling, that is systematically influenced by nanostructural characteristics of VACNTs, such as their diameter, wall thickness and inter-CNT spacing.

Bacillus subtilis MreB paralogues have different filament architectures and lead to shape remodelling of a heterologous cell system.

PubMed

Soufo, Hervé Joël Defeu; Graumann, Peter L

2010-12-01

Like many bacteria, Bacillus subtilis cells contain three actin-like MreB proteins. We show that the three paralogues, MreB, Mbl and MreBH, have different filament architectures in a heterologous cell system, and form straight filaments, helices or ring structures, different from the regular helical arrangement in B. subtilis cells. However, when coexpressed, they colocalize into a single filamentous helical structure, showing that the paralogues influence each other's filament architecture. Ring-like MreBH structures can be converted into MreB-like helical filaments by a single point mutation affecting subunit contacts, showing that MreB paralogues feature flexible filament arrangements. Time-lapse and FRAP experiments show that filaments can extend as well as shrink at both ends, and also show internal rearrangement, suggesting that filaments consist of overlapping bundles of shorter filaments that continuously turn over. Upon induction in Escherichia coli cells, B. subtilis MreB (BsMreB) filaments push the cells into strikingly altered cell morphology, showing that MreB filaments can change cell shape. E. coli cells with a weakened cell wall were ruptured upon induction of BsMreB filaments, suggesting that the bacterial actin orthologue may exert force against the cell membrane and envelope, and thus possibly plays an additional mechanical role in bacteria. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Design and performance of a multi-pinhole collimation device for small animal imaging with clinical SPECT and SPECT-CT scanners

PubMed Central

DiFilippo, Frank P.

2008-01-01

A multi-pinhole collimation device is developed that uses the gamma camera detectors of a clinical SPECT or SPECT-CT scanner to produce high resolution SPECT images. The device consists of a rotating cylindrical collimator having 22 tungsten pinholes with 0.9 mm diameter apertures and an animal bed inside the collimator that moves linearly to provide helical or ordered-subsets axial sampling. CT images also may be acquired on a SPECT-CT scanner for purposes of image co-registration and SPECT attenuation correction. The device is placed on the patient table of the scanner without attaching to the detectors or scanner gantry. The system geometry is calibrated in-place from point source data and is then used during image reconstruction. The SPECT imaging performance of the device is evaluated with test phantom scans. Spatial resolution from reconstructed point source images is measured to be 0.6 mm full width at half maximum or better. Micro-Derenzo phantom images demonstrate the ability to resolve 0.7 mm diameter rod patterns. The axial slabs of a Micro-Defrise phantom are visualized well. Collimator efficiency exceeds 0.05% at the center of the field of view, and images of a uniform phantom show acceptable uniformity and minimal artifact. The overall simplicity and relatively good imaging performance of the device make it an interesting low-cost alternative to dedicated small animal scanners. PMID:18635899

Design and performance of a multi-pinhole collimation device for small animal imaging with clinical SPECT and SPECT CT scanners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Filippo, Frank P.

2008-08-01

A multi-pinhole collimation device is developed that uses the gamma camera detectors of a clinical SPECT or SPECT-CT scanner to produce high-resolution SPECT images. The device consists of a rotating cylindrical collimator having 22 tungsten pinholes with 0.9 mm diameter apertures and an animal bed inside the collimator that moves linearly to provide helical or ordered-subsets axial sampling. CT images also may be acquired on a SPECT-CT scanner for purposes of image co-registration and SPECT attenuation correction. The device is placed on the patient table of the scanner without attaching to the detectors or scanner gantry. The system geometry is calibrated in-place from point source data and is then used during image reconstruction. The SPECT imaging performance of the device is evaluated with test phantom scans. Spatial resolution from reconstructed point source images is measured to be 0.6 mm full width at half maximum or better. Micro-Derenzo phantom images demonstrate the ability to resolve 0.7 mm diameter rod patterns. The axial slabs of a Micro-Defrise phantom are visualized well. Collimator efficiency exceeds 0.05% at the center of the field of view, and images of a uniform phantom show acceptable uniformity and minimal artifact. The overall simplicity and relatively good imaging performance of the device make it an interesting low-cost alternative to dedicated small animal scanners.

First Plasma Results from the HIT-SI Spheromak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sieck, P. E.; Hamp, W. T.; Izzo, V. A.; Jarboe, T. R.; Nelson, B. A.; O'Neill, R. G.; Redd, A. J.; Smith, R. J.

2003-10-01

HIT-SI is the newest device in the Helicity Injected Torus (HIT) program. HIT-SI is a ``bow tie'' spheromak formed and sustained by Steady Inductive Helicity Injection (SIHI) current drive. SIHI injects helicity at a nearly constant rate with no open field lines intersecting the boundary. (T. R. Jarboe, Fusion Technology 36) (1), p. 85, 1999 HIT-SI has been designed with a bow tie geometry to achieve stable high-β (>10%) spheromak equilibria. (U. Shumlak and T. R. Jarboe, Phys. Plasmas 7) (7), p. 2959, 2000 Diagnostics currently include surface magnetic probes and flux loops, visible light imaging, H-alpha line radiation monitors, voltage measurements across insulating breaks, injector current Rogowski coils, and injector flux loops. HIT-SI is currently operating in parallel with experiments on HIT-II. At the conclusion of HIT-II operations, HIT-SI will inherit a multi-point Thomson Scattering system, a scanning two-chord FIR interferometer, and other advanced diagnostics, as well as more power supplies to extend the discharge duration. Results are presented which characterize injector operation and possible evidence for spheromak formation.

Mirrors in the PDB: left-handed alpha-turns guide design with D-amino acids.

PubMed

Annavarapu, Srinivas; Nanda, Vikas

2009-09-22

Incorporating variable amino acid stereochemistry in molecular design has the potential to improve existing protein stability and create new topologies inaccessible to homochiral molecules. The Protein Data Bank has been a reliable, rich source of information on molecular interactions and their role in protein stability and structure. D-amino acids rarely occur naturally, making it difficult to infer general rules for how they would be tolerated in proteins through an analysis of existing protein structures. However, protein elements containing short left-handed turns and helices turn out to contain useful information. Molecular mechanisms used in proteins to stabilize left-handed elements by L-amino acids are structurally enantiomeric to potential synthetic strategies for stabilizing right-handed elements with D-amino acids. Propensities for amino acids to occur in contiguous alpha(L) helices correlate with published thermodynamic scales for incorporation of D-amino acids into alpha(R) helices. Two backbone rules for terminating a left-handed helix are found: an alpha(R) conformation is disfavored at the amino terminus, and a beta(R) conformation is disfavored at the carboxy terminus. Helix capping sidechain-backbone interactions are found which are unique to alpha(L) helices including an elevated propensity for L-Asn, and L-Thr at the amino terminus and L-Gln, L-Thr and L-Ser at the carboxy terminus. By examining left-handed alpha-turns containing L-amino acids, new interaction motifs for incorporating D-amino acids into right-handed alpha-helices are identified. These will provide a basis for de novo design of novel heterochiral protein folds.

Mirrors in the PDB: left-handed α-turns guide design with D-amino acids

PubMed Central

Annavarapu, Srinivas; Nanda, Vikas

2009-01-01

Background Incorporating variable amino acid stereochemistry in molecular design has the potential to improve existing protein stability and create new topologies inaccessible to homochiral molecules. The Protein Data Bank has been a reliable, rich source of information on molecular interactions and their role in protein stability and structure. D-amino acids rarely occur naturally, making it difficult to infer general rules for how they would be tolerated in proteins through an analysis of existing protein structures. However, protein elements containing short left-handed turns and helices turn out to contain useful information. Molecular mechanisms used in proteins to stabilize left-handed elements by L-amino acids are structurally enantiomeric to potential synthetic strategies for stabilizing right-handed elements with D-amino acids. Results Propensities for amino acids to occur in contiguous αL helices correlate with published thermodynamic scales for incorporation of D-amino acids into αR helices. Two backbone rules for terminating a left-handed helix are found: an αR conformation is disfavored at the amino terminus, and a βR conformation is disfavored at the carboxy terminus. Helix capping sidechain-backbone interactions are found which are unique to αL helices including an elevated propensity for L-Asn, and L-Thr at the amino terminus and L-Gln, L-Thr and L-Ser at the carboxy terminus. Conclusion By examining left-handed α-turns containing L-amino acids, new interaction motifs for incorporating D-amino acids into right-handed α-helices are identified. These will provide a basis for de novo design of novel heterochiral protein folds. PMID:19772623

Competing spin density wave, collinear, and helical magnetism in Fe 1 + x Te

DOE PAGES

Stock, C.; Rodriguez, E. E.; Bourges, P.; ...

2017-04-07

The Fe 1+xTe phase diagram consists of two distinct magnetic structures with collinear order present at low interstitial iron concentrations and a helical phase at large values of x with these phases separated by a Lifshitz point. In this paper, we use unpolarized single-crystal diffraction to confirm the helical phase for large interstitial iron concentrations and polarized single-crystal diffraction to demonstrate the collinear order for the iron-deficient side of the Fe 1+xTe phase diagram. Polarized neutron inelastic scattering shows that the fluctuations associated with this collinear order are predominately transverse at low-energy transfers, consistent with a localized magnetic moment picture.more » We then apply neutron inelastic scattering and polarization analysis to investigate the dynamics and structure near the boundary between collinear and helical orders in the Fe 1+xTe phase diagram. We first show that the phase separating collinear and helical orders is characterized by a spin density wave with a single propagation wave vector of (~0.45, 0, 0.5). We do not observe harmonics or the presence of a charge density wave. The magnetic fluctuations associated with this wave vector are different from the collinear phase, being strongly longitudinal in nature and correlated anisotropically in the (H,K) plane. The excitations preserve the C 4 symmetry of the lattice but display different widths in momentum along the two tetragonal directions at low-energy transfers. Finally, while the low-energy excitations and minimal magnetic phase diagram can be understood in terms of localized interactions, we suggest that the presence of the density wave phase implies the importance of electronic and orbital properties.« less

Structural effects of extracellular loop mutations in CFTR helical hairpins.

PubMed

Chang, Yuan-Heng; Stone, Tracy A; Chin, Stephanie; Glibowicka, Mira; Bear, Christine E; Deber, Charles M

2018-05-01

Missense mutations constitute 40% of 2000 cystic fibrosis-phenotypic mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) database, yet the precise mechanism as to how a point mutation can render the entire 1480-residue CFTR protein dysfunctional is not well-understood. Here we investigate the structural effects of two CF-phenotypic mutations - glutamic acid to glycine at position 217 (E217G) and glutamine to arginine at position 220 (Q220R) - in the extracellular (ECL2) loop region of human CFTR using helical hairpin constructs derived from transmembrane (TM) helices 3 and 4 of the first membrane domain. We systematically replaced the wild type (WT) residues E217 and Q220 with the subset of missense mutations that could arise through a single nucleotide change in their respective codons. Circular dichroism spectra of E217G revealed that a significant increase in helicity vs. WT arises in the membrane-mimetic environment of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micelles, while this mutant showed a similar gel shift to WT on SDS-PAGE gels. In contrast, the CF-mutant Q220R showed similar helicity but an increased gel shift vs. WT. These structural variations are compared with the maturation levels of the corresponding mutant full-length CFTRs, which we found are reduced to approx. 50% for E217G and 30% for Q220R vs. WT. The overall results with CFTR hairpins illustrate the range of impacts that single mutations can evoke in intramolecular protein-protein and/or protein-lipid interactions - and the levels to which corresponding mutations in full-length CFTR may be flagged by quality control mechanisms during biosynthesis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Competing spin density wave, collinear, and helical magnetism in Fe 1 + x Te

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stock, C.; Rodriguez, E. E.; Bourges, P.

The Fe 1+xTe phase diagram consists of two distinct magnetic structures with collinear order present at low interstitial iron concentrations and a helical phase at large values of x with these phases separated by a Lifshitz point. In this paper, we use unpolarized single-crystal diffraction to confirm the helical phase for large interstitial iron concentrations and polarized single-crystal diffraction to demonstrate the collinear order for the iron-deficient side of the Fe 1+xTe phase diagram. Polarized neutron inelastic scattering shows that the fluctuations associated with this collinear order are predominately transverse at low-energy transfers, consistent with a localized magnetic moment picture.more » We then apply neutron inelastic scattering and polarization analysis to investigate the dynamics and structure near the boundary between collinear and helical orders in the Fe 1+xTe phase diagram. We first show that the phase separating collinear and helical orders is characterized by a spin density wave with a single propagation wave vector of (~0.45, 0, 0.5). We do not observe harmonics or the presence of a charge density wave. The magnetic fluctuations associated with this wave vector are different from the collinear phase, being strongly longitudinal in nature and correlated anisotropically in the (H,K) plane. The excitations preserve the C 4 symmetry of the lattice but display different widths in momentum along the two tetragonal directions at low-energy transfers. Finally, while the low-energy excitations and minimal magnetic phase diagram can be understood in terms of localized interactions, we suggest that the presence of the density wave phase implies the importance of electronic and orbital properties.« less

Competing spin density wave, collinear, and helical magnetism in Fe1 +xTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stock, C.; Rodriguez, E. E.; Bourges, P.; Ewings, R. A.; Cao, H.; Chi, S.; Rodriguez-Rivera, J. A.; Green, M. A.

2017-04-01

The Fe1 +xTe phase diagram consists of two distinct magnetic structures with collinear order present at low interstitial iron concentrations and a helical phase at large values of x with these phases separated by a Lifshitz point. We use unpolarized single-crystal diffraction to confirm the helical phase for large interstitial iron concentrations and polarized single-crystal diffraction to demonstrate the collinear order for the iron-deficient side of the Fe1 +xTe phase diagram. Polarized neutron inelastic scattering shows that the fluctuations associated with this collinear order are predominately transverse at low-energy transfers, consistent with a localized magnetic moment picture. We then apply neutron inelastic scattering and polarization analysis to investigate the dynamics and structure near the boundary between collinear and helical orders in the Fe1 +xTe phase diagram. We first show that the phase separating collinear and helical orders is characterized by a spin density wave with a single propagation wave vector of (˜0.45 , 0, 0.5). We do not observe harmonics or the presence of a charge density wave. The magnetic fluctuations associated with this wave vector are different from the collinear phase, being strongly longitudinal in nature and correlated anisotropically in the (H ,K ) plane. The excitations preserve the C4 symmetry of the lattice but display different widths in momentum along the two tetragonal directions at low-energy transfers. While the low-energy excitations and minimal magnetic phase diagram can be understood in terms of localized interactions, we suggest that the presence of the density wave phase implies the importance of electronic and orbital properties.

Arbitrary helicity control of circularly polarized light from lateral-type spin-polarized light-emitting diodes at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishizawa, Nozomi; Aoyama, Masaki; Roca, Ronel C.; Nishibayashi, Kazuhiro; Munekata, Hiro

2018-05-01

We demonstrate arbitrary helicity control of circularly polarized light (CPL) emitted at room temperature from the cleaved side facet of a lateral-type spin-polarized light-emitting diode (spin-LED) with two ferromagnetic electrodes in an antiparallel magnetization configuration. Driving alternate currents through the two electrodes results in polarization switching of CPL with frequencies up to 100 kHz. Furthermore, tuning the current density ratio in the two electrodes enables manipulation of the degree of circular polarization. These results demonstrate arbitrary electrical control of polarization with high speed, which is required for the practical use of lateral-type spin-LEDs as monolithic CPL light sources.

HESQ (Helical Electrostatic Quadrupole), a low energy beam transport for the SSC linac

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raparia, D.

A Helical Electrostatic Quadrupole (HESQ) is an option for the low energy beam transport (LEBT) of the SSC linac to transport and match a 35 keV H{sup {minus}} beam from a circular symmetric Magnetron ion source to a 428 MHz RFQ. Being an electrostatic focusing lens, the HESQ avoids neutralization of the H{sup {minus}} beam due to the background gas. The HESQ lenses provide stronger first-order focusing in contrast to weak second-order focusing of einzel lenses and is also stronger than alternating gradient focusing. In this paper, we will present a design and results of a PIC code simulation withmore » space charge.« less

A diffusion tensor imaging tractography algorithm based on Navier-Stokes fluid mechanics.

PubMed

Hageman, Nathan S; Toga, Arthur W; Narr, Katherine L; Shattuck, David W

2009-03-01

We introduce a fluid mechanics based tractography method for estimating the most likely connection paths between points in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) volumes. We customize the Navier-Stokes equations to include information from the diffusion tensor and simulate an artificial fluid flow through the DTI image volume. We then estimate the most likely connection paths between points in the DTI volume using a metric derived from the fluid velocity vector field. We validate our algorithm using digital DTI phantoms based on a helical shape. Our method segmented the structure of the phantom with less distortion than was produced using implementations of heat-based partial differential equation (PDE) and streamline based methods. In addition, our method was able to successfully segment divergent and crossing fiber geometries, closely following the ideal path through a digital helical phantom in the presence of multiple crossing tracts. To assess the performance of our algorithm on anatomical data, we applied our method to DTI volumes from normal human subjects. Our method produced paths that were consistent with both known anatomy and directionally encoded color images of the DTI dataset.

A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography Algorithm Based on Navier-Stokes Fluid Mechanics

PubMed Central

Hageman, Nathan S.; Toga, Arthur W.; Narr, Katherine; Shattuck, David W.

2009-01-01

We introduce a fluid mechanics based tractography method for estimating the most likely connection paths between points in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) volumes. We customize the Navier-Stokes equations to include information from the diffusion tensor and simulate an artificial fluid flow through the DTI image volume. We then estimate the most likely connection paths between points in the DTI volume using a metric derived from the fluid velocity vector field. We validate our algorithm using digital DTI phantoms based on a helical shape. Our method segmented the structure of the phantom with less distortion than was produced using implementations of heat-based partial differential equation (PDE) and streamline based methods. In addition, our method was able to successfully segment divergent and crossing fiber geometries, closely following the ideal path through a digital helical phantom in the presence of multiple crossing tracts. To assess the performance of our algorithm on anatomical data, we applied our method to DTI volumes from normal human subjects. Our method produced paths that were consistent with both known anatomy and directionally encoded color (DEC) images of the DTI dataset. PMID:19244007

Multi-Regge kinematics and the moduli space of Riemann spheres with marked points

DOE PAGES

Del Duca, Vittorio; Druc, Stefan; Drummond, James; ...

2016-08-25

We show that scattering amplitudes in planar N = 4 Super Yang-Mills in multi-Regge kinematics can naturally be expressed in terms of single-valued iterated integrals on the moduli space of Riemann spheres with marked points. As a consequence, scattering amplitudes in this limit can be expressed as convolutions that can easily be computed using Stokes’ theorem. We apply this framework to MHV amplitudes to leading-logarithmic accuracy (LLA), and we prove that at L loops all MHV amplitudes are determined by amplitudes with up to L + 4 external legs. We also investigate non-MHV amplitudes, and we show that they canmore » be obtained by convoluting the MHV results with a certain helicity flip kernel. We classify all leading singularities that appear at LLA in the Regge limit for arbitrary helicity configurations and any number of external legs. In conclusion, we use our new framework to obtain explicit analytic results at LLA for all MHV amplitudes up to five loops and all non-MHV amplitudes with up to eight external legs and four loops.« less

Fast island phase identification for tearing mode feedback control on J-TEXT tokamak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rao, B., E-mail: borao@hust.edu.cn; Li, D.; Hu, F. R.

A new method to control the tearing mode (TM) in tokamaks has been proposed [Q. Hu and Q. Yu, Nucl. Fusion 56, 034001 (5pp.) (2016)], according to which, the external resonant magnetic perturbation needs to be applied in certain magnetic island phase regions. Therefore, it is very important to identify the helical phase of magnetic islands in real time. The TM in tokamak plasmas is normally rotating and carries magnetic oscillations, which are known as Mirnov oscillations and can be detected by Mirnov probes. When the O-point or X-point of the magnetic island passes through the probe, the signal willmore » experience a zero-crossing. A poloidal Mirnov probe array and a corresponding island phase identification method are presented. A field-programmable gate array is used to provide the magnetic island helical phase in real time by using multichannel zero crossing detection. This system has been developed on the J-TEXT tokamak and works well. This paper introduces the establishment of the fast magnetic island phase identifying system.« less

Identification of Solar Events Responsible for ICMEs at 1AU - Estimation of Chirality and Helicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulrich, Roger K.; tran, Tham; Riley, Pete

2017-08-01

We start with the table of identified interplanetary magnetic clouds provided by the WIND/SWI project at https://wind.gsfc.nasa.gov/mfi/mag_cloud_S1.html .Our procedure uses the following steps:1) We take candidates observed during the HMI era from the above catalogue.2) We average cloud start and end times.3) We subtract an estimated travel time to get an origin time.4) We find a halo or partial halo CME near the origin time using the CDAW catalogue.5) We estimate a quadrant for the solar event from the CME shape.6) We use the jHelioviewer on AIA 173 differences with a 5 minute cadence to find an ejected loop near the origin time.7) We place the foot points near the locations of maxima and minima of Br (i.e. the strongest fields of opposite sign).8) We find the field gradients such as (curl B)r at these points.The above steps have been applied to the 37 clouds listed in the MFI table for the period 2011 to 2012 with the result that only 7 clouds could be identified and clearly associated with solar surface origination points. The MFI table includes an estimation of the cloud chirality. Transverse magnetic fields on the solar surface can be determinedfrom the observations of the HMI instrument on the SDO spacecraft in two different ways: the standard HMI pipeline or the Ulrich - Boyden method. The Ulrich - Boyden method gives the correct chirality for all 7 cases while the standard pipeline gives the correct chirality for 6 of the 7 clouds.The clouds are belowAR Solar Source HelicityMFI Number Source Day/Hr Coord Pred Obs129 11158 11/02/15:02:24 S22W09-S18W18 L L133 11226 11/06/01:18:36 S21E19-S19E15 R R134 11226-11227 11/06/02:07:41 S20E26-S21E16 R R138 11289-11293 11/09/13:23:12 N23W13-N17W23 L L148 11504 12/06/14:14:12 S16E11-S16E03 R R154 11560-11561 12/09/02:04:00 N01W04-N05W11 L L161 11610 12/11/10:05:12 S24E11-S20E07 R RThis research has been supported by NASA through award NNX15AF39G to Predictive Science, Inc. and subaward to UCLA

Quantum mechanics of a photon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babaei, Hassan; Mostafazadeh, Ali

2017-08-01

A first-quantized free photon is a complex massless vector field A =(Aμ ) whose field strength satisfies Maxwell's equations in vacuum. We construct the Hilbert space H of the photon by endowing the vector space of the fields A in the temporal-Coulomb gauge with a positive-definite and relativistically invariant inner product. We give an explicit expression for this inner product, identify the Hamiltonian for the photon with the generator of time translations in H , determine the operators representing the momentum and the helicity of the photon, and introduce a chirality operator whose eigenfunctions correspond to fields having a definite sign of energy. We also construct a position operator for the photon whose components commute with each other and with the chirality and helicity operators. This allows for the construction of the localized states of the photon with a definite sign of energy and helicity. We derive an explicit formula for the latter and compute the corresponding electric and magnetic fields. These turn out to diverge not just at the point where the photon is localized but on a plane containing this point. We identify the axis normal to this plane with an associated symmetry axis and show that each choice of this axis specifies a particular position operator, a corresponding position basis, and a position representation of the quantum mechanics of a photon. In particular, we examine the position wave functions determined by such a position basis, elucidate their relationship with the Riemann-Silberstein and Landau-Peierls wave functions, and give an explicit formula for the probability density of the spatial localization of the photon.

Sensitivity of finite helical axis parameters to temporally varying realistic motion utilizing an idealized knee model.

PubMed

Johnson, T S; Andriacchi, T P; Erdman, A G

2004-01-01

Various uses of the screw or helical axis have previously been reported in the literature in an attempt to quantify the complex displacements and coupled rotations of in vivo human knee kinematics. Multiple methods have been used by previous authors to calculate the axis parameters, and it has been theorized that the mathematical stability and accuracy of the finite helical axis (FHA) is highly dependent on experimental variability and rotation increment spacing between axis calculations. Previous research has not addressed the sensitivity of the FHA for true in vivo data collection, as required for gait laboratory analysis. This research presents a controlled series of experiments simulating continuous data collection as utilized in gait analysis to investigate the sensitivity of the three-dimensional finite screw axis parameters of rotation, displacement, orientation and location with regard to time step increment spacing, utilizing two different methods for spatial location. Six-degree-of-freedom motion parameters are measured for an idealized rigid body knee model that is constrained to a planar motion profile for the purposes of error analysis. The kinematic data are collected using a multicamera optoelectronic system combined with an error minimization algorithm known as the point cluster method. Rotation about the screw axis is seen to be repeatable, accurate and time step increment insensitive. Displacement along the axis is highly dependent on time step increment sizing, with smaller rotation angles between calculations producing more accuracy. Orientation of the axis in space is accurate with only a slight filtering effect noticed during motion reversal. Locating the screw axis by a projected point onto the screw axis from the mid-point of the finite displacement is found to be less sensitive to motion reversal than finding the intersection of the axis with a reference plane. A filtering effect of the spatial location parameters was noted for larger time step increments during periods of little or no rotation.

Folding of apomyoglobin: Analysis of transient intermediate structure during refolding using quick hydrogen deuterium exchange and NMR

PubMed Central

NISHIMURA, Chiaki

2017-01-01

The structures of apomyoglobin folding intermediates have been widely analyzed using physical chemistry methods including fluorescence, circular dichroism, small angle X-ray scattering, NMR, mass spectrometry, and rapid mixing. So far, at least two intermediates (on sub-millisecond- and millisecond-scales) have been demonstrated for apomyoglobin folding. The combination of pH-pulse labeling and NMR is a useful tool for analyzing the kinetic intermediates at the atomic level. Its use has revealed that the latter-phase kinetic intermediate of apomyoglobin (6 ms) was composed of helices A, B, G and H, whereas the equilibrium intermediate, called the pH 4 molten-globule intermediate, was composed mainly of helices A, G and H. The improved strategy for the analysis of the kinetic intermediate was developed to include (1) the dimethyl sulfoxide method, (2) data processing with the various labeling times, and (3) a new in-house mixer. Particularly, the rapid mixing revealed that helices A and G were significantly more protected at the earlier stage (400 µs) of the intermediate (former-phase intermediate) than the other helices. Mutation studies, where each hydrophobic residue was replaced with an alanine in helices A, B, E, F, G and H, indicated that both non-native and native-like structures exist in the latter-phase folding intermediate. The N-terminal part of helix B is a weak point in the intermediate, and the docking of helix E residues to the core of the A, B, G and H helices was interrupted by a premature helix B, resulting in the accumulation of the intermediate composed of helices A, B, G and H. The prediction-based protein engineering produced important mutants: Helix F in a P88K/A90L/S92K/A94L mutant folded in the latter-phase intermediate, although helix F in the wild type does not fold even at the native state. Furthermore, in the L11G/W14G/A70L/G73W mutant, helix A did not fold but helix E did, which is similar to what was observed in the kinetic intermediate of apoleghemoglobin. Thus, this protein engineering resulted in a changed structure for the apomyoglobin folding intermediate. PMID:28077807

Folding of apomyoglobin: Analysis of transient intermediate structure during refolding using quick hydrogen deuterium exchange and NMR.

PubMed

Nishimura, Chiaki

2017-01-01

The structures of apomyoglobin folding intermediates have been widely analyzed using physical chemistry methods including fluorescence, circular dichroism, small angle X-ray scattering, NMR, mass spectrometry, and rapid mixing. So far, at least two intermediates (on sub-millisecond- and millisecond-scales) have been demonstrated for apomyoglobin folding. The combination of pH-pulse labeling and NMR is a useful tool for analyzing the kinetic intermediates at the atomic level. Its use has revealed that the latter-phase kinetic intermediate of apomyoglobin (6 ms) was composed of helices A, B, G and H, whereas the equilibrium intermediate, called the pH 4 molten-globule intermediate, was composed mainly of helices A, G and H. The improved strategy for the analysis of the kinetic intermediate was developed to include (1) the dimethyl sulfoxide method, (2) data processing with the various labeling times, and (3) a new in-house mixer. Particularly, the rapid mixing revealed that helices A and G were significantly more protected at the earlier stage (400 µs) of the intermediate (former-phase intermediate) than the other helices. Mutation studies, where each hydrophobic residue was replaced with an alanine in helices A, B, E, F, G and H, indicated that both non-native and native-like structures exist in the latter-phase folding intermediate. The N-terminal part of helix B is a weak point in the intermediate, and the docking of helix E residues to the core of the A, B, G and H helices was interrupted by a premature helix B, resulting in the accumulation of the intermediate composed of helices A, B, G and H. The prediction-based protein engineering produced important mutants: Helix F in a P88K/A90L/S92K/A94L mutant folded in the latter-phase intermediate, although helix F in the wild type does not fold even at the native state. Furthermore, in the L11G/W14G/A70L/G73W mutant, helix A did not fold but helix E did, which is similar to what was observed in the kinetic intermediate of apoleghemoglobin. Thus, this protein engineering resulted in a changed structure for the apomyoglobin folding intermediate.

Linear and nonlinear stability criteria for compressible MHD flows in a gravitational field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moawad, S. M.; Moawad

2013-10-01

The equilibrium and stability properties of ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) of compressible flow in a gravitational field with a translational symmetry are investigated. Variational principles for the steady-state equations are formulated. The MHD equilibrium equations are obtained as critical points of a conserved Lyapunov functional. This functional consists of the sum of the total energy, the mass, the circulation along field lines (cross helicity), the momentum, and the magnetic helicity. In the unperturbed case, the equilibrium states satisfy a nonlinear second-order partial differential equation (PDE) associated with hydrodynamic Bernoulli law. The PDE can be an elliptic or a parabolic equation depending on increasing the poloidal flow speed. Linear and nonlinear Lyapunov stability conditions under translational symmetric perturbations are established for the equilibrium states.

Dynamic positioning configuration and its first-order optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Shuqiang; Yang, Yuanxi; Dang, Yamin; Chen, Wu

2014-02-01

Traditional geodetic network optimization deals with static and discrete control points. The modern space geodetic network is, on the other hand, composed of moving control points in space (satellites) and on the Earth (ground stations). The network configuration composed of these facilities is essentially dynamic and continuous. Moreover, besides the position parameter which needs to be estimated, other geophysical information or signals can also be extracted from the continuous observations. The dynamic (continuous) configuration of the space network determines whether a particular frequency of signals can be identified by this system. In this paper, we employ the functional analysis and graph theory to study the dynamic configuration of space geodetic networks, and mainly focus on the optimal estimation of the position and clock-offset parameters. The principle of the D-optimization is introduced in the Hilbert space after the concept of the traditional discrete configuration is generalized from the finite space to the infinite space. It shows that the D-optimization developed in the discrete optimization is still valid in the dynamic configuration optimization, and this is attributed to the natural generalization of least squares from the Euclidean space to the Hilbert space. Then, we introduce the principle of D-optimality invariance under the combination operation and rotation operation, and propose some D-optimal simplex dynamic configurations: (1) (Semi) circular configuration in 2-dimensional space; (2) the D-optimal cone configuration and D-optimal helical configuration which is close to the GPS constellation in 3-dimensional space. The initial design of GPS constellation can be approximately treated as a combination of 24 D-optimal helixes by properly adjusting the ascending node of different satellites to realize a so-called Walker constellation. In the case of estimating the receiver clock-offset parameter, we show that the circular configuration, the symmetrical cone configuration and helical curve configuration are still D-optimal. It shows that the given total observation time determines the optimal frequency (repeatability) of moving known points and vice versa, and one way to improve the repeatability is to increase the rotational speed. Under the Newton's law of motion, the frequency of satellite motion determines the orbital altitude. Furthermore, we study three kinds of complex dynamic configurations, one of which is the combination of D-optimal cone configurations and a so-called Walker constellation composed of D-optimal helical configuration, the other is the nested cone configuration composed of n cones, and the last is the nested helical configuration composed of n orbital planes. It shows that an effective way to achieve high coverage is to employ the configuration composed of a certain number of moving known points instead of the simplex configuration (such as D-optimal helical configuration), and one can use the D-optimal simplex solutions or D-optimal complex configurations in any combination to achieve powerful configurations with flexile coverage and flexile repeatability. Alternately, how to optimally generate and assess the discrete configurations sampled from the continuous one is discussed. The proposed configuration optimization framework has taken the well-known regular polygons (such as equilateral triangle and quadrangular) in two-dimensional space and regular polyhedrons (regular tetrahedron, cube, regular octahedron, regular icosahedron, or regular dodecahedron) into account. It shows that the conclusions made by the proposed technique are more general and no longer limited by different sampling schemes. By the conditional equation of D-optimal nested helical configuration, the relevance issues of GNSS constellation optimization are solved and some examples are performed by GPS constellation to verify the validation of the newly proposed optimization technique. The proposed technique is potentially helpful in maintenance and quadratic optimization of single GNSS of which the orbital inclination and the orbital altitude change under the precession, as well as in optimally nesting GNSSs to perform global homogeneous coverage of the Earth.

Orbital angular momentum in four channel spatial domain multiplexing system for multi-terabit per second communication architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murshid, Syed H.; Muralikrishnan, Hari P.; Kozaitis, Samuel P.

2012-06-01

Bandwidth increase has always been an important area of research in communications. A novel multiplexing technique known as Spatial Domain Multiplexing (SDM) has been developed at the Optronics Laboratory of Florida Institute of Technology to increase the bandwidth to T-bits/s range. In this technique, space inside the fiber is used effectively to transmit up to four channels of same wavelength at the same time. Experimental and theoretical analysis shows that these channels follow independent helical paths inside the fiber without interfering with each other. Multiple pigtail laser sources of exactly the same wavelength are used to launch light into a single carrier fiber in a fashion that resulting channels follow independent helical trajectories. These helically propagating light beams form optical vortices inside the fiber and carry their own Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM). The outputs of these beams appear as concentric donut shaped rings when projected on a screen. This endeavor presents the experimental outputs and simulated results for a four channel spatially multiplexed system effectively increasing the system bandwidth by a factor of four.

The unexplored avenues of human skin: electromagnetic properties in the sub-THz band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feldman, Y.; Safrai, E.; Ben Ishai, P.; Puzenko, A.; Agranat, A. J.; Caduff, A.

2012-03-01

Recent studies of the minute morphology of the skin by optical coherence tomography showed that the sweat ducts in human skin become helically shaped tubes in the Epidermis and are filled with an aqueous solution. When considered as entities embedded in a dielectric media, they resemble helical antennas. The spectral response obtained by our computer simulations coincides with the analytical prediction of antenna theory and support this hypothesis, if a fast enough current mechanism exists in the duct. In particular the strongest spectral response of the simulation was noted around the predicted frequencies (240 GHz and 380 GHz) for the respective normal and axial modes of the helical structure. Furthermore, circular dichroism of the reflected electromagnetic field is a characteristic property of such helical antennas and it was shown that it is indeed a characteristic of the simulation model. Fast proton hopping is posited as the current mechanism. Consequently experimental evidence is presented that the spectral response of the skin in the sub-Terahertz region is governed by the level of activity of the perspiration system. This in turn is moderated by the Sympathetic Nerve Response and is demonstrated by the correlation to physiological stress as manifested by the pulse rate and the systolic blood pressure. These physical relaxations are tonic in nature (lasting more than a minute). Could the phasic characteristic of emotional excitation also be evident in the reflection coefficient? By applying techniques borrowed from psychiatric science we hope to answer this point in our paper.

Livestock water pumping with wind and solar power

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Recent developments in pumping technologies have allowed for efficient use of renewable energies like wind and solar to power new pumps for remote water pumping. A helical type, positive displacement pump was developed a few years ago and recently modified to accept input from a variable power sourc...

Probing stochastic inter-galactic magnetic fields using blazar-induced gamma ray halo morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duplessis, Francis; Vachaspati, Tanmay

2017-05-01

Inter-galactic magnetic fields can imprint their structure on the morphology of blazar-induced gamma ray halos. We show that the halo morphology arises through the interplay of the source's jet and a two-dimensional surface dictated by the magnetic field. Through extensive numerical simulations, we generate mock halos created by stochastic magnetic fields with and without helicity, and study the dependence of the halo features on the properties of the magnetic field. We propose a sharper version of the Q-statistics and demonstrate its sensitivity to the magnetic field strength, the coherence scale, and the handedness of the helicity. We also identify and explain a new feature of the Q-statistics that can further enhance its power.

PredictProtein—an open resource for online prediction of protein structural and functional features

PubMed Central

Yachdav, Guy; Kloppmann, Edda; Kajan, Laszlo; Hecht, Maximilian; Goldberg, Tatyana; Hamp, Tobias; Hönigschmid, Peter; Schafferhans, Andrea; Roos, Manfred; Bernhofer, Michael; Richter, Lothar; Ashkenazy, Haim; Punta, Marco; Schlessinger, Avner; Bromberg, Yana; Schneider, Reinhard; Vriend, Gerrit; Sander, Chris; Ben-Tal, Nir; Rost, Burkhard

2014-01-01

PredictProtein is a meta-service for sequence analysis that has been predicting structural and functional features of proteins since 1992. Queried with a protein sequence it returns: multiple sequence alignments, predicted aspects of structure (secondary structure, solvent accessibility, transmembrane helices (TMSEG) and strands, coiled-coil regions, disulfide bonds and disordered regions) and function. The service incorporates analysis methods for the identification of functional regions (ConSurf), homology-based inference of Gene Ontology terms (metastudent), comprehensive subcellular localization prediction (LocTree3), protein–protein binding sites (ISIS2), protein–polynucleotide binding sites (SomeNA) and predictions of the effect of point mutations (non-synonymous SNPs) on protein function (SNAP2). Our goal has always been to develop a system optimized to meet the demands of experimentalists not highly experienced in bioinformatics. To this end, the PredictProtein results are presented as both text and a series of intuitive, interactive and visually appealing figures. The web server and sources are available at http://ppopen.rostlab.org. PMID:24799431

A unified convention for biological assemblies with helical symmetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsai, Chung-Jung, E-mail: tsaic@mail.nih.gov; Nussinov, Ruth; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978

A new representation of helical structure by four parameters, [n{sub 1}, n{sub 2}, twist, rise], is able to generate an entire helical construct from asymmetric units, including cases of helical assembly with a seam. Assemblies with helical symmetry can be conveniently formulated in many distinct ways. Here, a new convention is presented which unifies the two most commonly used helical systems for generating helical assemblies from asymmetric units determined by X-ray fibre diffraction and EM imaging. A helical assembly is viewed as being composed of identical repetitive units in a one- or two-dimensional lattice, named 1-D and 2-D helical systems,more » respectively. The unification suggests that a new helical description with only four parameters [n{sub 1}, n{sub 2}, twist, rise], which is called the augmented 1-D helical system, can generate the complete set of helical arrangements, including coverage of helical discontinuities (seams). A unified four-parameter characterization implies similar parameters for similar assemblies, can eliminate errors in reproducing structures of helical assemblies and facilitates the generation of polymorphic ensembles from helical atomic models or EM density maps. Further, guidelines are provided for such a unique description that reflects the structural signature of an assembly, as well as rules for manipulating the helical symmetry presentation.« less

Generation of Bright Phase-matched Circularly-polarized Extreme Ultraviolet High Harmonics

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-08

circularly-polarized laser pulses field-ionize a gas in a hollow - core waveguide. We use this new light source for magnetic circular dichroism...polarized with opposite helicity in a gas-filled hollow waveguide (see Supplementary Section 6 for details on the important features of this source...mJ/pulse) driving lasers are focused into a 150-µm-diameter, 2-cm-long gas-filled hollow waveguide using lenses with focal lengths of 50 cm and 75 cm

SU-E-I-15: Quantitative Evaluation of Dose Distributions From Axial, Helical and Cone-Beam CT Imaging by Measurement Using a Two-Dimensional Diode-Array Detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chacko, M; Aldoohan, S; Sonnad, J

2015-06-15

Purpose: To evaluate quantitatively dose distributions from helical, axial and cone-beam CT clinical imaging techniques by measurement using a two-dimensional (2D) diode-array detector. Methods: 2D-dose distributions from selected clinical protocols used for axial, helical and cone-beam CT imaging were measured using a diode-array detector (MapCheck2). The MapCheck2 is composed from solid state diode detectors that are arranged in horizontal and vertical lines with a spacing of 10 mm. A GE-Light-Speed CT-simulator was used to acquire axial and helical CT images and a kV on-board-imager integrated with a Varian TrueBeam-STx machine was used to acquire cone-beam CT (CBCT) images. Results: Themore » dose distributions from axial, helical and cone-beam CT were non-uniform over the region-of-interest with strong spatial and angular dependence. In axial CT, a large dose gradient was measured that decreased from lateral sides to the middle of the phantom due to large superficial dose at the side of the phantom in comparison with larger beam attenuation at the center. The dose decreased at the superior and inferior regions in comparison to the center of the phantom in axial CT. An asymmetry was found between the right-left or superior-inferior sides of the phantom which possibly to angular dependence in the dose distributions. The dose level and distribution varied from one imaging technique into another. For the pelvis technique, axial CT deposited a mean dose of 3.67 cGy, helical CT deposited a mean dose of 1.59 cGy, and CBCT deposited a mean dose of 1.62 cGy. Conclusions: MapCheck2 provides a robust tool to measure directly 2D-dose distributions for CT imaging with high spatial resolution detectors in comparison with ionization chamber that provides a single point measurement or an average dose to the phantom. The dose distributions measured with MapCheck2 consider medium heterogeneity and can represent specific patient dose.« less

Relative stabilities of triple helices composed of combinations of DNA, RNA and 2'-O-methyl-RNA backbones: chimeric circular oligonucleotides as probes.

PubMed

Wang, S; Kool, E T

1995-04-11

Described is a systematic study of the effects of varied backbone structure on the stabilities of pyr.pur.pyr triple helices. The effects were measured using six circular 34 base oligonucleotides containing DNA (D), RNA (R) and/or 2'-O-methyl-RNA (M) residues designed to bind a complementary single-stranded purine target strand by triple helix formation. Eighteen different backbone combinations were studied at pH 5.5 and 7.0 by optical melting experiments and the results compared with the stabilities of the corresponding Watson-Crick duplexes. When the target purine strand is DNA, all circles form pH-dependent triple helical complexes which are considerably stronger than the duplexes alone. When RNA is the target, five of the nine complexes studied are of the pH-dependent triplex type and the other four complexes are not significantly stronger than the corresponding duplexes. The results are useful in the design of the highest affinity ligands for single- and double-stranded DNAs and RNAs and also point out novel ways to engender DNA- or RNA-selective binding.

Exploring biological effects of MoS2 nanosheets on native structures of α-helical peptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Zonglin; Li, Weifeng; Hong, Linbi; Zhou, Ruhong

2016-05-01

Recent reports of mono- and few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a representative transition metal dichacogenide (TMD), as antibacterial and anticancer agents have shed light on their potential in biomedical applications. To better facilitate these promising applications, one needs to understand the biological effects of these TMDs as well, such as their potential adverse effects on protein structure and function. Here, we sought to understand the interaction of MoS2 nanosheets with peptides using molecular dynamics simulations and a simple model polyalanine with various lengths (PAn, n = 10, 20, 30, and 40; mainly α - helices). Our results demonstrated that MoS2 monolayer has an exceptional capability to bind all peptides in a fast and strong manner. The strong attraction from the MoS2 nanosheet is more than enough to compensate the energy needed to unfold the peptide, regardless of the length, which induces drastic disruptions to the intra-peptide hydrogen bonds and subsequent secondary structures of α - helices. This universal phenomenon may point to the potential nanotoxicity of MoS2 when used in biological systems. Moreover, these results aligned well with previous findings on the potential cytotoxicity of TMD nanomaterials.

In Vitro MRV-based Hemodynamic Study of Complex Helical Flow in a Patient-specific Jugular Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kefayati, Sarah; Acevedo-Bolton, Gabriel; Haraldsson, Henrik; Saloner, David

2014-11-01

Neurointerventional Radiologists are frequently requested to evaluate the venous side of the intracranial circulation for a variety of conditions including: Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency thought to play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis; sigmoid sinus diverticulum which has been linked to the presence of pulsatile tinnitus; and jugular vein distension which is related to cardiac dysfunction. Most approaches to evaluating these conditions rely on structural assessment or two dimensional flow analyses. This study was designed to investigate the highly complex jugular flow conditions using magnetic resonance velocimetry (MRV). A jugular phantom was fabricated based on the geometry of the dominant jugular in a tinnitus patient. Volumetric three-component time-resolved velocity fields were obtained using 4D PC-MRI -with the protocol enabling turbulence acquisition- and the patient-specific pulsatile waveform. Flow was highly complex exhibiting regions of jet, high swirling strength, and strong helical pattern with the core originating from the focal point of the jugular bulb. Specifically, flow was analyzed for helicity and the level of turbulence kinetic energy elevated in the core of helix and distally, in the post-narrowing region.

Statistical analyses and computational prediction of helical kinks in membrane proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Y.-H.; Chen, C.-M.

2012-10-01

We have carried out statistical analyses and computer simulations of helical kinks for TM helices in the PDBTM database. About 59 % of 1562 TM helices showed a significant kink, and 38 % of these kinks are associated with prolines in a range of ±4 residues. Our analyses show that helical kinks are more populated in the central region of helices, particularly in the range of 1-3 residues away from the helix center. Among 1,053 helical kinks analyzed, 88 % of kinks are bends (change in helix axis without loss of helical character) and 12 % are disruptions (change in helix axis and loss of helical character). It is found that proline residues tend to cause larger kink angles in helical bends, while this effect is not observed in helical disruptions. A further analysis of these kinked helices suggests that a kinked helix usually has 1-2 broken backbone hydrogen bonds with the corresponding N-O distance in the range of 4.2-8.7 Å, whose distribution is sharply peaked at 4.9 Å followed by an exponential decay with increasing distance. Our main aims of this study are to understand the formation of helical kinks and to predict their structural features. Therefore we further performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations under four simulation scenarios to investigate kink formation in 37 kinked TM helices and 5 unkinked TM helices. The representative models of these kinked helices are predicted by a clustering algorithm, SPICKER, from numerous decoy structures possessing the above generic features of kinked helices. Our results show an accuracy of 95 % in predicting the kink position of kinked TM helices and an error less than 10° in the angle prediction of 71.4 % kinked helices. For unkinked helices, based on various structure similarity tests, our predicted models are highly consistent with their crystal structure. These results provide strong supports for the validity of our method in predicting the structure of TM helices.

Magnetoresistance of a nanostep junction based on topological insulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Wei; Hong, Jin-Bin; Zhai, Feng

2018-06-01

We investigate ballistic transport of helical electrons in a three-dimensional topological insulator traversing a nanostep junction. We find that a magnetic field perpendicular to its side surface shrinks the phase space for transmission, leading to magnetoresistance for the Fermi energy close to the Dirac point of the top surface. We also find transmission resonances and suppression of the Fano factor due to Landau-level-related quasibound states. The transmission blockade in the off-resonance case can result in a huge magnetoresistance for Fermi energy higher than the Dirac point of the side surface.

Side-force alleviation on slender, pointed forebodies at high angles of attack

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, D. M.

1978-01-01

A new device was proposed for alleviating high angle-of-attack side force on slender, pointed forebodies. A symmetrical pair of separation strips in the form of helical ridges are applied to the forebody to disrupt the primary lee-side vortices and thereby avoid the instability that produces vortex asymmetry. Preliminary wind tunnel tests at Mach 0.3 and Reynolds no. 5,250,000 on a variety of forebody configurations and on a wing-body combination at angles of attack up to 56 degrees, demonstrated the effectiveness of the device.

Molecular dynamics analysis of conformational change of paramyxovirus F protein during the initial steps of membrane fusion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martin-Garcia, Fernando; Mendieta-Moreno, Jesus Ignacio; Mendieta, Jesus

2012-03-30

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Initial conformational change of paramyxovirus F protein is caused only by mechanical forces. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HRA region undergoes a structural change from a beta + alpha conformation to an extended coil and then to an all-alpha conformation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HRS domains of F protein form three single {alpha}-helices prior to generation of the coiled coil. -- Abstract: The fusion of paramyxovirus to the cell membrane is mediated by fusion protein (F protein) present in the virus envelope, which undergoes a dramatic conformational change during the process. Unlike hemagglutinin in orthomyxovirus, this change is not mediated by an alteration of environmentalmore » pH, and its cause remains unknown. Steered molecular dynamics analysis leads us to suggest that the conformational modification is mediated only by stretching mechanical forces once the transmembrane fusion peptide of the protein is anchored to the cell membrane. Such elongating forces will generate major secondary structure rearrangement in the heptad repeat A region of the F protein; from {beta}-sheet conformation to an elongated coil and then spontaneously to an {alpha}-helix. In addition, it is proposed that the heptad repeat A region adopts a final three-helix coiled coil and that this structure appears after the formation of individual helices in each monomer.« less

Bearing capacity of helical pile foundation in peat soil from different, diameter and spacing of helical plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatnanta, F.; Satibi, S.; Muhardi

2018-03-01

In an area dominated by thick peat soil layers, driven piles foundation is often used. These piles are generally skin friction piles where the pile tips do not reach hard stratum. Since the bearing capacity of the piles rely on the resistance of their smooth skin, the bearing capacity of the piles are generally low. One way to increase the bearing capacity of the piles is by installing helical plates around the pile tips. Many research has been performed on helical pile foundation. However, literature on the use of helical pile foundation on peat soil is still hardly found. This research focus on the study of axial bearing capacity of helical pile foundation in peat soil, especially in Riau Province. These full-scale tests on helical pile foundation were performed in a rectangular box partially embedded into the ground. The box is filled with peat soil, which was taken from Rimbo Panjang area in the district of Kampar, Riau Province. Several helical piles with different number, diameter and spacing of the helical plates have been tested and analysed. The tests result show that helical pile with three helical plates of uniform diameter has better bearing capacity compared to other helical piles with varying diameter and different number of helical plates. The bearing capacity of helical pile foundation is affected by the spacing between helical plates. It is found that the effective helical plates spacing for helical pile foundation with diameter of 15cm to 35cm is between 20cm to 30cm. This behaviour may be considered to apply to other type of helical pile foundations in peat soil.

Solution structures, dynamics, and ice growth inhibitory activity of peptide fragments derived from an antarctic yeast protein.

PubMed

Shah, Syed Hussinien H; Kar, Rajiv K; Asmawi, Azren A; Rahman, Mohd Basyaruddin A; Murad, Abdul Munir A; Mahadi, Nor M; Basri, Mahiran; Rahman, Raja Noor Zaliha A; Salleh, Abu B; Chatterjee, Subhrangsu; Tejo, Bimo A; Bhunia, Anirban

2012-01-01

Exotic functions of antifreeze proteins (AFP) and antifreeze glycopeptides (AFGP) have recently been attracted with much interest to develop them as commercial products. AFPs and AFGPs inhibit ice crystal growth by lowering the water freezing point without changing the water melting point. Our group isolated the Antarctic yeast Glaciozyma antarctica that expresses antifreeze protein to assist it in its survival mechanism at sub-zero temperatures. The protein is unique and novel, indicated by its low sequence homology compared to those of other AFPs. We explore the structure-function relationship of G. antarctica AFP using various approaches ranging from protein structure prediction, peptide design and antifreeze activity assays, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies and molecular dynamics simulation. The predicted secondary structure of G. antarctica AFP shows several α-helices, assumed to be responsible for its antifreeze activity. We designed several peptide fragments derived from the amino acid sequences of α-helical regions of the parent AFP and they also showed substantial antifreeze activities, below that of the original AFP. The relationship between peptide structure and activity was explored by NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. NMR results show that the antifreeze activity of the peptides correlates with their helicity and geometrical straightforwardness. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation also suggests that the activity of the designed peptides can be explained in terms of the structural rigidity/flexibility, i.e., the most active peptide demonstrates higher structural stability, lower flexibility than that of the other peptides with lower activities, and of lower rigidity. This report represents the first detailed report of downsizing a yeast AFP into its peptide fragments with measurable antifreeze activities.

Solution Structures, Dynamics, and Ice Growth Inhibitory Activity of Peptide Fragments Derived from an Antarctic Yeast Protein

PubMed Central

Asmawi, Azren A.; Rahman, Mohd Basyaruddin A.; Murad, Abdul Munir A.; Mahadi, Nor M.; Basri, Mahiran; Rahman, Raja Noor Zaliha A.; Salleh, Abu B.; Chatterjee, Subhrangsu; Tejo, Bimo A.; Bhunia, Anirban

2012-01-01

Exotic functions of antifreeze proteins (AFP) and antifreeze glycopeptides (AFGP) have recently been attracted with much interest to develop them as commercial products. AFPs and AFGPs inhibit ice crystal growth by lowering the water freezing point without changing the water melting point. Our group isolated the Antarctic yeast Glaciozyma antarctica that expresses antifreeze protein to assist it in its survival mechanism at sub-zero temperatures. The protein is unique and novel, indicated by its low sequence homology compared to those of other AFPs. We explore the structure-function relationship of G. antarctica AFP using various approaches ranging from protein structure prediction, peptide design and antifreeze activity assays, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies and molecular dynamics simulation. The predicted secondary structure of G. antarctica AFP shows several α-helices, assumed to be responsible for its antifreeze activity. We designed several peptide fragments derived from the amino acid sequences of α-helical regions of the parent AFP and they also showed substantial antifreeze activities, below that of the original AFP. The relationship between peptide structure and activity was explored by NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. NMR results show that the antifreeze activity of the peptides correlates with their helicity and geometrical straightforwardness. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation also suggests that the activity of the designed peptides can be explained in terms of the structural rigidity/flexibility, i.e., the most active peptide demonstrates higher structural stability, lower flexibility than that of the other peptides with lower activities, and of lower rigidity. This report represents the first detailed report of downsizing a yeast AFP into its peptide fragments with measurable antifreeze activities. PMID:23209600

Cholesterol-Binding Sites in GIRK Channels: The Devil is in the Details.

PubMed

Rosenhouse-Dantsker, Avia

2018-01-01

In recent years, it has become evident that cholesterol plays a direct role in the modulation of a variety of ion channels. In most cases, cholesterol downregulates channel activity. In contrast, our earlier studies have demonstrated that atrial G protein inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are upregulated by cholesterol. Recently, we have shown that hippocampal GIRK currents are also upregulated by cholesterol. A combined computational-experimental approach pointed to putative cholesterol-binding sites in the transmembrane domain of the GIRK2 channel, the primary subunit in hippocampal GIRK channels. In particular, the principal cholesterol-binding site was located in the center of the transmembrane domain in between the inner and outer α-helices of 2 adjacent subunits. Further studies pointed to a similar cholesterol-binding site in GIRK4, a major subunit in atrial GIRK channels. However, a close look at a sequence alignment of the transmembrane helices of the 2 channels reveals surprising differences among the residues that interact with the cholesterol molecule in these 2 channels. Here, we compare the residues that form putative cholesterol-binding sites in GIRK2 and GIRK4 and discuss the similarities and differences among them.

MAGNETAR GIANT FLARES AND THEIR PRECURSORS-FLUX ROPE ERUPTIONS WITH CURRENT SHEETS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu Cong; Huang Lei, E-mail: cyu@ynao.ac.cn, E-mail: muduri@shao.ac.cn

2013-07-10

We propose a catastrophic magnetospheric model for magnetar precursors and their successive giant flares. Axisymmetric models of the magnetosphere, which contain both a helically twisted flux rope and a current sheet, are established based on force-free field configurations. In this model, the helically twisted flux rope would lose its equilibrium and erupt abruptly in response to the slow and quasi-static variations at the ultra-strongly magnetized neutron star's surface. In a previous model without current sheets, only one critical point exists in the flux rope equilibrium curve. New features show up in the equilibrium curves for the flux rope when currentmore » sheets appear in the magnetosphere. The causal connection between the precursor and the giant flare, as well as the temporary re-entry of the quiescent state between the precursor and the giant flare, can be naturally explained. Magnetic energy would be released during the catastrophic state transitions. The detailed energetics of the model are also discussed. The current sheet created by the catastrophic loss of equilibrium of the flux rope provides an ideal place for magnetic reconnection. We point out the importance of magnetic reconnection for further enhancement of the energy release during eruptions.« less

The PDB database is a rich source of alpha-helical anti-microbial peptides to combat disease causing pathogens.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Sandeep; Phu, My; de Morais, Tâmara Prado; Nascimento, Rafael; Goulart, Luiz Ricardo; Rao, Basuthkar J; Asgeirsson, Bjarni; Dandekar, Abhaya M

2014-01-01

The therapeutic potential of α-helical anti-microbial peptides (AH-AMP) to combat pathogens is fast gaining prominence. Based on recently published open access software for characterizing α-helical peptides (PAGAL), we elucidate a search methodology (SCALPEL) that leverages the massive structural data pre-existing in the PDB database to obtain AH-AMPs belonging to the host proteome. We provide in vitro validation of SCALPEL on plant pathogens ( Xylella fastidiosa, Xanthomonas arboricola and Liberibacter crescens) by identifying AH-AMPs that mirror the function and properties of cecropin B, a well-studied AH-AMP. The identified peptides include a linear AH-AMP present within the existing structure of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PPC20), and an AH-AMP mimicing the properties of the two α-helices of cecropin B from chitinase (CHITI25). The minimum inhibitory concentration of these peptides are comparable to that of cecropin B, while anionic peptides used as control failed to show any inhibitory effect on these pathogens. Substitute therapies in place of conventional chemotherapies using membrane permeabilizing peptides like these might also prove effective to target cancer cells. The use of native structures from the same organism could possibly ensure that administration of such peptides will be better tolerated and not elicit an adverse immune response. We suggest a similar approach to target Ebola epitopes, enumerated using PAGAL recently, by selecting suitable peptides from the human proteome, especially in wake of recent reports of cationic amphiphiles inhibiting virus entry and infection.

Helical prospective ECG-gating in cardiac computed tomography: radiation dose and image quality.

PubMed

DeFrance, Tony; Dubois, Eric; Gebow, Dan; Ramirez, Alex; Wolf, Florian; Feuchtner, Gudrun M

2010-01-01

Helical prospective ECG-gating (pECG) may reduce radiation dose while maintaining the advantages of helical image acquisition for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Aim of this study was to evaluate helical pECG-gating in CCTA in regards to radiation dose and image quality. 86 patients undergoing 64-multislice CCTA were enrolled. pECG-gating was performed in patients with regular heart rates (HR) < 65 bpm; with the gating window set at 70-85% of the cardiac cycle. All patients received oral and some received additional IV beta-blockers to achieve HR < 65 bpm. In patients with higher or irregular HR, or for functional evaluation, retrospective ECG-gating (rECG) was performed. The average X-ray dose was estimated from the dose length product. Each arterial segment (modified AHA/ACC 17-segment-model) was evaluated on a 4-point image quality scale (4 = excellent; 3 = good, mild artefact; 2 = acceptable, some artefact, 1 = uninterpretable). pECG-gating was applied in 57 patients, rECG-gating in 29 patients. There was no difference in age, gender, body mass index, scan length or tube output settings between both groups. HR in the pECG-group was 54.7 bpm (range, 43-64). The effective radiation dose was significantly lower for patients scanned with pECG-gating with mean 6.9 mSv +/- 1.9 (range, 2.9-10.7) compared to rECG with 16.9 mSv +/- 4.1 (P < 0.001), resulting in a mean dose reduction of 59.2%. For pECG-gating, out of 969 coronary segments, 99.3% were interpretable. Image quality was excellent in 90.2%, good in 7.8%, acceptable in 1.3% and non-interpretable in 0.7% (n = 7 segments). For patients with steady heart rates <65 bpm, helical prospective ECG-gating can significantly lower the radiation dose while maintaining high image quality.

Nonlinear evolution of the coronal magnetic field under reconnective relaxation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolfson, R.; Vekstein, G. E.; Priest, E. R.

1994-01-01

Recently, Vekstein et al. (Vekstein, Priest, & Steele 1993) have developed a model for coronal heating in which the corona responds to photospheric footpoint motions by small-scale reconnection events that bring about a relaxed state while conserving magnetic helicity but not field-line connectivity. Vekstein et al. consider a partially open field configuration in which magnetic helicity is ejected to infinity on open field lines but retained in the closed-field region. Under this scheme, they describe the evolution of an initially potential field, in response to helicity injection, in the linear regime. The present work uses numerical calculations to extend the model of Vekstein et al. into the fully nonlinear regime. The results show a rise and bulging of the field lines of the closed-field region with increasing magnetic helicity, to a point where further solutions are impossible. We interpret these solution-sequence endpoints as indicating a possible loss of equilibrium, in the sense that a relaxed equilibrium state may no longer be available to the corona when sufficient helicity has been injected. The rise and bulging behavior is reminiscent of what is observed in a helmet streamer just before the start of a coronal mass ejection (CME), and so our model suggests that a catastrophic loss of magnetic equilibrium might be the initiation mechanism for CMEs. We also find that some choices of boundary conditions can result in qualitative changes in the magnetic topology, with the appearance of magnetic islands. Whether or not this behavior occurs depends on the relative strengths of the fields in the closed- and open-field regions; in particular, island formation is most likely when the open field (which is potential) is strong and thus acts to confine the force-free closed field. Finally, we show that the energy released through reconnective relaxation can be a substantial fraction of the magnetic energy injected into the corona through footpoint motions and may be sufficient for heating the corona above active regions.

Broadband Amplification of Low-Terahertz Signals Using Axis-Encircling Electrons in a Helically Corrugated Interaction Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, W.; Donaldson, C. R.; Zhang, L.; Ronald, K.; Phelps, A. D. R.; Cross, A. W.

2017-11-01

Experimental results are presented of a broadband, high power, gyrotron traveling wave amplifier (gyro-TWA) operating in the (75-110)-GHz frequency band and based on a helically corrugated interaction region. The second harmonic cyclotron mode of a 55-keV, 1.5-A, axis-encircling electron beam is used to resonantly interact with a traveling TE21 -like eigenwave achieving broadband amplification. The gyro-TWA demonstrates a 3-dB gain bandwidth of at least 5.5 GHz in the experimental measurement with 9 GHz predicted for a wideband drive source with a measured unsaturated output power of 3.4 kW and gain of 36-38 dB. The approach may allow a gyro-TWA to operate at 1 THz.

A dynamic model to determine vibrations in involute helical gears

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andersson, A.; Vedmar, L.

2003-02-01

A method to determine the dynamic load between two rotating elastic helical gears is presented. The stiffness of the gear teeth is calculated using the finite element method and includes the contribution from the elliptic distributed tooth load. To make sure that the new incoming contacts which are the main excitation source are properly simulated, the necessary deformation of the gears is determined by using the true geometry and positions of the gears for every time step of the dynamic calculation. This allows the contact to be positioned outside the plane of action. A numerical example is presented with figures that show the behaviour of the dynamic transmission error as well as the variation of the contact pressure due to the dynamic load for different rotational speeds.

Thermal Modeling and Cryogenic Design of a Helical Superconducting Undulator Cryostat

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shiroyanagi, Y.; Fuerst, J.; Hasse, Q.

A conceptual design for a helical superconducting undulator (HSCU) for the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) has been completed. The device differs sufficiently from the existing APS planar superconducting undulator (SCU) design to warrant development of a new cryostat based on value engineering and lessons learned from the existing planar SCU. Changes include optimization of the existing cryocooler-based refrigeration system and thermal shield as well as cost reduction through the use of standard vacuum hardware. The end result is a design that provides significantly larger 4.2 K refrigeration margin in a smaller package for greater installationmore » flexibility in the APS storage ring. This paper presents ANSYS-based thermal analysis of the cryostat, including estimated static and dynamic« less

Probing stochastic inter-galactic magnetic fields using blazar-induced gamma ray halo morphology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duplessis, Francis; Vachaspati, Tanmay, E-mail: fdupless@asu.edu, E-mail: tvachasp@asu.edu

Inter-galactic magnetic fields can imprint their structure on the morphology of blazar-induced gamma ray halos. We show that the halo morphology arises through the interplay of the source's jet and a two-dimensional surface dictated by the magnetic field. Through extensive numerical simulations, we generate mock halos created by stochastic magnetic fields with and without helicity, and study the dependence of the halo features on the properties of the magnetic field. We propose a sharper version of the Q-statistics and demonstrate its sensitivity to the magnetic field strength, the coherence scale, and the handedness of the helicity. We also identify andmore » explain a new feature of the Q-statistics that can further enhance its power.« less

Laboratory Experiments of Helicity or Vortex Generation in an Electric Quadrupole: Simulation of Tonadoes with and without Lightning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, H.

2007-05-01

Laboratory Experiments of Helicity or Vortex Generation in an Electric Quadrupole: Simulation of Tornadoes with and without Lightning H. Kikuchi Institute for Environmental Electromagnetics 3-8-18, Komagome, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170, Japan e-mail: hkikuchi@mars.dti.ne.jp Abstract Usually the source-origins of helicity or vortex generation have been considered to be thermohydrodynamic in the hydrodynamic (HD) regime and/or magnetohydrodynamic in the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) regime. It has been shown, however, by the present author that an electric quadrupole is also capable for helicity or vortex generation and a new electric helic- ity defined as hE= v·E (v: flow velocity; E: electric field) has been introduced. Accordingly, we have now three kinds of helicity, namely fluid, magnetic, and electric helicity. In many cases of atmospheric and space electricity phenomena in nature, electric helicity or vortex generation of electric origin is involved as typically seen in tornadic thunderstorms. Conventional theory of tornadoes, however, space- charge and electric fields have never been considered properly so far, surprisingly in spite of their effects of significance, because of no theorv for such cases, although those effects have been recognized implicitly by field experiments. This paper fills up these demands by newly introducing the concept of 'Electric Helicity' based on 'Electrohydrodynamics' (EHD) established and developed over the last more than two decades and such a whole theory is applied to tornadioes with and without lightning. Further, experimental evidence of this theory is presented for the first time by using a 'universal electric-cusp type plasma reactor' designed more than a decade ago [1]. This device is composed of two positive and negative electrodes of lead spheres 1.5 cm in diameter suspended 2~5 cm above a copper plane on which a semispherical lead 1.25 cm in diameter or its modified object is placed. A whole setup is arranged in a wooden box whose back and both sides are covered by black papers to prevent scattered and reflected light while its front side is open. We are particularly focusing on 'significance of electric quadrupole(s) in helicity and vortex generation',taking photos of wind flows with the use of a bunch of incense sticks burned and placed on the semispherical lead at the cusp center in the reactor. With increasing both electrode voltages from zero to a certain kV, ascending straight wind flows turn to be cyclonic separately toward the both electrodes. As soon as electric discharge from both electrodes to object starts at a certain breakdown voltage, typically 20~30 kV, wind flows suddenly turn to be violent and wind flows toward negative electrode are still cyclonic but wind flows toward positive electrode become anticyclonic. These results are shown by a number of photos taken and provide at the same time 'laboratory simulation of tonadoes with and without lightning'. [1] Kikuchi, H. Electrohydrodynamics in Dusty and Dirty Plasmas, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht/The Netherlands, 2001, pp.93-94.

Photonic Weyl degeneracies in magnetized plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Wenlong; Yang, Biao; Lawrence, Mark; Fang, Fengzhou; Béri, Benjamin; Zhang, Shuang

2016-08-01

Weyl particles are elusive relativistic fermionic particles with vanishing mass. While not having been found as an elementary particle, they are found to emerge in solid-state materials where three-dimensional bands develop a topologically protected point-like crossing, a so-called Weyl point. Photonic Weyl points have been recently realised in three-dimensional photonic crystals with complex structures. Here we report the presence of a novel type of plasmonic Weyl points in a naturally existing medium--magnetized plasma, in which Weyl points arise as crossings between purely longitudinal plasma modes and transverse helical propagating modes. These photonic Weyl points are right at the critical transition between a Weyl point with the traditional closed finite equifrequency surfaces and the newly proposed `type II' Weyl points with open equifrequency surfaces. Striking observable features of plasmon Weyl points include a half k-plane chirality manifested in electromagnetic reflection. Our study introduces Weyl physics into homogeneous photonic media, which could pave way for realizing new topological photonic devices.

Physics of the current injection process during localized helicity injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinson, Edward Thomas

An impedance model has been developed for the arc-plasma cathode electron current source used in localized helicity injection tokamak startup. According to this model, a potential double layer (DL) is established between the high-density arc plasma (narc ˜ 1021 m-3) in the electron source, and the less-dense external tokamak edge plasma (nedge ˜ 10 18 m-3) into which current is injected. The DL launches an electron beam at the applied voltage with cross-sectional area close to that of the source aperture: Ainj ≈ 2 cm 2. The injected current, Iinj, increases with applied voltage, Vinj, according to the standard DL scaling, Iinj ˜ V(3/2/ inj), until the more restrictive of two limits to beam density nb arises, producing Iinj ˜ V(1/2/inj), a scaling with beam drift velocity. For low external tokamak edge density nedge, space-charge neutralization of the intense electron beam restricts the injected beam density to nb ˜ nedge. At high Jinj and sufficient edge density, the injected current is limited by expansion of the DL sheath, which leads to nb ˜ narc. Measurements of narc, Iinj , nedge, Vinj, support these predicted scalings, and suggest narc as a viable control actuator for the source impedance. Magnetic probe signals ≈ 300 degrees toroidally from the injection location are consistent with expectations for a gyrating, coherent electron beam with a compact areal cross-section. Technological development of the source has allowed an extension of the favorable Iinj ˜ V(1/2/inj) to higher power without electrical breakdown.

Role of helicity in triad interactions in three-dimensional turbulence investigated by a new shell model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathmann, Nicholas M.; Ditlevsen, Peter D.

2016-09-01

Fully developed homogeneous isotropic turbulence in two dimensions is fundamentally different from that in three dimensions. In two dimensions, the simultaneous inviscid conservation of both kinetic energy and enstrophy within the inertial range of scales leads to a forward cascade of enstrophy and a reverse cascade of energy. In three dimensions, helicity, the integral of the scalar product of velocity and vorticity, is also an inviscid flow invariant along with the energy. Unlike the enstrophy, however, the helicity does not block the forward cascade of energy to small scales. Energy and helicity are conserved not only globally but also within each nonlinear triadic interaction between three plane waves in the spectral form of the Navier-Stokes equation (NSE). By decomposing each plane wave into two helical modes of opposite helicities, each triadic interaction is split into a set of eight helical triadic interactions between helical modes [F. Waleffe, Phys. Fluids A 4, 350 (1992), 10.1063/1.858309]. Recently it was found that a subset of these helical interactions, which render both signs of helicity separately conserved (enstrophy-like), leads to an inverse cascade of (part of) the energy [L. Biferale et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 164501 (2012), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.164501]. Motivated by this finding we introduce a new shell model, obtained from the NSE expressed in the helical basis, allowing the eight helical interactions to be coupled as in the NSE and their relative contributions evaluated as a function of both the net helicity input and triad geometry. By numerically integrating the new model, we find that the intermittency of the energy cascade decreases with the net helicity input. Studying the partitioning of the energy cascade between the eight helical interactions, we find that the decrease in intermittency is related to a shift in the dominating helical interactions when helically forced, two of which exhibit a larger cascade intermittency than the other six interactions. Among the relatively local triad geometries considered here, the partitioning of the energy and helicity cascades between the eight helical interactions shows no sign of change with triad geometry.

Absorber arc mitigation during CHI on NSTX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, D.; Bell, M. G.; Roquemore, A. L.; Raman, R.; Nelson, B. A.; Jarboe, T. R.

2009-11-01

A method of non-inductive startup, referred to as transient coaxial helicity injection (CHI), was successfully developed on the Helicity Injected Torus (HIT-II) experiment and employed on the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). This technique has produced 160 kA of plasma current on closed flux surfaces. Over 100 kA of the CHI current has been coupled to inductively driven current ramp-up. In transient CHI, a voltage is applied across the insulating gap separating the inner and outer vacuum vessel and gas is introduced at the lower gap (the injector). The resulting current in the injector follows the helical magnetic field connecting the electrodes, forms a toroidal current and expands into the vacuum vessel. At higher CHI current, the poloidal field due to the plasma can connect the inner and outer vessels at the insulating gap at the top (called the absorber) of NSTX and lower the impedance there. This results in arcs in the absorber which are a source of impurities and which reduce the desired current in the injector. Two coils installed in the absorber will be used to reduce the magnetic field across the absorber gap and mitigate the absorber arcs.

Escape of magnetic toroids from the Sun

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bieber, John W.; Rust, David M.

1995-01-01

Analysis of heliospheric magnetic fields at 1 AU shows that 10(exp 24) Mx of net azimuthal flux escapes from the Sun per solar cycle. This rate is consistent with rates derived from other indicators of flux escape, including coronal mass ejections and filament eruptions. The toroidal flux escape rate is compared with the apparent rate of flux emergence at the solar surface, and it is concluded that escaping toroids will remove at least 20% of the emerging flux, and may remove as much as 100% of emerging flux if multiple eruptions occur on the toroids. The data imply that flux escapes the Sun with an efficiency far exceeding Parker's upper limit estimate of 3%. Toroidal flux escape is almost certainly the source of the observed overwinding of the interplanetary magnetic field spiral. Two mechanisms to facilitate net flux escape are discussed: helicity charging to push open the fields and flux transport with reconnection to close them off. We estimate the Sun will shed approximately 2 x 10(exp 45) of magnetic helicity per solar cycle, leading to a mean helicity density of 100 Mx(exp 2)cm(exp -3) at 1 AU, which agrees well with observations.

DNS of helicity-induced stratified turbulent flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandy, Abhilash J.; Rahimi, Abbas

2013-11-01

Helical flows undergoing density stratification have wide applications in meteorological phenomena such as dust devils, tornadoes, and hurricanes due to the complexity and disasters caused by them. Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of transition to turbulence in a stably stratified Boussinesq fluid are presented for different rotation and stratification intensities. In order to understand the effect of velocity on the energy cascade, comparisons are made between helicity initiated and non-helical flows. Results show that stratification decelerates the helicity decay and causes velocity and vorticity to align with each other. With respect to the helical and non-helical flow comparisons, the total energy in the presence of stratification decays faster with helicity. In addition, the behavior of length scales were examined by comparing temporal variations of the vertical shearing of velocities. Results showed a growing asymmetry with time in the case of helical flow, while non-helical flow stayed close to begin symmetric.

Self-assembly of a double-helical complex of sodium.

PubMed

Bell, T W; Jousselin, H

1994-02-03

Spontaneous self-organization of helical and multiple-helical molecular structures occurs on several levels in living organisms. Key examples are alpha-helical polypeptides, double-helical nucleic acids and helical protein structures, including F-actin, microtubules and the protein sheath of the tobacco mosaic virus. Although the self-assembly of double-helical transition-metal complexes bears some resemblance to the molecular organization of double-stranded DNA, selection between monohelical, double-helical and triple-helical structures is determined largely by the size and geometrical preference of the tightly bound metal. Here we present an example of double-helical assembly induced by the weaker and non-directional interactions of an alkali-metal ion with an organic ligand that is pre-organized into a coil. We have characterized the resulting complex by two-dimensional NMR and fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry. These results provide a step toward the creation of molecular tubes or ion channels consisting of intertwined coils.

Magnetic design constraints of helical solenoids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lopes, M. L.; Krave, S. T.; Tompkins, J. C.

2015-01-30

Helical solenoids have been proposed as an option for a Helical Cooling Channel for muons in a proposed Muon Collider. Helical solenoids can provide the required three main field components: solenoidal, helical dipole, and a helical gradient. In general terms, the last two are a function of many geometric parameters: coil aperture, coil radial and longitudinal dimensions, helix period and orbit radius. In this paper, we present design studies of a Helical Solenoid, addressing the geometric tunability limits and auxiliary correction system.

Helical localized wave solutions of the scalar wave equation.

PubMed

Overfelt, P L

2001-08-01

A right-handed helical nonorthogonal coordinate system is used to determine helical localized wave solutions of the homogeneous scalar wave equation. Introducing the characteristic variables in the helical system, i.e., u = zeta - ct and v = zeta + ct, where zeta is the coordinate along the helical axis, we can use the bidirectional traveling plane wave representation and obtain sets of elementary bidirectional helical solutions to the wave equation. Not only are these sets bidirectional, i.e., based on a product of plane waves, but they may also be broken up into right-handed and left-handed solutions. The elementary helical solutions may in turn be used to create general superpositions, both Fourier and bidirectional, from which new solutions to the wave equation may be synthesized. These new solutions, based on the helical bidirectional superposition, are members of the class of localized waves. Examples of these new solutions are a helical fundamental Gaussian focus wave mode, a helical Bessel-Gauss pulse, and a helical acoustic directed energy pulse train. Some of these solutions have the interesting feature that their shape and localization properties depend not only on the wave number governing propagation along the longitudinal axis but also on the normalized helical pitch.

Comparison of Magnetic Properties in a Magnetic Cloud and Its Solar Source on 2013 April 11-14

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vemareddy, P.; Möstl, C.; Amerstorfer, T.; Mishra, W.; Farrugia, C.; Leitner, M.

2016-09-01

In the context of the Sun-Earth connection of coronal mass ejections and magnetic flux ropes (MFRs), we studied the solar active region (AR) and the magnetic properties of magnetic cloud (MC) event during 2013 April 14-15. We use in situ observations from the Advanced Composition Explorer and source AR measurements from the Solar Dynamics Observatory. The MCs magnetic structure is reconstructed from the Grad-Shafranov method, which reveals a northern component of the axial field with left handed helicity. The MC invariant axis is highly inclined to the ecliptic plane pointing northward and is rotated by 117° with respect to the source region PIL. The net axial flux and current in the MC are comparatively higher than from the source region. Linear force-free alpha distribution (10-7-10-6 m-1) at the sigmoid leg matches the range of twist number in the MC of 1-2 au MFR. The MFR is nonlinear force-free with decreasing twist from the axis (9 turns/au) toward the edge. Therefore, a Gold-Hoyle (GH) configuration, assuming a constant twist, is more consistent with the MC structure than the Lundquist configuration of increasing twist from the axis to boundary. As an indication of that, the GH configuration yields a better fitting to the global trend of in situ magnetic field components, in terms of rms, than the Lundquist model. These cylindrical configurations improved the MC fitting results when the effect of self-similar expansion of MFR was considered. For such twisting behavior, this study suggests an alternative fitting procedure to better characterize the MC magnetic structure and its source region links.

COMPARISON OF MAGNETIC PROPERTIES IN A MAGNETIC CLOUD AND ITS SOLAR SOURCE ON 2013 APRIL 11–14

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vemareddy, P.; Möstl, C.; Amerstorfer, T.

2016-09-01

In the context of the Sun–Earth connection of coronal mass ejections and magnetic flux ropes (MFRs), we studied the solar active region (AR) and the magnetic properties of magnetic cloud (MC) event during 2013 April 14–15. We use in situ observations from the Advanced Composition Explorer and source AR measurements from the Solar Dynamics Observatory . The MCs magnetic structure is reconstructed from the Grad–Shafranov method, which reveals a northern component of the axial field with left handed helicity. The MC invariant axis is highly inclined to the ecliptic plane pointing northward and is rotated by 117° with respect tomore » the source region PIL. The net axial flux and current in the MC are comparatively higher than from the source region. Linear force-free alpha distribution (10{sup −7}–10{sup −6} m{sup −1}) at the sigmoid leg matches the range of twist number in the MC of 1–2 au MFR. The MFR is nonlinear force-free with decreasing twist from the axis (9 turns/au) toward the edge. Therefore, a Gold–Hoyle (GH) configuration, assuming a constant twist, is more consistent with the MC structure than the Lundquist configuration of increasing twist from the axis to boundary. As an indication of that, the GH configuration yields a better fitting to the global trend of in situ magnetic field components, in terms of rms, than the Lundquist model. These cylindrical configurations improved the MC fitting results when the effect of self-similar expansion of MFR was considered. For such twisting behavior, this study suggests an alternative fitting procedure to better characterize the MC magnetic structure and its source region links.« less

Evidence for Alfvén Waves in Source Flares of Impulsive Solar Energetic Particle Events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bucik, R.; Innes, D.; Mason, G. M.; Wiedenbeck, M. E.; Gomez-Herrero, R.; Nitta, N.

2017-12-01

Impulsive solar energetic particle events, characterised by a peculiar elemental composition with the rare elements like 3He and ultra-heavy ions enhanced by factors up to ten thousand above their thermal abundance, have been puzzling for almost 50 years. The solar sources of these events have been commonly associated with coronal jets, believed to be a signature of magnetic reconnection involving field lines open to interplanetary space. Here we present some of the most intense events, highly enriched in both 3He and heavier ions. The corresponding high-resolution, extreme-ultraviolet imaging observations have revealed for the first time a helical structure in the source flare with a jet-like shape. A mini-filament at the base of the jet appears to trigger these events. The events were observed with the two Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatories on the backside of the Sun, during the period of increased solar activity in 2014. During the last decade, it has been established that the helical motions in coronal jets represent propagating Alfvén waves. Revealing such magnetic-untwisting waves in the solar sources of highly enriched events in this study is consistent with a stochastic acceleration mechanism. An examination of jets in previously reported impulsive solar energetic particle events indicates that they tend to be large-scale blowout jets, sometimes cleanly showing a twisted configuration.The work of R. Bucik is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft grant BU 3115/2-1.

Divalent counterion-induced condensation of triple-strand DNA.

PubMed

Qiu, Xiangyun; Parsegian, V Adrian; Rau, Donald C

2010-12-14

Understanding and manipulation of the forces assembling DNA/RNA helices have broad implications for biology, medicine, and physics. One subject of significance is the attractive force between dsDNA mediated by polycations of valence ≥ 3. Despite extensive studies, the physical origin of the "like-charge attraction" remains unsettled among competing theories. Here we show that triple-strand DNA (tsDNA), a more highly charged helix than dsDNA, is precipitated by alkaline-earth divalent cations that are unable to condense dsDNA. We further show that our observation is general by examining several cations (Mg(2+), Ba(2+), and Ca(2+)) and two distinct tsDNA constructs. Cation-condensed tsDNA forms ordered hexagonal arrays that redissolve upon adding monovalent salts. Forces between tsDNA helices, measured by osmotic stress, follow the form of hydration forces observed with condensed dsDNA. Probing a well-defined system of point-like cations and tsDNAs with more evenly spaced helical charges, the counterintuitive observation that the more highly charged tsDNA (vs. dsDNA) is condensed by cations of lower valence provides new insights into theories of polyelectrolytes and the biological and pathological roles of tsDNA. Cations and tsDNAs also hold promise as a model system for future studies of DNA-DNA interactions and electrostatic interactions in general.

Exploring biological effects of MoS{sub 2} nanosheets on native structures of α-helical peptides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gu, Zonglin; Li, Weifeng, E-mail: wfli@suda.edu.cn, E-mail: ruhong@us.ibm.com; Hong, Linbi

Recent reports of mono- and few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS{sub 2}), a representative transition metal dichacogenide (TMD), as antibacterial and anticancer agents have shed light on their potential in biomedical applications. To better facilitate these promising applications, one needs to understand the biological effects of these TMDs as well, such as their potential adverse effects on protein structure and function. Here, we sought to understand the interaction of MoS{sub 2} nanosheets with peptides using molecular dynamics simulations and a simple model polyalanine with various lengths (PA{sub n}, n = 10, 20, 30, and 40; mainly α − helices). Our results demonstratedmore » that MoS{sub 2} monolayer has an exceptional capability to bind all peptides in a fast and strong manner. The strong attraction from the MoS{sub 2} nanosheet is more than enough to compensate the energy needed to unfold the peptide, regardless of the length, which induces drastic disruptions to the intra-peptide hydrogen bonds and subsequent secondary structures of α − helices. This universal phenomenon may point to the potential nanotoxicity of MoS{sub 2} when used in biological systems. Moreover, these results aligned well with previous findings on the potential cytotoxicity of TMD nanomaterials.« less

Irreversibility and the Point of No Return in the Evolution of Eruptive Active Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgoulis, Manolis K.

We combine multiple methods and findings to demonstrate that those eruptive solar active regions that form intense photospheric magnetic polarity inversion lines (PILs) enter a domain of irreversible evolution that will unavoidably force them to erupt at least once, giving rise to a major flare and an associated fast CME. Electric currents, Lorentz forces, free magnetic energy storage, and magnetic helicity, all play major roles in bringing the magnetic configuration on the verge of instability. The inferred irreversibility stems from the conservative properties of magnetic helicity in high magnetic Reynolds-number plasmas. In addition, the long-standing and fiercely debated classification of eruptive magnetic structures into sheared arcades and flux ropes is found to be of relatively little meaning: by means of the evolution above, the simplest possible sheared-arcade structure may gradually evolve into a flux rope susceptible to the helical-kink and the torus instabilities, among other destabilization mechanisms. Research partially supported by the EU Seventh Framework Programme under grant agreement No. PIRG07-GA-2010-268245 and by the European Union Social Fund (ESF) and Greek national funds through the Operational Program "Education and Lifelong Learning" of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) - Research Funding Program: Thales. Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund.

Flux-transfer losses in helically wound superconducting power cables

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Clem, John R; Malozemoff, A P

2013-06-25

Minimization of ac losses is essential for economic operation of high-temperature superconductor (HTS) ac power cables. A favorable configuration for the phase conductor of such cables has two counter-wound layers of HTS tape-shaped wires lying next to each other and helically wound around a flexible cylindrical former. However, if magnetic materials such as magnetic substrates of the tapes lie between the two layers, or if the winding pitch angles are not opposite and essentially equal in magnitude to each other, current distributes unequally between the two layers. Then, if at some point in the ac cycle the current of eithermore » of the two layers exceeds its critical current, a large ac loss arises from the transfer of flux between the two layers. A detailed review of the formalism, and its application to the case of paramagnetic substrates including the calculation of this flux-transfer loss, is presented.« less

Surface dose measurement for helical tomotherapy.

PubMed

Snir, Jonatan A; Mosalaei, Homeira; Jordan, Kevin; Yartsev, Slav

2011-06-01

To compare the surface dose measurements made by different dosimeters for the helical tomotherapy (HT) plan in the case of the target close to the surface. Surface dose measurements in different points for the HT plan to deliver 2 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV) at 5 mm below the surface of the cylindrical phantom were performed by radiochromic films, single use metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters, silicon IVD QED diode, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters. The measured doses by all dosimeters were within 12 +/- 8% difference of each other. Radiochromic films, EBT, and EBT2, provide high spatial resolution, although it is difficult to get accurate measurements of dose. Both the OSL and QED measured similar dose to that of the MOSFET detectors. The QED dosimeter is promising as a reusable on-line wireless dosimeter, while the OSL dosimeters are easier to use, require minimum setup time and are very precise.

Roles of effective helical ripple rates in nonlinear stability of externally induced magnetic islands

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nishimura, Seiya, E-mail: n-seiya@kobe-kosen.ac.jp

Magnetic islands are externally produced by resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) in toroidal plasmas. Spontaneous annihilation of RMP-induced magnetic islands called self-healing has been observed in helical systems. A possible mechanism of the self-healing is shielding of RMP penetration by helical ripple-induced neoclassical flows, which give rise to neoclassical viscous torques. In this study, effective helical ripple rates in multi-helicity helical systems are revisited, and a multi-helicity effect on the self-healing is investigated, based on a theoretical model of rotating magnetic islands. It is confirmed that effective helical ripple rates are sensitive to magnetic axis positions. It is newly found thatmore » self-healing thresholds also strongly depend on magnetic axis positions, which is due to dependence of neoclassical viscous torques on effective helical ripple rates.« less

Prediction of Long Loops with Embedded Secondary Structure using the Protein Local Optimization Program

PubMed Central

Miller, Edward B.; Murrett, Colleen S.; Zhu, Kai; Zhao, Suwen; Goldfeld, Dahlia A.; Bylund, Joseph H.; Friesner, Richard A.

2013-01-01

Robust homology modeling to atomic-level accuracy requires in the general case successful prediction of protein loops containing small segments of secondary structure. Further, as loop prediction advances to success with larger loops, the exclusion of loops containing secondary structure becomes awkward. Here, we extend the applicability of the Protein Local Optimization Program (PLOP) to loops up to 17 residues in length that contain either helical or hairpin segments. In general, PLOP hierarchically samples conformational space and ranks candidate loops with a high-quality molecular mechanics force field. For loops identified to possess α-helical segments, we employ an alternative dihedral library composed of (ϕ,ψ) angles commonly found in helices. The alternative library is searched over a user-specified range of residues that define the helical bounds. The source of these helical bounds can be from popular secondary structure prediction software or from analysis of past loop predictions where a propensity to form a helix is observed. Due to the maturity of our energy model, the lowest energy loop across all experiments can be selected with an accuracy of sub-Ångström RMSD in 80% of cases, 1.0 to 1.5 Å RMSD in 14% of cases, and poorer than 1.5 Å RMSD in 6% of cases. The effectiveness of our current methods in predicting hairpin-containing loops is explored with hairpins up to 13 residues in length and again reaching an accuracy of sub-Ångström RMSD in 83% of cases, 1.0 to 1.5 Å RMSD in 10% of cases, and poorer than 1.5 Å RMSD in 7% of cases. Finally, we explore the effect of an imprecise surrounding environment, in which side chains, but not the backbone, are initially in perturbed geometries. In these cases, loops perturbed to 3Å RMSD from the native environment were restored to their native conformation with sub-Ångström RMSD. PMID:23814507

CCBuilder 2.0: Powerful and accessible coiled-coil modeling.

PubMed

Wood, Christopher W; Woolfson, Derek N

2018-01-01

The increased availability of user-friendly and accessible computational tools for biomolecular modeling would expand the reach and application of biomolecular engineering and design. For protein modeling, one key challenge is to reduce the complexities of 3D protein folds to sets of parametric equations that nonetheless capture the salient features of these structures accurately. At present, this is possible for a subset of proteins, namely, repeat proteins. The α-helical coiled coil provides one such example, which represents ≈ 3-5% of all known protein-encoding regions of DNA. Coiled coils are bundles of α helices that can be described by a small set of structural parameters. Here we describe how this parametric description can be implemented in an easy-to-use web application, called CCBuilder 2.0, for modeling and optimizing both α-helical coiled coils and polyproline-based collagen triple helices. This has many applications from providing models to aid molecular replacement for X-ray crystallography, in silico model building and engineering of natural and designed protein assemblies, and through to the creation of completely de novo "dark matter" protein structures. CCBuilder 2.0 is available as a web-based application, the code for which is open-source and can be downloaded freely. http://coiledcoils.chm.bris.ac.uk/ccbuilder2. We have created CCBuilder 2.0, an easy to use web-based application that can model structures for a whole class of proteins, the α-helical coiled coil, which is estimated to account for 3-5% of all proteins in nature. CCBuilder 2.0 will be of use to a large number of protein scientists engaged in fundamental studies, such as protein structure determination, through to more-applied research including designing and engineering novel proteins that have potential applications in biotechnology. © 2017 The Authors Protein Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Protein Society.

CCBuilder 2.0: Powerful and accessible coiled‐coil modeling

PubMed Central

Wood, Christopher W.

2017-01-01

Abstract The increased availability of user‐friendly and accessible computational tools for biomolecular modeling would expand the reach and application of biomolecular engineering and design. For protein modeling, one key challenge is to reduce the complexities of 3D protein folds to sets of parametric equations that nonetheless capture the salient features of these structures accurately. At present, this is possible for a subset of proteins, namely, repeat proteins. The α‐helical coiled coil provides one such example, which represents ≈ 3–5% of all known protein‐encoding regions of DNA. Coiled coils are bundles of α helices that can be described by a small set of structural parameters. Here we describe how this parametric description can be implemented in an easy‐to‐use web application, called CCBuilder 2.0, for modeling and optimizing both α‐helical coiled coils and polyproline‐based collagen triple helices. This has many applications from providing models to aid molecular replacement for X‐ray crystallography, in silico model building and engineering of natural and designed protein assemblies, and through to the creation of completely de novo “dark matter” protein structures. CCBuilder 2.0 is available as a web‐based application, the code for which is open‐source and can be downloaded freely. http://coiledcoils.chm.bris.ac.uk/ccbuilder2. Lay Summary We have created CCBuilder 2.0, an easy to use web‐based application that can model structures for a whole class of proteins, the α‐helical coiled coil, which is estimated to account for 3–5% of all proteins in nature. CCBuilder 2.0 will be of use to a large number of protein scientists engaged in fundamental studies, such as protein structure determination, through to more‐applied research including designing and engineering novel proteins that have potential applications in biotechnology. PMID:28836317

Fluid-Dynamic Optimal Design of Helical Vascular Graft for Stenotic Disturbed Flow

PubMed Central

Ha, Hojin; Hwang, Dongha; Choi, Woo-Rak; Baek, Jehyun; Lee, Sang Joon

2014-01-01

Although a helical configuration of a prosthetic vascular graft appears to be clinically beneficial in suppressing thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia, an optimization of a helical design has yet to be achieved because of the lack of a detailed understanding on hemodynamic features in helical grafts and their fluid dynamic influences. In the present study, the swirling flow in a helical graft was hypothesized to have beneficial influences on a disturbed flow structure such as stenotic flow. The characteristics of swirling flows generated by helical tubes with various helical pitches and curvatures were investigated to prove the hypothesis. The fluid dynamic influences of these helical tubes on stenotic flow were quantitatively analysed by using a particle image velocimetry technique. Results showed that the swirling intensity and helicity of the swirling flow have a linear relation with a modified Germano number (Gn*) of the helical pipe. In addition, the swirling flow generated a beneficial flow structure at the stenosis by reducing the size of the recirculation flow under steady and pulsatile flow conditions. Therefore, the beneficial effects of a helical graft on the flow field can be estimated by using the magnitude of Gn*. Finally, an optimized helical design with a maximum Gn* was suggested for the future design of a vascular graft. PMID:25360705

Phase diagram of the itinerant helical magnet MnSi at high pressures and strong magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stishov, Sergei

We performed a series of resistivity, heat capacity and ultrasound speed measurements of a MnSi single crystal at high pressures and strong magnetic fields [1-3]. Two notable features of the phase transition in MnSi that disappear on pressure increasin are a sharp peak marking the first order phase transition and a shallow maximum, situated slightly above the critical temperature and pointing to the domain of prominent helical fluctuations. The longitudinal and transverse ultrasound speeds and attenuation were measured in a MnSi single crystal in the temperature range of 2-40 K and magnetic fields to 7 Tesla. The magnetic phase transition in MnSi in zero magnetic field is signified by a quasi-discontinuity in the c11 elastic constant, which almost vanishes at the skyrmion - paramagnetic transition at high magnetic fields. The powerful fluctuations at the minima of c11 make the mentioned crossing point of the minima and the phase transition lines similar to a critical end point, where a second order phase transition meets a first order one.

Weighted current sheets supported in normal and inverse configurations - A model for prominence observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Demoulin, P.; Forbes, T. G.

1992-01-01

A technique which incorporates both photospheric and prominence magnetic field observations is used to analyze the magnetic support of solar prominences in two dimensions. The prominence is modeled by a mass-loaded current sheet which is supported against gravity by magnetic fields from a bipolar source in the photosphere and a massless line current in the corona. It is found that prominence support can be achieved in three different kinds of configurations: an arcade topology with a normal polarity; a helical topology with a normal polarity; and a helical topology with an inverse polarity. In all cases the important parameter is the variation of the horizontal component of the prominence field with height. Adding a line current external to the prominence eliminates the nonsupport problem which plagues virtually all previous prominence models with inverse polarity.

Geometrical Relationship Between Interplanetary Flux Ropes and Their Solar Sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marubashi, K.; Akiyama, S.; Yashiro, S.; Gopalswamy, N.; Cho, K.-S.; Park, Y.-D.

2015-05-01

We investigated the physical connection between interplanetary flux ropes (IFRs) near Earth and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) by comparing the magnetic field structures of IFRs and CME source regions. The analysis is based on the list of 54 pairs of ICMEs (interplanetary coronal mass ejections) and CMEs that are taken to be the most probable solar source events. We first attempted to identify the flux rope structure in each of the 54 ICMEs by fitting models with a cylinder and torus magnetic field geometry, both with a force-free field structure. This analysis determined the possible geometries of the identified flux ropes. Then we compared the flux rope geometries with the magnetic field structure of the solar source regions. We obtained the following results: (1) Flux rope structures are seen in 51 ICMEs out of the 54. The result implies that all ICMEs have an intrinsic flux rope structure, if the three exceptional cases are attributed to unfavorable observation conditions. (2) It is possible to find flux rope geometries with the main axis orientation close to the orientation of the magnetic polarity inversion line (PIL) in the solar source regions, the differences being less than 25°. (3) The helicity sign of an IFR is strongly controlled by the location of the solar source: flux ropes with positive (negative) helicity are associated with sources in the southern (northern) hemisphere (six exceptions were found). (4) Over two-thirds of the sources in the northern hemisphere are concentrated along PILs with orientations of 45° ± 30° (measured clockwise from the east), and over two-thirds in the southern hemisphere along PILs with orientations of 135° ± 30°, both corresponding to the Hale boundaries. These results strongly support the idea that a flux rope with the main axis parallel to the PIL erupts in a CME and that the erupted flux rope propagates through the interplanetary space with its orientation maintained and is observed as an IFR.

Transmembrane protein topology prediction using support vector machines.

PubMed

Nugent, Timothy; Jones, David T

2009-05-26

Alpha-helical transmembrane (TM) proteins are involved in a wide range of important biological processes such as cell signaling, transport of membrane-impermeable molecules, cell-cell communication, cell recognition and cell adhesion. Many are also prime drug targets, and it has been estimated that more than half of all drugs currently on the market target membrane proteins. However, due to the experimental difficulties involved in obtaining high quality crystals, this class of protein is severely under-represented in structural databases. In the absence of structural data, sequence-based prediction methods allow TM protein topology to be investigated. We present a support vector machine-based (SVM) TM protein topology predictor that integrates both signal peptide and re-entrant helix prediction, benchmarked with full cross-validation on a novel data set of 131 sequences with known crystal structures. The method achieves topology prediction accuracy of 89%, while signal peptides and re-entrant helices are predicted with 93% and 44% accuracy respectively. An additional SVM trained to discriminate between globular and TM proteins detected zero false positives, with a low false negative rate of 0.4%. We present the results of applying these tools to a number of complete genomes. Source code, data sets and a web server are freely available from http://bioinf.cs.ucl.ac.uk/psipred/. The high accuracy of TM topology prediction which includes detection of both signal peptides and re-entrant helices, combined with the ability to effectively discriminate between TM and globular proteins, make this method ideally suited to whole genome annotation of alpha-helical transmembrane proteins.

Power Balance Modeling of Local Helicity Injection for Non-Solenoidal ST Startup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weberski, J. D.; Barr, J. L.; Bongard, M. W.; Fonck, R. J.; Perry, J. M.; Reusch, J. A.

2017-10-01

A zero-dimensional power balance model for predicting Ip(t) for Local Helicity Injection (LHI) discharges has been used to interpret experimental results from recent experimental campaigns using high-field-side (HFS) helicity injection. This model quantifies LHI's effective drive (Veff) through helicity balance while enforcing the Taylor relaxation current limit and tracking inductive effects to determine Ip(t) . Recent analysis of HFS LHI discharges indicate LHI is the dominant source of drive and provides Veff up to 1.3 V while geometric effects and inductive drive provide < 0.1 V throughout much of the discharge. In contrast to previous analysis of low-field-side (LFS) LHI discharges, which were driven by Veff = 0.3 V and 2.0 V from geometric effects and inductive drive. A significant remaining uncertainty in the model is the resistive dissipation of LHI discharges. This requires greater understanding of LHI confinement scaling and impurity content, which are currently under investigation. However, the model and experimental Ip(t) exhibit good agreement for parameters consistent with previous experimental findings. Extrapolation of plasma parameters and shaping from recent experiments allow for the model to project the performance of LHI systems. These projections indicate Ip 0.3 MA can be accessed on Pegasus via HFS LHI through changes to injector geometry to provide more Veff. This regime can be accessed via a LFS system by increasing the Taylor relaxation current limit early in the discharge. Work supported by US DOE Grants DE-FG02-96ER54375 and DE-SC0006928.

Crystal structures and thermodynamics/kinetics of Zn(II) coordination polymers with helical chains

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

He, Tian; Yue, Ke-Fen, E-mail: ykflyy@nwu.edu.cn; Zhao, Yi-xing

Solvothermal reactions of Zn(II) acetates and four V-shaped carboxylates ligands in the presence of 1,4-Bis(2-methyl-imidazol-1-yl)butane afforded four interesting Zn(II) coordination polymers with helical chains, namely, {[Zn(bib)(atibdc)]·2H_2O}{sub n} (1), {[Zn(bib)(atbip)]·H_2O}{sub n} (2), {[Zn(bib)(2,2′-tda)]}{sub n} (3) and {[Zn(bib)(5-tbipa)]·EtOH}{sub n} (4), (H{sub 2}atibdc=5-amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid, H{sub 2}atbip=5-amino-2,4,6-tribromoisophthalic acid, 2,2′-H{sub 2}tad=2,2′-thiodiacetic acid, 5-H{sub 2}tbipa=5-tert-butyl-isophthalic acid). 1 reveals a 3D chiral framework with three kinds of helical chains along a, b and c axis. 2 shows a 2D step-type chiral framework with right-handed helical chains. 3 displays a wavelike 2D layer network possessing alternate left- and right-handed helical chains. 4 presents a four-connected 3D framework withmore » zigzag and meso-helical chains. The different spacers and substituent group of carboxylic acid ligands may lead to the diverse network structures of 1–4. The fluorescent properties of complexes 1−4 were studied. In addition, the thermal decompositions properties of 1–4 were investigated by simultaneous TG/DTG–DSC technique. The apparent activation energy E and the pre-exponential factor (A) of skeleton collapse for the complexes 1–4 are calculated by the integral Kissinger's method and Ozawa–Doyle's method. The activation energy E (E{sub 1}=209.658 kJ·mol{sup −1}, E{sub 2}=250.037 kJ mol{sup −1}, E{sub 3}=225.300 kJ mol{sup −1}, E{sub 4}=186.529 kJ·mol{sup −1}) demonstrates that the reaction rate of the melting decomposition is slow. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH{sup ‡}, ΔG{sup ‡} and ΔS{sup ‡}) at the peak temperatures of the DTG curves were also calculated. ΔG{sup ‡}>0 indicates that the skeleton collapse is not spontaneous. ΔH{sub d}>0 suggests that the skeleton collapse is endothermic, corresponding to the intense endothermic peak of the DSC curve. The structural stability could be illustrated from the point of thermodynamics and kinetics. - Graphical abstract: Four new zinc coordination architectures constructed from the primary ligand bib, transition metal ions Zn(II) and four V-shaped carboxylate coligands. The different structural evolutions of complexes 1–4 have systematically illustrated that the carboxylate coligands play a critical role in the assemblies of the CPs. Their thermal decompositions properties of 1–4 were investigated by simultaneous TG/DTG–DSC technique. The apparent activation energy E and the pre-exponential factor (A) of skeleton collapse for the complexes 1−4 are calculated by the integral Kissinger’s method and Ozawa–Doyle’s method. The structural stability could be illustrated from the point of thermodynamics and kinetics. Display Omitted.« less

Helical vortices: Quasiequilibrium states and their time evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selçuk, Can; Delbende, Ivan; Rossi, Maurice

2017-08-01

The time evolution of a viscous helical vortex is investigated by direct numerical simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations where helical symmetry is enforced. Using conservation laws in the framework of helical symmetry, we elaborate an initial condition consisting in a finite core vortex, the time evolution of which leads to a generic quasiequilibrium state independent of the initial core size. Numerical results at different helical pitch values provide an accurate characterization in time for such helical states, for which specific techniques have been introduced: helix radius, angular velocity, stream function-velocity-vorticity relationships, and core properties (size, self-similarity, and ellipticity). Viscosity is shown to be at the origin of a small helical velocity component, which we relate to the helical vorticity component. Finally, changes in time of the flow topology are studied using the helical stream function and three-dimensional Lagrangian orbits.

Current-carrying element based on second-generation high-temperature superconductor for the magnet system of a fusion neutron source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novikov, M. S.; Ivanov, D. P.; Novikov, S. I.; Shuvaev, S. A.

2015-12-01

Application of current-carrying elements (CCEs) made of second-generation high-temperature superconductor (2G HTS) in magnet systems of a fusion neutron source (FNS) and other fusion devices will allow their magnetic field and thermodynamic stability to be increased substantially in comparison with those of low-temperature superconductor (LTS) magnets. For a toroidal magnet of the FNS, a design of a helical (partially transposed) CCE made of 2G HTS is under development with forced-flow cooling by helium gas, a current of 20-30 kA, an operating temperature of 10-20 K, and a magnetic field on the winding of 12-15 T (prospectively ~20 T). Short-sized samples of the helical flexible heavy-current CCE are being fabricated and investigated; a pilot-line unit for production of long-sized CCE pieces is under construction. The applied fabrication technique allows the CCE to be produced which combines a high operating current, thermal and mechanical stability, manufacturability, and low losses in the alternating modes. The possibility of fabricating the CCE with the outer dimensions and values of the operating parameter required for the FNS (and with a significant margin) using already available serial 2G HTS tapes is substantiated. The maximum field of toroidal magnets with CCEs made of 2G HTS will be limited only by mechanical properties of the magnet's casing and structure, while the thermal stability will be approximately two orders of magnitude higher than that of toroidal magnets with LTS-based CCEs. The helical CCE made of 2G HTS is very promising for fusion and hybrid electric power plants, and its design and technologies of production, as well as the prototype coils made of it for the FNS and other tokamaks, are worth developing now.

Scalable nanohelices for predictive studies and enhanced 3D visualization.

PubMed

Meagher, Kwyn A; Doblack, Benjamin N; Ramirez, Mercedes; Davila, Lilian P

2014-11-12

Spring-like materials are ubiquitous in nature and of interest in nanotechnology for energy harvesting, hydrogen storage, and biological sensing applications. For predictive simulations, it has become increasingly important to be able to model the structure of nanohelices accurately. To study the effect of local structure on the properties of these complex geometries one must develop realistic models. To date, software packages are rather limited in creating atomistic helical models. This work focuses on producing atomistic models of silica glass (SiO₂) nanoribbons and nanosprings for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Using an MD model of "bulk" silica glass, two computational procedures to precisely create the shape of nanoribbons and nanosprings are presented. The first method employs the AWK programming language and open-source software to effectively carve various shapes of silica nanoribbons from the initial bulk model, using desired dimensions and parametric equations to define a helix. With this method, accurate atomistic silica nanoribbons can be generated for a range of pitch values and dimensions. The second method involves a more robust code which allows flexibility in modeling nanohelical structures. This approach utilizes a C++ code particularly written to implement pre-screening methods as well as the mathematical equations for a helix, resulting in greater precision and efficiency when creating nanospring models. Using these codes, well-defined and scalable nanoribbons and nanosprings suited for atomistic simulations can be effectively created. An added value in both open-source codes is that they can be adapted to reproduce different helical structures, independent of material. In addition, a MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) is used to enhance learning through visualization and interaction for a general user with the atomistic helical structures. One application of these methods is the recent study of nanohelices via MD simulations for mechanical energy harvesting purposes.

Insights into the Hendra virus NTAIL-XD complex: Evidence for a parallel organization of the helical MoRE at the XD surface stabilized by a combination of hydrophobic and polar interactions.

PubMed

Erales, Jenny; Beltrandi, Matilde; Roche, Jennifer; Maté, Maria; Longhi, Sonia

2015-08-01

The Hendra virus is a member of the Henipavirus genus within the Paramyxoviridae family. The nucleoprotein, which consists of a structured core and of a C-terminal intrinsically disordered domain (N(TAIL)), encapsidates the viral genome within a helical nucleocapsid. N(TAIL) partly protrudes from the surface of the nucleocapsid being thus capable of interacting with the C-terminal X domain (XD) of the viral phosphoprotein. Interaction with XD implies a molecular recognition element (MoRE) that is located within N(TAIL) residues 470-490, and that undergoes α-helical folding. The MoRE has been proposed to be embedded in the hydrophobic groove delimited by helices α2 and α3 of XD, although experimental data could not discriminate between a parallel and an antiparallel orientation of the MoRE. Previous studies also showed that if the binding interface is enriched in hydrophobic residues, charged residues located close to the interface might play a role in complex formation. Here, we targeted for site directed mutagenesis two acidic and two basic residues within XD and N(TAIL). ITC studies showed that electrostatics plays a crucial role in complex formation and pointed a parallel orientation of the MoRE as more likely. Further support for a parallel orientation was afforded by SAXS studies that made use of two chimeric constructs in which XD and the MoRE were covalently linked to each other. Altogether, these studies unveiled the multiparametric nature of the interactions established within this complex and contribute to shed light onto the molecular features of protein interfaces involving intrinsically disordered regions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of double-tailed surfactant architecture on the conformation, self-assembly, and processing in polypeptide-surfactant complexes.

PubMed

Junnila, Susanna; Hanski, Sirkku; Oakley, Richard J; Nummelin, Sami; Ruokolainen, Janne; Faul, Charl F J; Ikkala, Olli

2009-10-12

This work describes the solid-state conformational and structural properties of self-assembled polypeptide-surfactant complexes with double-tailed surfactants. Poly(L-lysine) was complexed with three dialkyl esters of phosphoric acid (i.e., phosphodiester surfactants), where the surfactant tail branching and length was varied to tune the supramolecular architecture in a facile way. After complexation with the branched surfactant bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate in an aqueous solution, the polypeptide chains adopted an alpha-helical conformation. These rod-like helices self-assembled into cylindrical phases with the amorphous alkyl tails pointing outward. In complexes with dioctyl phosphate and didodecyl phosphate, which have two linear n-octyl or n-dodecyl tails, respectively, the polypeptide formed antiparallel beta-sheets separated by alkyl layers, resulting in well-ordered lamellar self-assemblies. By heating, it was possible to trigger a partial opening of the beta-sheets and disruption of the lamellar phase. After repeated heating/cooling, all of these complexes also showed a glass transition between 37 and 50 degrees C. Organic solvent treatment and plasticization by overstoichiometric amount of surfactant led to structure modification in poly(L-lysine)-dioctyl phosphate complexes, PLL(diC8)(x) (x = 1.0-3.0). Here, the alpha-helical PLL is surrounded by the surfactants and these bottle-brush-like chains self-assemble in a hexagonal cylindrical morphology. As x is increased, the materials are clearly plasticized and the degree of ordering is improved: The stiff alpha-helical backbones in a softened surfactant matrix give rise to thermotropic liquid-crystalline phases. The complexes were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and circular dichroism.

An Amino Acid Packing Code for α-helical Structure and Protein Design

PubMed Central

Joo, Hyun; Chavan, Archana G.; Phan, Jamie; Day, Ryan; Tsai, Jerry

2012-01-01

This work demonstrates that all packing in α-helices can be simplified to repetitive patterns of a single motif: the knob-socket. Using the precision of Voronoi Polyhedra/Deluaney Tessellations to identify contacts, the knob-socket is a 4 residue tetrahedral motif: a knob residue on one α-helix packs into the 3 residue socket on another α-helix. The principle of the knob-socket model relates the packing between levels of protein structure: the intra-helical packing arrangements within secondary structure that permit inter-helix tertiary packing interactions. Within an α-helix, the 3 residue sockets arrange residues into a uniform packing lattice. Inter-helix packing results from a definable pattern of interdigitated knob-socket motifs between 2 α-helices. Furthermore, the knob-socket model classifies 3 types of sockets: 1) free: favoring only intra-helical packing, 2) filled: favoring inter-helical interactions and 3) non: disfavoring α-helical structure. The amino acid propensities in these 3 socket classes essentially represent an amino acid code for structure in α-helical packing. Using this code, a novel yet straightforward approach for the design of α-helical structure was used to validate the knob-socket model. Unique sequences for 3 peptides were created to produce a predicted amount of α-helical structure: mostly helical, some helical, and no-helix. These 3 peptides were synthesized and helical content assessed using CD spectroscopy. The measured α-helicity of each peptide was consistent with the expected predictions. These results and analysis demonstrate that the knob-socket motif functions as the basic unit of packing and presents an intuitive tool to decipher the rules governing packing in protein structure. PMID:22426125

A Combined Study of Photospheric Magnetic and Current Helicities and Subsurface Kinetic Helicities of Solar Active Regions during 2006-2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seligman, D.; Petrie, G. J. D.; Komm, R.

2014-11-01

We compare the average photospheric current helicity Hc , photospheric twist parameter α (a well-known proxy for the full relative magnetic helicity), and subsurface kinetic helicity Hk for 194 active regions observed between 2006-2013. We use 2440 Hinode photospheric vector magnetograms, and the corresponding subsurface fluid velocity data derived from GONG (2006-2012) and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (2010-2013) dopplergrams. We find a significant hemispheric bias in all three parameters. The subsurface kinetic helicity is preferentially positive in the southern hemisphere and negative in the northern hemisphere. The photospheric current helicity and the α parameter have the same bias for strong fields (|B| > 1000 G) and no significant bias for weak fields (100 G <|B| < 500 G). We find no significant region-by-region correlation between the subsurface kinetic helicity and either the strong-field current helicity or α. Subsurface fluid motions of a given handedness correspond to photospheric helicities of both signs in approximately equal numbers. However, common variations appear in annual averages of these quantities over all regions. Furthermore, in a subset of 77 regions, we find significant correlations between the temporal profiles of the subsurface and photospheric helicities. In these cases, the sign of the linear correlation coefficient matches the sign relationship between the helicities, indicating that the photospheric magnetic field twist is sensitive to the twisting motions below the surface.

Helix coupling

DOEpatents

Ginell, W.S.

1982-03-17

A coupling for connecting helix members in series, which consists of a pair of U-shaped elements, one of which is attached to each helix end with the U sections of the elements interlocked. The coupling is particularly beneficial for interconnecting helical Nitinol elements utilized in thermal actuators or engines. Each coupling half is attached to the associated helix at two points, thereby providing axial load while being easily removed from the helix, and reusable.

Helix coupling

DOEpatents

Ginell, William S.

1989-04-25

A coupling for connecting helix members in series, which consists of a pair of U-shaped elements, one of which is attached to each helix end with the "U" sections of the elements interlocked. The coupling is particularly beneficial for interconnecting helical Nitinol elements utilized in thermal actuators or engines. Each coupling half is attached to the associated helix at two points, thereby providing axial load while being easily removed from the helix, and reusable.

The 13th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bond, A. C.

1979-01-01

Technological areas covered include propulsion, motion compensation, instrument pointing and adjustment, centrifuge testing, bearing design, vehicle braking, and cargo handling. Devices for satellite, missile, and hypersonic-wind-tunnel applications; space shuttle mechanical and thermal protection systems; and techniques for building large space structures are described. In addition, a fluid drop injector device for a Spacelab experiment, a helical grip for cable cars, and applications of rare earth permanent magnets are discussed.

The Formation of a Small-Scale Filament After Flux Emergence on the Quiet Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hechao; Yang, Jiayan; Yang, Bo; Ji, Kaifan; Bi, Yi

2018-06-01

We present observations of the formation process of a small-scale filament on the quiet Sun during 5 - 6 February 2016 and investigate its formation cause. Initially, a small dipole emerged, and its associated arch filament system was found to reconnect with overlying coronal fields accompanied by numerous extreme ultraviolet bright points. When the bright points faded, many elongated dark threads formed and bridged the positive magnetic element of the dipole and the external negative network fields. Interestingly, an anticlockwise photospheric rotational motion (PRM) set in within the positive endpoint region of the newborn dark threads following the flux emergence and lasted for more than 10 hours. Under the drive of the PRM, these dispersive dark threads gradually aligned along the north-south direction and finally coalesced into an inverse S-shaped filament. Consistent with the dextral chirality of the filament, magnetic helicity calculations show that an amount of negative helicity was persistently injected from the rotational positive magnetic element and accumulated during the formation of the filament. These observations suggest that twisted emerging fields may lead to the formation of the filament via reconnection with pre-existing fields and release of its inner magnetic twist. The persistent PRM might trace a covert twist relaxation from below the photosphere to the low corona.

Electronic structure and quantum spin fluctuations at the magnetic phase transition in MnSi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Povzner, A. A.; Volkov, A. G.; Nogovitsyna, T. A.

2018-05-01

The effect of spin fluctuations on the heat capacity and homogeneous magnetic susceptibility of the chiral magnetic MnSi in the vicinity of magnetic transition has been investigated by using the free energy functional of the coupled electron and spin subsystems and taking into account the Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction. For helical ferromagnetic ordering, we found that zero-point fluctuations of the spin density are large and comparable with fluctuations of the non-uniform magnetization. The amplitude of zero-point spin fluctuations shows a sharp decrease in the region of the magnetic phase transition. It is shown that sharp decrease of the amplitude of the quantum spin fluctuations results in the lambda-like maxima of the heat capacity and the homogeneous magnetic susceptibility. Above the temperature of the lambda anomaly, the spin correlation radius becomes less than the period of the helical structure and chiral fluctuations of the local magnetization appear. It is shown that formation of a "shoulder" on the temperature dependence of the heat capacity is due to disappearance of the local magnetization. Our finding allows to explain the experimentally observed features of the magnetic phase transition of MnSi as a result of the crossover of quantum and thermodynamic phase transitions.

Performance Characteristics of an Independent Dose Verification Program for Helical Tomotherapy

PubMed Central

Chang, Isaac C. F.; Chen, Jeff; Yartsev, Slav

2017-01-01

Helical tomotherapy with its advanced method of intensity-modulated radiation therapy delivery has been used clinically for over 20 years. The standard delivery quality assurance procedure to measure the accuracy of delivered radiation dose from each treatment plan to a phantom is time-consuming. RadCalc®, a radiotherapy dose verification software, has released specifically for beta testing a module for tomotherapy plan dose calculations. RadCalc®'s accuracy for tomotherapy dose calculations was evaluated through examination of point doses in ten lung and ten prostate clinical plans. Doses calculated by the TomoHDA™ tomotherapy treatment planning system were used as the baseline. For lung cases, RadCalc® overestimated point doses in the lung by an average of 13%. Doses within the spinal cord and esophagus were overestimated by 10%. Prostate plans showed better agreement, with overestimations of 6% in the prostate, bladder, and rectum. The systematic overestimation likely resulted from limitations of the pencil beam dose calculation algorithm implemented by RadCalc®. Limitations were more severe in areas of greater inhomogeneity and less prominent in regions of homogeneity with densities closer to 1 g/cm3. Recommendations for RadCalc® dose calculation algorithms and anatomical representation were provided based on the results of the study. PMID:28974862

Effects of Magnetic and Kinetic Helicities on the Growth of Magnetic Fields in Laminar and Turbulent Flows by Helical Fourier Decomposition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Linkmann, Moritz; Sahoo, Ganapati; Biferale, Luca

We present a numerical and analytical study of incompressible homogeneous conducting fluids using a helical Fourier representation. We analytically study both small- and large-scale dynamo properties, as well as the inverse cascade of magnetic helicity, in the most general minimal subset of interacting velocity and magnetic fields on a closed Fourier triad. We mainly focus on the dependency of magnetic field growth as a function of the distribution of kinetic and magnetic helicities among the three interacting wavenumbers. By combining direct numerical simulations of the full magnetohydrodynamics equations with the helical Fourier decomposition, we numerically confirm that in the kinematicmore » dynamo regime the system develops a large-scale magnetic helicity with opposite sign compared to the small-scale kinetic helicity, a sort of triad-by-triad α -effect in Fourier space. Concerning the small-scale perturbations, we predict theoretically and confirm numerically that the largest instability is achived for the magnetic component with the same helicity of the flow, in agreement with the Stretch–Twist–Fold mechanism. Vice versa, in the presence of Lorentz feedback on the velocity, we find that the inverse cascade of magnetic helicity is mostly local if magnetic and kinetic helicities have opposite signs, while it is more nonlocal and more intense if they have the same sign, as predicted by the analytical approach. Our analytical and numerical results further demonstrate the potential of the helical Fourier decomposition to elucidate the entangled dynamics of magnetic and kinetic helicities both in fully developed turbulence and in laminar flows.« less

Extending Three-Dimensional Weighted Cone Beam Filtered Backprojection (CB-FBP) Algorithm for Image Reconstruction in Volumetric CT at Low Helical Pitches

PubMed Central

Hsieh, Jiang; Nilsen, Roy A.; McOlash, Scott M.

2006-01-01

A three-dimensional (3D) weighted helical cone beam filtered backprojection (CB-FBP) algorithm (namely, original 3D weighted helical CB-FBP algorithm) has already been proposed to reconstruct images from the projection data acquired along a helical trajectory in angular ranges up to [0, 2 π]. However, an overscan is usually employed in the clinic to reconstruct tomographic images with superior noise characteristics at the most challenging anatomic structures, such as head and spine, extremity imaging, and CT angiography as well. To obtain the most achievable noise characteristics or dose efficiency in a helical overscan, we extended the 3D weighted helical CB-FBP algorithm to handle helical pitches that are smaller than 1: 1 (namely extended 3D weighted helical CB-FBP algorithm). By decomposing a helical over scan with an angular range of [0, 2π + Δβ] into a union of full scans corresponding to an angular range of [0, 2π], the extended 3D weighted function is a summation of all 3D weighting functions corresponding to each full scan. An experimental evaluation shows that the extended 3D weighted helical CB-FBP algorithm can improve noise characteristics or dose efficiency of the 3D weighted helical CB-FBP algorithm at a helical pitch smaller than 1: 1, while its reconstruction accuracy and computational efficiency are maintained. It is believed that, such an efficient CB reconstruction algorithm that can provide superior noise characteristics or dose efficiency at low helical pitches may find its extensive applications in CT medical imaging. PMID:23165031

The positive inside rule is stronger when followed by a transmembrane helix.

PubMed

Virkki, Minttu T; Peters, Christoph; Nilsson, Daniel; Sörensen, Therese; Cristobal, Susana; Wallner, Björn; Elofsson, Arne

2014-08-12

The translocon recognizes transmembrane helices with sufficient level of hydrophobicity and inserts them into the membrane. However, sometimes less hydrophobic helices are also recognized. Positive inside rule, orientational preferences of and specific interactions with neighboring helices have been shown to aid in the recognition of these helices, at least in artificial systems. To better understand how the translocon inserts marginally hydrophobic helices, we studied three naturally occurring marginally hydrophobic helices, which were previously shown to require the subsequent helix for efficient translocon recognition. We find no evidence for specific interactions when we scan all residues in the subsequent helices. Instead, we identify arginines located at the N-terminal part of the subsequent helices that are crucial for the recognition of the marginally hydrophobic transmembrane helices, indicating that the positive inside rule is important. However, in two of the constructs, these arginines do not aid in the recognition without the rest of the subsequent helix; that is, the positive inside rule alone is not sufficient. Instead, the improved recognition of marginally hydrophobic helices can here be explained as follows: the positive inside rule provides an orientational preference of the subsequent helix, which in turn allows the marginally hydrophobic helix to be inserted; that is, the effect of the positive inside rule is stronger if positively charged residues are followed by a transmembrane helix. Such a mechanism obviously cannot aid C-terminal helices, and consequently, we find that the terminal helices in multi-spanning membrane proteins are more hydrophobic than internal helices. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A contribution to the calculation of measurement uncertainty and optimization of measuring strategies in coordinate measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waeldele, F.

1983-01-01

The influence of sample shape deviations on the measurement uncertainties and the optimization of computer aided coordinate measurement were investigated for a circle and a cylinder. Using the complete error propagation law in matrix form the parameter uncertainties are calculated, taking the correlation between the measurement points into account. Theoretical investigations show that the measuring points have to be equidistantly distributed and that for a cylindrical body a measuring point distribution along a cross section is better than along a helical line. The theoretically obtained expressions to calculate the uncertainties prove to be a good estimation basis. The simple error theory is not satisfactory for estimation. The complete statistical data analysis theory helps to avoid aggravating measurement errors and to adjust the number of measuring points to the required measuring uncertainty.

Cryo-EM Structure Determination Using Segmented Helical Image Reconstruction.

PubMed

Fromm, S A; Sachse, C

2016-01-01

Treating helices as single-particle-like segments followed by helical image reconstruction has become the method of choice for high-resolution structure determination of well-ordered helical viruses as well as flexible filaments. In this review, we will illustrate how the combination of latest hardware developments with optimized image processing routines have led to a series of near-atomic resolution structures of helical assemblies. Originally, the treatment of helices as a sequence of segments followed by Fourier-Bessel reconstruction revealed the potential to determine near-atomic resolution structures from helical specimens. In the meantime, real-space image processing of helices in a stack of single particles was developed and enabled the structure determination of specimens that resisted classical Fourier helical reconstruction and also facilitated high-resolution structure determination. Despite the progress in real-space analysis, the combination of Fourier and real-space processing is still commonly used to better estimate the symmetry parameters as the imposition of the correct helical symmetry is essential for high-resolution structure determination. Recent hardware advancement by the introduction of direct electron detectors has significantly enhanced the image quality and together with improved image processing procedures has made segmented helical reconstruction a very productive cryo-EM structure determination method. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Geometry Dynamics of α-Helices in Different Class I Major Histocompatibility Complexes

PubMed Central

Karch, Rudolf; Schreiner, Wolfgang

2015-01-01

MHC α-helices form the antigen-binding cleft and are of particular interest for immunological reactions. To monitor these helices in molecular dynamics simulations, we applied a parsimonious fragment-fitting method to trace the axes of the α-helices. Each resulting axis was fitted by polynomials in a least-squares sense and the curvature integral was computed. To find the appropriate polynomial degree, the method was tested on two artificially modelled helices, one performing a bending movement and another a hinge movement. We found that second-order polynomials retrieve predefined parameters of helical motion with minimal relative error. From MD simulations we selected those parts of α-helices that were stable and also close to the TCR/MHC interface. We monitored the curvature integral, generated a ruled surface between the two MHC α-helices, and computed interhelical area and surface torsion, as they changed over time. We found that MHC α-helices undergo rapid but small changes in conformation. The curvature integral of helices proved to be a sensitive measure, which was closely related to changes in shape over time as confirmed by RMSD analysis. We speculate that small changes in the conformation of individual MHC α-helices are part of the intrinsic dynamics induced by engagement with the TCR. PMID:26649324

Two-fluid and finite Larmor radius effects on helicity evolution in a plasma pinch

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sauppe, J. P., E-mail: jpsauppe@gmail.com; Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1150 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706; Sovinec, C. R., E-mail: csovinec@wisc.edu

2016-03-15

The evolution of magnetic energy, helicity, and hybrid helicity during nonlinear relaxation of a driven-damped plasma pinch is compared in visco-resistive magnetohydrodynamics and two-fluid models with and without the ion gyroviscous stress tensor. Magnetic energy and helicity are supplied via a boundary electric field which initially balances the resistive dissipation, and the plasma undergoes multiple relaxation events during the nonlinear evolution. The magnetic helicity is well conserved relative to the magnetic energy over each event, which is short compared with the global resistive diffusion time. The magnetic energy decreases by roughly 1.5% of its initial value over a relaxation event,more » while the magnetic helicity changes by at most 0.2% of the initial value. The hybrid helicity is dominated by magnetic helicity in low-β pinch conditions and is also well conserved. Differences of less than 1% between magnetic helicity and hybrid helicity are observed with two-fluid modeling and result from cross helicity evolution. The cross helicity is found to change appreciably due to the first-order finite Larmor radius effects which have not been included in contemporary relaxation theories. The plasma current evolves towards the flat parallel current state predicted by Taylor relaxation theory but does not achieve it. Plasma flow develops significant structure for two-fluid models, and the flow perpendicular to the magnetic field is much more substantial than the flow along it.« less

A combined study of photospheric magnetic and current helicities and subsurface kinetic helicities of solar active regions during 2006-2013

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seligman, D.; Petrie, G. J. D.; Komm, R.

2014-11-10

We compare the average photospheric current helicity H{sub c} , photospheric twist parameter α (a well-known proxy for the full relative magnetic helicity), and subsurface kinetic helicity H{sub k} for 194 active regions observed between 2006-2013. We use 2440 Hinode photospheric vector magnetograms, and the corresponding subsurface fluid velocity data derived from GONG (2006-2012) and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (2010-2013) dopplergrams. We find a significant hemispheric bias in all three parameters. The subsurface kinetic helicity is preferentially positive in the southern hemisphere and negative in the northern hemisphere. The photospheric current helicity and the α parameter have the same biasmore » for strong fields (|B| > 1000 G) and no significant bias for weak fields (100 G <|B| < 500 G). We find no significant region-by-region correlation between the subsurface kinetic helicity and either the strong-field current helicity or α. Subsurface fluid motions of a given handedness correspond to photospheric helicities of both signs in approximately equal numbers. However, common variations appear in annual averages of these quantities over all regions. Furthermore, in a subset of 77 regions, we find significant correlations between the temporal profiles of the subsurface and photospheric helicities. In these cases, the sign of the linear correlation coefficient matches the sign relationship between the helicities, indicating that the photospheric magnetic field twist is sensitive to the twisting motions below the surface.« less

Stimuli-Driven Control of the Helical Axis of Self-Organized Soft Helical Superstructures.

PubMed

Bisoyi, Hari Krishna; Bunning, Timothy J; Li, Quan

2018-06-01

Supramolecular and macromolecular functional helical superstructures are ubiquitous in nature and display an impressive catalog of intriguing and elegant properties and performances. In materials science, self-organized soft helical superstructures, i.e., cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs), serve as model systems toward the understanding of morphology- and orientation-dependent properties of supramolecular dynamic helical architectures and their potential for technological applications. Moreover, most of the fascinating device applications of CLCs are primarily determined by different orientations of the helical axis. Here, the control of the helical axis orientation of CLCs and its dynamic switching in two and three dimensions using different external stimuli are summarized. Electric-field-, magnetic-field-, and light-irradiation-driven orientation control and reorientation of the helical axis of CLCs are described and highlighted. Different techniques and strategies developed to achieve a uniform lying helix structure are explored. Helical axis control in recently developed heliconical cholesteric systems is examined. The control of the helical axis orientation in spherical geometries such as microdroplets and microshells fabricated from these enticing photonic fluids is also explored. Future challenges and opportunities in this exciting area involving anisotropic chiral liquids are then discussed. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The global distribution of magnetic helicity in the solar corona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeates, A. R.; Hornig, G.

2016-10-01

By defining an appropriate field line helicity, we apply the powerful concept of magnetic helicity to the problem of global magnetic field evolution in the Sun's corona. As an ideal-magnetohydrodynamic invariant, the field line helicity is a meaningful measure of how magnetic helicity is distributed within the coronal volume. It may be interpreted, for each magnetic field line, as a magnetic flux linking with that field line. Using magneto-frictional simulations, we investigate how field line helicity evolves in the non-potential corona as a result of shearing by large-scale motions on the solar surface. On open magnetic field lines, the helicity injected by the Sun is largely output to the solar wind, provided that the coronal relaxation is sufficiently fast. But on closed magnetic field lines, helicity is able to build up. We find that the field line helicity is non-uniformly distributed, and is highly concentrated in twisted magnetic flux ropes. Eruption of these flux ropes is shown to lead to sudden bursts of helicity output, in contrast to the steady flux along the open magnetic field lines. Movies are available at http://www.aanda.org

Exploring the prominence-corona connection and its expansion into the outer corona using total solar eclipse observations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Habbal, Shadia Rifai; Morgan, Huw; Druckmüller, Miloslav, E-mail: shadia@ifa.hawaii.edu

Prominences constitute the most complex magnetic structures in the solar corona. The ubiquitous presence of their seemingly confined dense and cool plasma in an otherwise million-degree environment remains a puzzle. Using a decade of white light total solar eclipse observations, we show how these images reveal an intricate relationship between prominences and coronal structures both in their immediate vicinity, known as coronal cavities, and in the extended corona out to several solar radii. Observations of suspended prominences and twisted helical structures spanning several solar radii are central to these findings. The different manifestations of the prominence-corona interface that emerge frommore » this study underscore the fundamental role played by prominences in defining and controlling the complex expansion and dynamic behavior of the solar magnetic field in the neighborhood of magnetic polarity reversal regions. This study suggests that the unraveling of prominences and the outward expansion of the helical twisted field lines linked to them could be the solar origin of twisted magnetic flux ropes detected in interplanetary space, and of the mechanism by which the Sun sheds its magnetic helicity. This work also underscores the likely role of the prominence-corona interface as a source of the slow solar wind.« less

Crystal structure of Escherichia coli-expressed Haloarcula marismortui bacteriorhodopsin I in the trimeric form.

PubMed

Shevchenko, Vitaly; Gushchin, Ivan; Polovinkin, Vitaly; Round, Ekaterina; Borshchevskiy, Valentin; Utrobin, Petr; Popov, Alexander; Balandin, Taras; Büldt, Georg; Gordeliy, Valentin

2014-01-01

Bacteriorhodopsins are a large family of seven-helical transmembrane proteins that function as light-driven proton pumps. Here, we present the crystal structure of a new member of the family, Haloarcula marismortui bacteriorhodopsin I (HmBRI) D94N mutant, at the resolution of 2.5 Å. While the HmBRI retinal-binding pocket and proton donor site are similar to those of other archaeal proton pumps, its proton release region is extended and contains additional water molecules. The protein's fold is reinforced by three novel inter-helical hydrogen bonds, two of which result from double substitutions relative to Halobacterium salinarum bacteriorhodopsin and other similar proteins. Despite the expression in Escherichia coli and consequent absence of native lipids, the protein assembles as a trimer in crystals. The unique extended loop between the helices D and E of HmBRI makes contacts with the adjacent protomer and appears to stabilize the interface. Many lipidic hydrophobic tail groups are discernible in the membrane region, and their positions are similar to those of archaeal isoprenoid lipids in the crystals of other proton pumps, isolated from native or native-like sources. All these features might explain the HmBRI properties and establish the protein as a novel model for the microbial rhodopsin proton pumping studies.

High Efficiency Electron-Laser Interactions in Tapered Helical Undulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duris, Joseph Patrick

Efficient coupling of relativistic electron beams with high power radiation lies at the heart of advanced accelerator and light source research and development. The inverse free electron laser is a stable accelerator capable of harnessing very high intensity laser electric fields to efficiently transfer large powers from lasers to electron beams. In this dissertation, we first present the theoretical framework to describe the interaction, and then apply our improved understanding of the IFEL to the design and numerical study of meter-long, GeV IFELs for compact light sources. The central experimental work of the dissertation is the UCLA BNL helical inverse free electron laser experiment at the Accelerator Test Facility in Brookhaven National Laboratory which used a strongly tapered 54cm long, helical, permanent magnet undulator and a several hundred GW CO2 laser to accelerate electrons from 52 to 106MeV, setting new records for inverse free electron laser energy gain (54MeV) and average accelerating gradient (100MeV/m). The undulator design and fabrication as well as experimental diagnostics are presented. In order to improve the stability and quality of the accelerated electron beam, we redesigned the undulator for a slightly reduced output energy by modifying the magnet gap throughout the undulator, and we used this modified undulator to demonstrated capture of >25% of the injected beam without prebunching. In the study of heavily loaded GeV inverse free electron lasers, we show that a majority of the power may be transferred from a laser to the accelerated electron beam. Reversing the process to decelerate high power electron beams, a mechanism we refer to as tapering enhanced stimulated superradiant amplification, offers a clear path to high power light sources. We present studies of radiation production for a wide range of wavelengths (10mum, 13nm, and 0.3nm) using this method and discuss the design for a deceleration experiment using the same undulator used for acceleration in this experiment. By accounting for the evolving radiation field in the design of the undulator tapering, a large fraction of energy may be transferred between the electrons and laser, enabling compact, high-current GeV accelerators and various wavelength light-sources of unprecedented peak powers.

Conformational dynamics of the inner pore helix of voltage-gated potassium channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choe, Seungho; Grabe, Michael

2009-06-01

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels control the electrical excitability of neurons and muscles. Despite this key role, how these channels open and close or gate is not fully understood. Gating is usually attributed to the bending and straightening of pore-lining helices at glycine and proline residues. In this work we focused on the role of proline in the Pro-Val-Pro (PVP) motif of the inner S6 helix in the Kv1.2 channel. We started by developing a simple hinged-rod model to fully explore the configurational space of bent helices and we related these configurations to the degree of pore opening. We then carried out fully atomistic simulations of the S6 helices and compared these simulations to the hinged-rod model. Both methods suggest that Kv1 channels are not tightly closed when the inner helices are straight, unlike what is seen in the non-PVP containing channels KcsA and KirBac. These results invite the possibility that the S6 helices may be kinked when Kv1 channels are closed. Our simulations indicate that the wild-type helix adopts multiple spatially distinct configurations, which is consistent with its role in adopting a closed state and an open state. The two most dominant configurational basins correspond to a 6 Å movement of the helix tail accompanied by the PVP region undergoing a local α-helix to 310-helix transition. We explored how single point mutations affect the propensity of the S6 helix to adopt particular configurations. Interestingly, mutating the first proline, P405 (P473 in Shaker), to alanine completely removed the bistable nature of the S6 helix possibly explaining why this mutation compromises the channel. Next, we considered four other mutations in the area known to affect channel gating and we saw similarly dramatic changes to the helix's dynamics and range of motion. Our results suggest a possible mechanism of helix pore closure and they suggest differences in the closed state of glycine-only channels, like KcsA, and PVP containing channels.

Autonomously folded α-helical lockers promote RNAi*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guyader, Christian P. E.; Lamarre, Baptiste; de Santis, Emiliana; Noble, James E.; Slater, Nigel K.; Ryadnov, Maxim G.

2016-10-01

RNAi is an indispensable research tool with a substantial therapeutic potential. However, the complete transition of the approach to an applied capability remains hampered due to poorly understood relationships between siRNA delivery and gene suppression. Here we propose that interfacial tertiary contacts between α-helices can regulate siRNA cytoplasmic delivery and RNAi. We introduce a rationale of helical amphipathic lockers that differentiates autonomously folded helices, which promote gene silencing, from helices folded with siRNA, which do not. Each of the helical designs can deliver siRNA into cells via energy-dependent endocytosis, while only autonomously folded helices with pre-locked hydrophobic interfaces were able to promote statistically appreciable gene silencing. We propose that it is the amphipathic locking of interfacing helices prior to binding to siRNA that enables RNAi. The rationale offers structurally balanced amphipathic scaffolds to advance the exploitation of functional RNAi.

Autonomously folded α-helical lockers promote RNAi*

PubMed Central

Guyader, Christian P. E.; Lamarre, Baptiste; De Santis, Emiliana; Noble, James E.; Slater, Nigel K.; Ryadnov, Maxim G.

2016-01-01

RNAi is an indispensable research tool with a substantial therapeutic potential. However, the complete transition of the approach to an applied capability remains hampered due to poorly understood relationships between siRNA delivery and gene suppression. Here we propose that interfacial tertiary contacts between α-helices can regulate siRNA cytoplasmic delivery and RNAi. We introduce a rationale of helical amphipathic lockers that differentiates autonomously folded helices, which promote gene silencing, from helices folded with siRNA, which do not. Each of the helical designs can deliver siRNA into cells via energy-dependent endocytosis, while only autonomously folded helices with pre-locked hydrophobic interfaces were able to promote statistically appreciable gene silencing. We propose that it is the amphipathic locking of interfacing helices prior to binding to siRNA that enables RNAi. The rationale offers structurally balanced amphipathic scaffolds to advance the exploitation of functional RNAi. PMID:27721465

Autonomously folded α-helical lockers promote RNAi.

PubMed

Guyader, Christian P E; Lamarre, Baptiste; De Santis, Emiliana; Noble, James E; Slater, Nigel K; Ryadnov, Maxim G

2016-10-10

RNAi is an indispensable research tool with a substantial therapeutic potential. However, the complete transition of the approach to an applied capability remains hampered due to poorly understood relationships between siRNA delivery and gene suppression. Here we propose that interfacial tertiary contacts between α-helices can regulate siRNA cytoplasmic delivery and RNAi. We introduce a rationale of helical amphipathic lockers that differentiates autonomously folded helices, which promote gene silencing, from helices folded with siRNA, which do not. Each of the helical designs can deliver siRNA into cells via energy-dependent endocytosis, while only autonomously folded helices with pre-locked hydrophobic interfaces were able to promote statistically appreciable gene silencing. We propose that it is the amphipathic locking of interfacing helices prior to binding to siRNA that enables RNAi. The rationale offers structurally balanced amphipathic scaffolds to advance the exploitation of functional RNAi.

Self-Assembly of Helical Ribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zastavker, Yevgeniya V.; Asherie, Neer; Lomakin, Aleksey; Pande, Jayanti; Donovan, Joanne M.; Schnur, Joel M.; Benedek, George B.

1999-07-01

The self-assembly of helical ribbons is examined in a variety of multicomponent enantiomerically pure systems that contain a bile salt or a nonionic detergent, a phosphatidylcholine or a fatty acid, and a steroid analog of cholesterol. In almost all systems, two different pitch types of helical ribbons are observed: high pitch, with a pitch angle of 54± 2 degrees, and low pitch, with a pitch angle of 11± 2 degrees. Although the majority of these helices are right-handed, a small proportion of left-handed helices is observed. Additionally, a third type of helical ribbon, with a pitch angle in the range 30-47 degrees, is occasionally found. These experimental findings suggest that the helical ribbons are crystalline rather than liquid crystal in nature and also suggest that molecular chirality may not be the determining factor in helix formation. The large yields of helices produced will permit a systematic investigation of their individual kinetic evolution and their elastic moduli.

Cascades of energy and helicity in axisymmetric turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Bo; Naso, Aurore; Bos, Wouter J. T.

2018-01-01

A spectral analysis of strictly axisymmetric turbulence is performed. Both freely decaying and statistically steady flows are considered. In helical flows we identify a dual cascade, where energy is transferred towards the large scales and helicity to the smallest ones. It is shown that even in the absence of net helicity, a dual cascade persists, transferring energy backward and positively and negatively polarized helicity fluctuations forward.

Radio emission from RS CVn binaries. II - Polarization and spectral properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mutel, R. L.; Morris, D. H.; Doiron, D. J.; Lestrade, J. F.

1987-01-01

Multiepoch radio observations of circular polarization and spectral characteristics of several close, late-type stellar binaries are reported. The median luminosity of four well-studied systems ranged from 16.2 to 17.1 ergs/s/Hz. For individual systems, the fractional circular polarization decreases with increasing luminosity, particularly at frequencies above 5 GHz. Eclipsing binaries have significantly lower average circular polarization compared with noneclipsing systems. Helicity reversal is almost always observed between 1.4 and 4.9 GHz for systems with high orbital inclination. Comparison with ten years of previously published polarization observations for two RS CVn stellar systems show that the same helicity occurs at a given frequency for a given source, indicating a very stable, large-scale magnetic field geometry. These spectral and polarization characteristics strongly support a model of inhomogeneous gyrosynchrotron emission arising from electrons with power law energy spectra interacting with inhomogeneous magnetic fields.

EUV spectroscopy of highly charged high Z ions in the Large Helical Device plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, C.; Koike, F.; Murakami, I.; Tamura, N.; Sudo, S.; Sakaue, H. A.; Nakamura, N.; Morita, S.; Goto, M.; Kato, D.; Nakano, T.; Higashiguchi, T.; Harte, C. S.; OʼSullivan, G.

2014-11-01

We present recent results on the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectroscopy of highly charged high Z ions in plasmas produced in the Large Helical Device (LHD) at the National Institute for Fusion Science. Tungsten, bismuth and lanthanide elements have recently been studied in the LHD in terms of their importance in fusion research and EUV light source development. In relatively low temperature plasmas, quasicontinuum emissions from open 4d or 4f subshell ions are predominant in the EUV region, while the spectra tend to be dominated by discrete lines from open 4s or 4p subshell ions in higher temperature plasmas. Comparative analyses using theoretical calculations and charge-separated spectra observed in an electron beam ion trap have been performed to achieve better agreement with the spectra measured in the LHD. As a result, databases on Z dependence of EUV spectra in plasmas have been widely extended.

Measurements of Magnetic Helicity within Two Interacting Flux Ropes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dehaas, Timothy; Gekelman, Walter

2016-10-01

Magnetic helicity (HM) has become a useful tool in the exploration of astrophysical plasmas. Its conservation in the MHD limit (and even some fluid approaches) constrains the global behavior of large plasma structures. One such astrophysical structure is a magnetic flux rope: a rope-like, current-carrying plasma embedded in an external magnetic field. Bundles of these ropes are commonly observed extending from the solar surface and can be found in the near-earth environment. In this well-diagnosed experiment (3D measurements of ne, Te, Vp, B, J, E, uflow) , two magnetic flux ropes were generated in the Large Plasma Device at UCLA. These ropes were driven kink-unstable, commencing complex motion. As they interact, helicity conservation is broken in regions of reconnection, turbulence, and instabilities. The changes in helicity can be visualized as 1) the transport of helicity (ϕB +E × A) and 2) the dissipation of the helicity (-2EB). Magnetic helicity is observed to have a negative sign and its counterpart, cross helicity, a positive one. These qualities oscillate 8% peak-to-peak. As the ropes move and the topology of the field lines change, a quasi-separatrix layer (QSL) is formed. The volume averaged HM and the largest value of Q both oscillate but not in phase. In addition to magnetic helicity, similar quantities such as self-helicity, mutual-helicity, vorticity, and canonical helicity are derived and will be presented. This work is supported by LANL-UC research Grant and done at the Basic Plasma Science Facility, which is funded by DOE and NSF.

Computational prediction of kink properties of helices in membrane proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mai, T.-L.; Chen, C.-M.

2014-02-01

We have combined molecular dynamics simulations and fold identification procedures to investigate the structure of 696 kinked and 120 unkinked transmembrane (TM) helices in the PDBTM database. Our main aim of this study is to understand the formation of helical kinks by simulating their quasi-equilibrium heating processes, which might be relevant to the prediction of their structural features. The simulated structural features of these TM helices, including the position and the angle of helical kinks, were analyzed and compared with statistical data from PDBTM. From quasi-equilibrium heating processes of TM helices with four very different relaxation time constants, we found that these processes gave comparable predictions of the structural features of TM helices. Overall, 95 % of our best kink position predictions have an error of no more than two residues and 75 % of our best angle predictions have an error of less than 15°. Various structure assessments have been carried out to assess our predicted models of TM helices in PDBTM. Our results show that, in 696 predicted kinked helices, 70 % have a RMSD less than 2 Å, 71 % have a TM-score greater than 0.5, 69 % have a MaxSub score greater than 0.8, 60 % have a GDT-TS score greater than 85, and 58 % have a GDT-HA score greater than 70. For unkinked helices, our predicted models are also highly consistent with their crystal structure. These results provide strong supports for our assumption that kink formation of TM helices in quasi-equilibrium heating processes is relevant to predicting the structure of TM helices.

The roles of the conserved tyrosine in the β2-α2 loop of the prion protein.

PubMed

Huang, Danzhi; Caflisch, Amedeo

2015-01-01

Prions cause neurodegenerative diseases for which no cure exists. Despite decades of research activities the function of the prion protein (PrP) in mammalians is not known. Moreover, little is known on the molecular mechanisms of the self-assembly of the PrP from its monomeric state (cellular PrP, PrP(C)) to the multimeric state. The latter state includes the toxic species (scrapie PrP, PrP(Sc)) knowledge of which would facilitate the development of drugs against prion diseases. Here we analyze the role of a tyrosine residue (Y169) which is strictly conserved in mammalian PrPs. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies of many mammalian PrP(C) proteins have provided evidence of a conformational equilibrium between a 3(10)-helical turn and a type I β turn conformation in the β2-α2 loop (residues 165-175). In vitro cell-free experiments of the seeded conversion of PrP(C) indicate that non-aromatic residues at position 169 reduce the formation of proteinase K-resistant PrP. Recent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of monomeric PrP and several single-point mutants show that Y169 stabilizes the 3(10)-helical turn conformation more than single-point mutants at position 169 or residues in contact with it. In the 3(10)-helical turn conformation the hydrophobic and aggregation-prone segment 169-YSNQNNF-175 is buried and thus not-available for self-assembly. From the combined analysis of simulation and experimental results it emerges that Y169 is an aggregation gatekeeper with a twofold role. Mutations related to 3 human prion diseases are interpreted on the basis of the gatekeeper role in the monomeric state. Another potential role of the Y169 side chain is the stabilization of the ordered aggregates, i.e., reduction of frangibility of filamentous protofibrils and fibrils, which is likely to reduce the generation of toxic species.

Ruby-Helix: an implementation of helical image processing based on object-oriented scripting language.

PubMed

Metlagel, Zoltan; Kikkawa, Yayoi S; Kikkawa, Masahide

2007-01-01

Helical image analysis in combination with electron microscopy has been used to study three-dimensional structures of various biological filaments or tubes, such as microtubules, actin filaments, and bacterial flagella. A number of packages have been developed to carry out helical image analysis. Some biological specimens, however, have a symmetry break (seam) in their three-dimensional structure, even though their subunits are mostly arranged in a helical manner. We refer to these objects as "asymmetric helices". All the existing packages are designed for helically symmetric specimens, and do not allow analysis of asymmetric helical objects, such as microtubules with seams. Here, we describe Ruby-Helix, a new set of programs for the analysis of "helical" objects with or without a seam. Ruby-Helix is built on top of the Ruby programming language and is the first implementation of asymmetric helical reconstruction for practical image analysis. It also allows easier and semi-automated analysis, performing iterative unbending and accurate determination of the repeat length. As a result, Ruby-Helix enables us to analyze motor-microtubule complexes with higher throughput to higher resolution.

Giant Faraday effect due to Pauli exclusion principle in 3D topological insulators.

PubMed

Paudel, Hari P; Leuenberger, Michael N

2014-02-26

Experiments using ARPES, which is based on the photoelectric effect, show that the surface states in 3D topological insulators (TI) are helical. Here we consider Weyl interface fermions due to band inversion in narrow-bandgap semiconductors, such as Pb1-xSnxTe. The positive and negative energy solutions can be identified by means of opposite helicity in terms of the spin helicity operator in 3D TI as ĥ(TI) = (1/ |p|_ |) β (σ|_ x p|_ ) · z^, where β is a Dirac matrix and z^ points perpendicular to the interface. Using the 3D Dirac equation and bandstructure calculations we show that the transitions between positive and negative energy solutions, giving rise to electron-hole pairs, obey strict optical selection rules. In order to demonstrate the consequences of these selection rules, we consider the Faraday effect due to the Pauli exclusion principle in a pump-probe setup using a 3D TI double interface of a PbTe/Pb₀.₃₁Sn₀.₆₉Te/PbTe heterostructure. For that we calculate the optical conductivity tensor of this heterostructure, which we use to solve Maxwell's equations. The Faraday rotation angle exhibits oscillations as a function of probe wavelength and thickness of the heterostructure. The maxima in the Faraday rotation angle are of the order of mrds.

Inhomogeneous helicity effect in the solar angular-momentum transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoi, Nobumitsu

2017-04-01

Coupled with mean absolute vorticity Ω∗ (rotation and mean relative vorticity), inhomogeneous turbulent helicity is expected to contribute to the generation of global flow structure against the linear and angular momentum mixing due to turbulent or eddy viscosity. This inhomogeneous helicity effect was originally derived in Yokoi & Yoshizawa (1993) [1], and recently has been validated by direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of rotating helical turbulence [2]. Turbulence effect enters the mean-vorticity equation through the turbulent vortexmotive force ⟨u'×ω'⟩ [u': velocity fluctuation, ω'(= ∇× u'): vorticity fluctuation], which is the vorticity counterpart of the electromotive force ⟨u'× b'⟩ (b': magnetic fluctuation) in the mean magnetic-field induction. The mean velocity induction δU is proportional to the vortexmotive force. According to the theoretical result [1,2], it is expressed as δU = -νT∇×Ω∗-ηT(∇2H)Ω∗, where ηT is the transport coefficient, H = ⟨u'ṡω'⟩ the turbulent helicity, and Ω∗ the mean absolute vorticity. The first term corresponds to the enhanced diffusion due to turbulent viscosity νT. The second term expresses the large-scale flow generation due to inhomogeneous helicity. Since helicity is self-generated in rotating stratified turbulence [3], an inhomogeneous helicity distribution is expected to exist in the solar convection zone. A rising flow with expansion near the surface of the Sun generates a strongly negative helicity there [4]. This spatial distribution of helicity would lead to a positive Laplacian of turbulent helicity (∇2H > 0) in the subsurface layer of the Sun. In the combination with the large-scale vorticity associated with the meridional circulation, the inhomogeneous helicity effect works for accelerating the mean velocity in the azimuthal direction. The relevance of this inhomogeneous helicity effect in the solar convection zone is discussed further. References [1] Yokoi, N. and Yoshizawa, A., "Statistical analysis of the effects of helicity in inhomogeneous turbulence," Phys. Fluids A, 5, 464-477 (1993). [2] Yokoi, N. and Brandenburg, A., "Large-scale flow generation by inhomogeneous helicity," Phys. Rev. E, 93, 033125-1-14 (2016). [3] Marino, R., Mininni, P., Rosenberg, D., and Pouquet, A., "Emergence of helicity in rotating stratified turbulence," Phys. Rev. E, 87, 033016-1-9 (2013). [4] Duarte, L. D. V., Wicht, J., Browning, M. K., and Gastine, T., "Helicity inversion in spherical convection as a means for equatorward dynamo wave propagation," Mon. Not. Roy. Astron. Soc. 456, 1708-1722 (2016).

Comparison of tip apex distance and cut-out complications between helical blades and lag screws in intertrochanteric fractures among the elderly: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Li, Shuang; Chang, Shi-Min; Niu, Wen-Xin; Ma, Hui

2015-11-01

To investigate whether helical blade implant systems have advantages in terms of tip apex distance (TAD) and cut-out rate in comparison to conventional lag screws for intertrochanteric fractures in a geriatric population. Methods: Relevant articles were sourced from the MEDLINE, Embase, Ovid and Cochrane Library databases from inception through March 2015. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes between helical blade and lag screw implant systems were selected. Mean TAD values and reported cut-out complications were noted. Each author independently assessed the relevance of the enrolled studies and the quality of the extracted data. Data were analyzed using R software. Ten studies including 1831 patients were eligible for this review, seven of which were included in a combined analysis of dichotomous outcomes and five in a combined analysis of continuous outcomes. The results revealed that, compared with lag screw implantations, the use of helical blades led to a lower rate of cut-out complications (95 % CI: 0.28–0.96, P = 0.036). Patients who experienced cut-out complications had a significantly greater tip apex distance (95 % CI: 0.68–1.34, P < 0.001). However, the actual tip apex distances were similar between the screw group and blade group (95 % CI: −0.44–0.79, P = 0.58). No difference in TAD values was found between blades and screws. In addition, the cut-out risk in the blade-design group was lower than that of the screw group. Therefore, TAD is not an accurate predictor of cut-out risk.

Image-guided total marrow and total lymphatic irradiation using helical tomotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schultheiss, Timothy E.; Wong, Jeffrey; Liu, An

2007-03-15

Purpose: To develop a treatment technique to spare normal tissue and allow dose escalation in total body irradiation (TBI). We have developed intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques for the total marrow irradiation (TMI), total lymphatic irradiation, or total bone marrow plus lymphatic irradiation using helical tomotherapy. Methods and Materials: For TBI, we typically use 12 Gy in 10 fractions delivered at an extended source-to-surface distance (SSD). Using helical tomotherapy, it is possible to deliver equally effective doses to the bone marrow and lymphatics while sparing normal organs to a significant degree. In the TMI patients, whole body skeletal bone, including the ribsmore » and sternum, comprise the treatment target. In the total lymphatic irradiation, the target is expanded to include the spleen and major lymph node areas. Sanctuary sites for disease (brain and testes) are included when clinically indicated. Spared organs include the lungs, esophagus, parotid glands, eyes, oral cavity, liver, kidneys, stomach, small and large intestine, bladder, and ovaries. Results: With TBI, all normal organs received the TBI dose; with TMI, total lymphatic irradiation, and total bone marrow plus lymphatic irradiation, the visceral organs are spared. For the first 6 patients treated with TMI, the median dose to organs at risk averaged 51% lower than would be achieved with TBI. By putting greater weight on the avoidance of specific organs, greater sparing was possible. Conclusion: Sparing of normal tissues and dose escalation is possible using helical tomotherapy. Late effects such as radiation pneumonitis, veno-occlusive disease, cataracts, neurocognitive effects, and the development of second tumors should be diminished in severity and frequency according to the dose reduction realized for the organs at risk.« less

Long-term evolution of the force-free twisted magnetosphere of a magnetar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akgün, T.; Cerdá-Durán, P.; Miralles, J. A.; Pons, J. A.

2017-12-01

We study the long-term quasi-steady evolution of the force-free magnetosphere of a magnetar coupled to its internal magnetic field. We find that magnetospheric currents can be maintained on long time-scales of the order of thousands of years. Meanwhile, the energy, helicity and twist stored in the magnetosphere all gradually increase over the course of this evolution, until a critical point is reached, beyond which a force-free magnetosphere cannot be constructed. At this point, some large-scale magnetospheric rearrangement, possibly resulting in an outburst or a flare, must occur, releasing a large fraction of the stored energy, helicity and twist. After that, the quasi-steady evolution should continue in a similar manner from the new initial conditions. The time-scale for reaching this critical point depends on the overall magnetic field strength and on the relative fraction of the toroidal field. The energy stored in the force-free magnetosphere is found to be up to ∼30 per cent larger than the corresponding vacuum energy. This implies that for a 1014 G field at the pole, the energy budget available for fast magnetospheric events is of the order of a few 1044 erg. The spin-down rate is estimated to increase by up to ∼60 per cent, since the dipole content in the magnetosphere is enhanced by the currents present there. A rough estimate of the braking index n reveals that it is systematically n < 3 for the most part of the evolution, consistent with actual measurements for pulsars and early estimates for several magnetars.

Enhanced heat transfer and frictional losses in heat exchanger tube with modified helical coiled inserts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Aditya; Kumar, Manoj; Patil, Anil Kumar

2018-04-01

The application of compact heat exchangers in any thermal system improves overall performance with a considerable reduction in size and weight. Inserts of different geometrical features have been used as turbulence promoting devices to increase the heat transfer rates. The present study deals with the experimental investigation of heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of a tubular heat exchanger fitted with modified helical coiled inserts. Experiments have been carried out for a smooth tube without insert, tube fitted with helical coiled inserts, and modified helical coiled inserts. The helical coiled inserts are tested by varying the pitch ratio and wire diameter ratio from 0.5-1.5, and 0.063-0.125, respectively for the Reynolds number range of 1400 to 11,000. Experimental data have also been collected for the modified helical coiled inserts with gradually increasing pitch (GIP) and gradually decreasing pitch (GDP) configurations. The Nusselt number and friction factor values for helical coiled inserts are enhanced in the range of 1.42-2.62, 3.4-27.4, relative to smooth tube, respectively. The modified helical coiled insert showed enhancements in Nusselt number and friction factor values in the range of 1.49-3.14, 11.2-19.9, relative to smooth tube, respectively. The helical coiled and modified helical coiled inserts have thermo-hydraulic performance factor in the range of 0.59-1.29, 0.6-1.39, respectively. The empirical correlations of Nusselt number and friction factor for helical coiled inserts are proposed.

Hydrodynamic studies of CNT nanofluids in helical coil heat exchanger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babita; Sharma, S. K.; Mital Gupta, Shipra; Kumar, Arinjay

2017-12-01

Helical coils are extensively used in several industrial processes such as refrigeration systems, chemical reactors, recovery processes etc to accommodate a large heat transfer area within a smaller space. Nanofluids are getting great attention due to their enhanced heat transfer capability. In heat transfer equipments, pressure drop is one of the major factors of consideration for pumping power calculations. So, the present work is aimed to study hydrodynamics of CNT nanofluids in helical coils. In this study, pressure drop characteristics of CNT nanofluid flowing inside horizontal helical coils are investigated experimentally. The helical coil to tube diameter was varied from 11.71 to 27.34 keeping pitch of the helical coil constant. Double distilled water was used as basefluid. SDBS and GA surfactants were added to stablilize CNT nanofluids. The volumetric fraction of CNT nanofluid was varied from 0.003 vol% to 0.051 vol%. From the experimental data, it was analyzed that the friction factor in helical coils is greater than that of straight tubes. Concentration of CNT in nanofluids also has a significant influence on the pressure drop/friction factor of helical coils. At a constant concentration of CNT, decreasing helical coil to tube diameter from 27.24 to 11.71, fanning friction factor of helical coil; f c increases for a constant value of p/d t. This increase in the value of fanning friction factor can be attributed to the secondary flow of CNT nanofluid in helical coils.

Interior noise in the untreated Gulfstream II Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuntz, H. L.; Prydz, R. A.

1989-01-01

Interior noise on the Gulfstream II Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) aircraft was measured using 19 wing, 22 fuselage, and 32 cabin-interior microphones to determine the sources of the cabin noise. Results from ground and flight test acoustic and vibration measurements and analyses show that the major source of cabin noise was the airborne propfan blade passage frequency tones. The radiated sound pressure levels and the richness of the harmonic content of the propfan increased with increasing altitude. The acoustic output of the propfan also depended on the shaft power, helical Mach number, and blade passage frequency.

Structures of the transmembrane helices of the G-protein coupled receptor, rhodopsin.

PubMed

Katragadda, M; Chopra, A; Bennett, M; Alderfer, J L; Yeagle, P L; Albert, A D

2001-07-01

An hypothesis is tested that individual peptides corresponding to the transmembrane helices of the membrane protein, rhodopsin, would form helices in solution similar to those in the native protein. Peptides containing the sequences of helices 1, 4 and 5 of rhodopsin were synthesized. Two peptides, with overlapping sequences at their termini, were synthesized to cover each of the helices. The peptides from helix 1 and helix 4 were helical throughout most of their length. The N- and C-termini of all the peptides were disordered and proline caused opening of the helical structure in both helix 1 and helix 4. The peptides from helix 5 were helical in the middle segment of each peptide, with larger disordered regions in the N- and C-termini than for helices 1 and 4. These observations show that there is a strong helical propensity in the amino acid sequences corresponding to the transmembrane domain of this G-protein coupled receptor. In the case of the peptides from helix 4, it was possible to superimpose the structures of the overlapping sequences to produce a construct covering the whole of the sequence of helix 4 of rhodopsin. As similar superposition for the peptides from helix 1 also produced a construct, but somewhat less successfully because of the disordering in the region of sequence overlap. This latter problem was more severe for helix 5 and therefore a single peptide was synthesized for the entire sequence of this helix, and its structure determined. It proved to be helical throughout. Comparison of all these structures with the recent crystal structure of rhodopsin revealed that the peptide structures mimicked the structures seen in the whole protein. Thus similar studies of peptides may provide useful information on the secondary structure of other transmembrane proteins built around helical bundles.

PRODUCTIVITY OF SOLAR FLARES AND MAGNETIC HELICITY INJECTION IN ACTIVE REGIONS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Sung-hong; Wang Haimin; Chae, Jongchul, E-mail: sp295@njit.ed

The main objective of this study is to better understand how magnetic helicity injection in an active region (AR) is related to the occurrence and intensity of solar flares. We therefore investigate the magnetic helicity injection rate and unsigned magnetic flux, as a reference. In total, 378 ARs are analyzed using SOHO/MDI magnetograms. The 24 hr averaged helicity injection rate and unsigned magnetic flux are compared with the flare index and the flare-productive probability in the next 24 hr following a measurement. In addition, we study the variation of helicity over a span of several days around the times ofmore » the 19 flares above M5.0 which occurred in selected strong flare-productive ARs. The major findings of this study are as follows: (1) for a sub-sample of 91 large ARs with unsigned magnetic fluxes in the range from (3-5) x 10{sup 22} Mx, there is a difference in the magnetic helicity injection rate between flaring ARs and non-flaring ARs by a factor of 2; (2) the GOES C-flare-productive probability as a function of helicity injection displays a sharp boundary between flare-productive ARs and flare-quiet ones; (3) the history of helicity injection before all the 19 major flares displayed a common characteristic: a significant helicity accumulation of (3-45) x 10{sup 42} Mx{sup 2} during a phase of monotonically increasing helicity over 0.5-2 days. Our results support the notion that helicity injection is important in flares, but it is not effective to use it alone for the purpose of flare forecast. It is necessary to find a way to better characterize the time history of helicity injection as well as its spatial distribution inside ARs.« less

Productivity of Solar Flares and Magnetic Helicity Injection in Active Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Sung-hong; Chae, Jongchul; Wang, Haimin

2010-07-01

The main objective of this study is to better understand how magnetic helicity injection in an active region (AR) is related to the occurrence and intensity of solar flares. We therefore investigate the magnetic helicity injection rate and unsigned magnetic flux, as a reference. In total, 378 ARs are analyzed using SOHO/MDI magnetograms. The 24 hr averaged helicity injection rate and unsigned magnetic flux are compared with the flare index and the flare-productive probability in the next 24 hr following a measurement. In addition, we study the variation of helicity over a span of several days around the times of the 19 flares above M5.0 which occurred in selected strong flare-productive ARs. The major findings of this study are as follows: (1) for a sub-sample of 91 large ARs with unsigned magnetic fluxes in the range from (3-5) × 1022 Mx, there is a difference in the magnetic helicity injection rate between flaring ARs and non-flaring ARs by a factor of 2; (2) the GOES C-flare-productive probability as a function of helicity injection displays a sharp boundary between flare-productive ARs and flare-quiet ones; (3) the history of helicity injection before all the 19 major flares displayed a common characteristic: a significant helicity accumulation of (3-45) × 1042 Mx2 during a phase of monotonically increasing helicity over 0.5-2 days. Our results support the notion that helicity injection is important in flares, but it is not effective to use it alone for the purpose of flare forecast. It is necessary to find a way to better characterize the time history of helicity injection as well as its spatial distribution inside ARs.

A remarkable solvent effect on the nuclearity of neutral titanium(IV)-based helicate assemblies.

PubMed

Weekes, David Michael; Diebold, Carine; Mobian, Pierre; Huguenard, Clarisse; Allouche, Lionel; Henry, Marc

2014-04-22

The spontaneous self-assembly of a neutral circular trinuclear Ti(IV) -based helicate is described through the reaction of titanium(IV) isopropoxide with a rationally designed tetraphenolic ligand. The trimeric ring helicate was obtained after diffusion of n-pentane into a solution with dichloromethane. The circular helicate has been characterized by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction study, (13) C CP-MAS NMR and (1) H NMR DOSY solution spectroscopic, and positive electrospray ionization mass-spectrometric analysis. These analytical data were compared with those obtained from a previously reported double-stranded helicate that crystallizes in toluene. The trimeric ring was unstable in a pure solution with dichloromethane and transformed into the double-stranded helicate. Thermodynamic analysis by means of the PACHA software revealed that formation of the double-stranded helicates was characterized by ΔH(toluene)=-30 kJ mol(-1) and ΔS(toluene)=+357 J K(-1)  mol(-1) , whereas these values were ΔH(CH2 Cl2 )=-75 kJ mol(-1) and ΔS(CH2 Cl2 )=-37 J K(-1)  mol(-1) for the ring helicate. The transformation of the ring helicate into the double-stranded helicate was a strongly endothermic process characterized by ΔH(CH2 Cl2 )=+127 kJ mol(-1) and ΔH(n-pentane)=+644 kJ mol(-1) associated with a large positive entropy change ΔS=+1115 J K(-1) ⋅mol(-1) . Consequently, the instability of the ring helicate in pure dichloromethane was attributed to the rather high dielectric constant and dipole moment of dichloromethane relative to n-pentane. Suggestions for increasing the stability of the ring helicate are given. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

CURRENT AND KINETIC HELICITY OF LONG-LIVED ACTIVITY COMPLEXES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Komm, Rudolf; Gosain, Sanjay, E-mail: komm@nso.edu

2015-01-01

We study long-lived activity complexes and their current helicity at the solar surface and their kinetic helicity below the surface. The current helicity has been determined from synoptic vector magnetograms from the NSO/SOLIS facility, and the kinetic helicity of subsurface flows has been determined with ring-diagram analysis applied to full-disk Dopplergrams from NSO/GONG and SDO/HMI. Current and kinetic helicity of activity complexes follow the hemispheric helicity rule with mainly positive values (78%; 78%, respectively, with a 95% confidence level of 31%) in the southern hemisphere and negative ones (80%; 93%, respectively, with a 95% confidence level of 22% and 14%,more » respectively) in the northern hemisphere. The locations with the dominant sign of kinetic helicity derived from Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) and SDO/HMI data are more organized than those of the secondary sign even if they are not part of an activity complex, while locations with the secondary sign are more fragmented. This is the case for both hemispheres even for the northern one where it is not as obvious visually due to the large amount of magnetic activity present as compared to the southern hemisphere. The current helicity shows a similar behavior. The dominant sign of current helicity is the same as that of kinetic helicity for the majority of the activity complexes (83% with a 95% confidence level of 15%). During the 24 Carrington rotations analyzed here, there is at least one longitude in each hemisphere where activity complexes occur repeatedly throughout the epoch. These ''active'' longitudes are identifiable as locations of strong current and kinetic helicity of the same sign.« less

On the resilience of helical magnetic fields to turbulent diffusion and the astrophysical implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blackman, Eric G.; Subramanian, Kandaswamy

2013-02-01

The extent to which large-scale magnetic fields are susceptible to turbulent diffusion is important for interpreting the need for in situ large-scale dynamos in astrophysics and for observationally inferring field strengths compared to kinetic energy. By solving coupled evolution equations for magnetic energy and magnetic helicity in a system initialized with isotropic turbulence and an arbitrarily helical large-scale field, we quantify the decay rate of the latter for a bounded or periodic system. The magnetic energy associated with the non-helical large-scale field decays at least as fast as the kinematically estimated turbulent diffusion rate, but the decay rate of the helical part depends on whether the ratio of its magnetic energy to the turbulent kinetic energy exceeds a critical value given by M1, c = (k1/k2)2, where k1 and k2 are the wavenumbers of the large and forcing scales. Turbulently diffusing helical fields to small scales while conserving magnetic helicity requires a rapid increase in total magnetic energy. As such, only when the helical field is subcritical can it so diffuse. When supercritical, it decays slowly, at a rate determined by microphysical dissipation even in the presence of macroscopic turbulence. In effect, turbulent diffusion of such a large-scale helical field produces small-scale helicity whose amplification abates further turbulent diffusion. Two curious implications are that (1) standard arguments supporting the need for in situ large-scale dynamos based on the otherwise rapid turbulent diffusion of large-scale fields require re-thinking since only the large-scale non-helical field is so diffused in a closed system. Boundary terms could however provide potential pathways for rapid change of the large-scale helical field. (2) Since M1, c ≪ 1 for k1 ≪ k2, the presence of long-lived ordered large-scale helical fields as in extragalactic jets do not guarantee that the magnetic field dominates the kinetic energy.

Tire

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benzing, II, James Alfred (Inventor); Kish, James Christopher (Inventor); Asnani, Vivake Manohar (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A tire includes a plurality of helical springs. Each helical spring includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each helical spring is interlaced with at least one other helical spring thereby forming a laced toroidal structure extending about an entire circumference of the tire.

Accurate Cold-Test Model of Helical TWT Slow-Wave Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kory, Carol L.; Dayton, James A., Jr.

1997-01-01

Recently, a method has been established to accurately calculate cold-test data for helical slow-wave structures using the three-dimensional electromagnetic computer code, MAFIA. Cold-test parameters have been calculated for several helical traveling-wave tube (TWT) slow-wave circuits possessing various support rod configurations, and results are presented here showing excellent agreement with experiment. The helical models include tape thickness, dielectric support shapes and material properties consistent with the actual circuits. The cold-test data from this helical model can be used as input into large-signal helical TWT interaction codes making it possible, for the first time, to design a complete TWT via computer simulation.

ON THE INJECTION OF HELICITY BY THE SHEARING MOTION OF FLUXES IN RELATION TO FLARES AND CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vemareddy, P.; Ambastha, A.; Maurya, R. A.

An investigation of helicity injection by photospheric shear motions is carried out for two active regions (ARs), NOAA 11158 and 11166, using line-of-sight magnetic field observations obtained from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. We derived the horizontal velocities in the ARs from the differential affine velocity estimator (DAVE) technique. Persistent strong shear motions at maximum velocities in the range of 0.6-0.9 km s{sup -1} along the magnetic polarity inversion line and outward flows from the peripheral regions of the sunspots were observed in the two ARs. The helicities injected in NOAA 11158 and 11166more » during their six-day evolution period were estimated as 14.16 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 42} Mx{sup 2} and 9.5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 42} Mx{sup 2}, respectively. The estimated injection rates decreased up to 13% by increasing the time interval between the magnetograms from 12 minutes to 36 minutes, and increased up to 9% by decreasing the DAVE window size from 21 Multiplication-Sign 18 to 9 Multiplication-Sign 6 pixel{sup 2}, resulting in 10% variation in the accumulated helicity. In both ARs, the flare-prone regions (R2) had inhomogeneous helicity flux distribution with mixed helicities of both signs and coronal mass ejection (CME) prone regions had almost homogeneous distribution of helicity flux dominated by a single sign. The temporal profiles of helicity injection showed impulsive variations during some flares/CMEs due to negative helicity injection into the dominant region of positive helicity flux. A quantitative analysis reveals a marginally significant association of helicity flux with CMEs but not flares in AR 11158, while for the AR 11166, we find a marginally significant association of helicity flux with flares but not CMEs, providing evidence of the role of helicity injection at localized sites of the events. These short-term variations of helicity flux are further discussed in view of possible flare-related effects. This study suggests that flux motions and spatial distribution of helicity injection are important to understanding the complex nature of the magnetic flux system of the AR, and how it can lead to conditions favorable for eruptive events.« less

76 FR 57075 - Helical Spring Lock Washers From China and Taiwan

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-15

... INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation Nos. 731-TA-624-625; Third Review] Helical Spring... duty orders on helical spring lock washers from China and Taiwan. AGENCY: United States International...) to determine whether revocation of the antidumping duty orders on helical spring lock washers from...

Backbone hydration determines the folding signature of amino acid residues.

PubMed

Bignucolo, Olivier; Leung, Hoi Tik Alvin; Grzesiek, Stephan; Bernèche, Simon

2015-04-08

The relation between the sequence of a protein and its three-dimensional structure remains largely unknown. A lasting dream is to elucidate the side-chain-dependent driving forces that govern the folding process. Different structural data suggest that aromatic amino acids play a particular role in the stabilization of protein structures. To better understand the underlying mechanism, we studied peptides of the sequence EGAAXAASS (X = Gly, Ile, Tyr, Trp) through comparison of molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories and NMR residual dipolar coupling (RDC) measurements. The RDC data for aromatic substitutions provide evidence for a kink in the peptide backbone. Analysis of the MD simulations shows that the formation of internal hydrogen bonds underlying a helical turn is key to reproduce the experimental RDC values. The simulations further reveal that the driving force leading to such helical-turn conformations arises from the lack of hydration of the peptide chain on either side of the bulky aromatic side chain, which can potentially act as a nucleation point initiating the folding process.

Cutting Edge: Molecular Structure of the IL-1R-Associated Kinase-4 Death Domain and Its Implications for TLR Signaling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lasker, Michael V.; Gajjar, Mark M.; Nair, Satish K.

2010-07-19

IL-1R-associated kinase (IRAK) 4 is an essential component of innate immunity. IRAK-4 deficiency in mice and humans results in severe impairment of IL-1 and TLR signaling. We have solved the crystal structure for the death domain of Mus musculus IRAK-4 to 1.7 {angstrom} resolution. This is the first glimpse of the structural details of a mammalian IRAK family member. The crystal structure reveals a six-helical bundle with a prominent loop, which among IRAKs and Pelle, a Drosophila homologue, is unique to IRAK-4. This highly structured loop contained between helices two and three, comprises an 11-aa stretch. Although innate immune domainmore » recognition is thought to be very similar between Drosophila and mammals, this structural component points to a drastic difference. This structure can be used as a framework for future mutation and deletion studies and potential drug design.« less

Discontinuous Transition from Direct to Inverse Cascade in Three-Dimensional Turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahoo, Ganapati; Alexakis, Alexandros; Biferale, Luca

2017-04-01

Inviscid invariants of flow equations are crucial in determining the direction of the turbulent energy cascade. In this work we investigate a variant of the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations that shares exactly the same ideal invariants (energy and helicity) and the same symmetries (under rotations, reflections, and scale transforms) as the original equations. It is demonstrated that the examined system displays a change in the direction of the energy cascade when varying the value of a free parameter which controls the relative weights of the triadic interactions between different helical Fourier modes. The transition from a forward to inverse cascade is shown to occur at a critical point in a discontinuous manner with diverging fluctuations close to criticality. Our work thus supports the observation that purely isotropic and three-dimensional flow configurations can support inverse energy transfer when interactions are altered and that inside all turbulent flows there is a competition among forward and backward transfer mechanisms which might lead to multiple energy-containing turbulent states.

Chemical Synthesis of Hydrocarbon-Stapled Peptides for Protein Interaction Research and Therapeutic Targeting

PubMed Central

Bird, Gregory H.; Crannell, W. Christian; Walensky, Loren D.

2016-01-01

The peptide alpha-helix represents one of Nature’s most featured protein shapes and is employed in a diversity of protein architectures, spanning the very cytoskeletal infrastructure of the cell to the most intimate contact points between crucial signaling proteins. By installing an all-hydrocarbon crosslink into native sequences, we recapitulate the shape and biological activity of natural peptide alpha-helices, yielding a chemical toolbox to both interrogate the protein interactome and modulate interaction networks for potential therapeutic benefit. Here, we describe our latest approach to synthesizing Stabilized Alpha-Helices (SAH) corresponding to key protein interaction domains. We emphasize a stepwise approach to the production of crosslinking non-natural amino acids, their incorporation into peptide templates, and the application of ruthenium-catalyzed ring closing metathesis to generate hydrocarbon-stapled peptides. Through facile derivatization and functionalization steps, SAHs can be tailored for a broad range of applications in biochemical, structural, proteomic, cellular and in vivo studies. PMID:23801563

The helix bundle: A reversible lipid binding motif

PubMed Central

Narayanaswami, Vasanthy; Kiss, Robert S.; Weers, Paul M.M.

2009-01-01

Apolipoproteins are the protein components of lipoproteins that have the innate ability to inter convert between a lipid-free and a lipid-bound form in a facile manner, a remarkable property conferred by the helix bundle motif. Composed of a series of four or five amphipathic α-helices that fold to form a helix bundle, this motif allows the en face orientation of the hydrophobic faces of the α-helices in the protein interior in the lipid-free state. A conformational switch then permits helix-helix interactions to be substituted by helix-lipid interactions upon lipid binding interaction. This review compares the apolipoprotein high resolution structures and the factors that trigger this switch in insect apolipophorin III and the mammalian apolipoproteins, apolipoprotein E and apolipoprotein A-I, pointing out the commonalities and key differences in the mode of lipid interaction. Further insights into the lipid bound conformation of apolipoproteins are required to fully understand their functional role under physiological conditions. PMID:19770066

Preliminary Retrospective Analysis of Daily Tomotherapy Output Constancy Checks Using Statistical Process Control.

PubMed

Mezzenga, Emilio; D'Errico, Vincenzo; Sarnelli, Anna; Strigari, Lidia; Menghi, Enrico; Marcocci, Francesco; Bianchini, David; Benassi, Marcello

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the results from a Helical TomoTherapy Hi-Art treatment system relating to quality controls based on daily static and dynamic output checks using statistical process control methods. Individual value X-charts, exponentially weighted moving average charts, and process capability and acceptability indices were used to monitor the treatment system performance. Daily output values measured from January 2014 to January 2015 were considered. The results obtained showed that, although the process was in control, there was an out-of-control situation in the principal maintenance intervention for the treatment system. In particular, process capability indices showed a decreasing percentage of points in control which was, however, acceptable according to AAPM TG148 guidelines. Our findings underline the importance of restricting the acceptable range of daily output checks and suggest a future line of investigation for a detailed process control of daily output checks for the Helical TomoTherapy Hi-Art treatment system.

Self-Assembled Polysaccharide Nanotubes Generated from β-1,3-Glucan Polysaccharides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Numata, Munenori; Shinkai, Seiji

β-1,3-Glucans act as unique natural nanotubes, the features of which are greatly different from other natural or synthetic helical polymers. The origin mostly stems from their strong helix-forming nature and reversible interconversion between single-strand random coil and triple-strand helix. During this interconversion process, they can accept functional polymers, molecular assemblies and nanoparticles in an induced-fit manner to create water-soluble one-dimensional nanocomposites, where individual conjugated polymers or molecular assemblies can be incorporated into the one-dimensional hollow constructed by the helical superstructure of β-1,3-glucans. The advantageous point of the β-1,3-glucan hosting system is that the selective modification of β-1,3-glucans leads to the creation of various functional one-dimensional nanocomposites in a supramolecular manner, being applicable toward fundamental nanomaterials such as sensors or circuits. Furthermore, the composites with functional surfaces can act as one-dimensional building blocks toward further hierarchical self-assemblies, leading to the creation of two- or three-dimensional nanoarchitectures.

Multiferroicity in an organic charge-transfer salt that is suggestive of electric-dipole-driven magnetism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lunkenheimer, Peter; Müller, Jens; Krohns, Stephan; Schrettle, Florian; Loidl, Alois; Hartmann, Benedikt; Rommel, Robert; de Souza, Mariano; Hotta, Chisa; Schlueter, John A.; Lang, Michael

2012-09-01

Multiferroics, showing simultaneous ordering of electrical and magnetic degrees of freedom, are remarkable materials as seen from both the academic and technological points of view. A prominent mechanism of multiferroicity is the spin-driven ferroelectricity, often found in frustrated antiferromagnets with helical spin order. There, as for conventional ferroelectrics, the electrical dipoles arise from an off-centre displacement of ions. However, recently a different mechanism, namely purely electronic ferroelectricity, where charge order breaks inversion symmetry, has attracted considerable interest. Here we provide evidence for ferroelectricity, accompanied by antiferromagnetic spin order, in a two-dimensional organic charge-transfer salt, thus representing a new class of multiferroics. We propose a charge-order-driven mechanism leading to electronic ferroelectricity in this material. Quite unexpectedly for electronic ferroelectrics, dipolar and spin order arise nearly simultaneously. This can be ascribed to the loss of spin frustration induced by the ferroelectric ordering. Hence, here the spin order is driven by the ferroelectricity, in marked contrast to the spin-driven ferroelectricity in helical magnets.

Origin of a folded repeat protein from an intrinsically disordered ancestor

PubMed Central

Zhu, Hongbo; Sepulveda, Edgardo; Hartmann, Marcus D; Kogenaru, Manjunatha; Ursinus, Astrid; Sulz, Eva; Albrecht, Reinhard; Coles, Murray; Martin, Jörg; Lupas, Andrei N

2016-01-01

Repetitive proteins are thought to have arisen through the amplification of subdomain-sized peptides. Many of these originated in a non-repetitive context as cofactors of RNA-based replication and catalysis, and required the RNA to assume their active conformation. In search of the origins of one of the most widespread repeat protein families, the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR), we identified several potential homologs of its repeated helical hairpin in non-repetitive proteins, including the putatively ancient ribosomal protein S20 (RPS20), which only becomes structured in the context of the ribosome. We evaluated the ability of the RPS20 hairpin to form a TPR fold by amplification and obtained structures identical to natural TPRs for variants with 2–5 point mutations per repeat. The mutations were neutral in the parent organism, suggesting that they could have been sampled in the course of evolution. TPRs could thus have plausibly arisen by amplification from an ancestral helical hairpin. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.16761.001 PMID:27623012

Gyrofluid modeling and phenomenology of low-βe Alfvén wave turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Passot, T.; Sulem, P. L.; Tassi, E.

2018-04-01

A two-field reduced gyrofluid model including electron inertia, ion finite Larmor radius corrections, and parallel magnetic field fluctuations is derived from the model of Brizard [Brizard, Phys. Fluids B 4, 1213 (1992)]. It assumes low βe, where βe indicates the ratio between the equilibrium electron pressure and the magnetic pressure exerted by a strong uniform magnetic guide field, but permits an arbitrary ion-to-electron equilibrium temperature ratio. It is shown to have a noncanonical Hamiltonian structure and provides a convenient framework for studying kinetic Alfvén wave turbulence, from magnetohydrodynamics to sub-de scales (where de holds for the electron skin depth). Magnetic energy spectra are phenomenologically determined within energy and generalized cross-helicity cascades in the perpendicular spectral plane. Arguments based on absolute statistical equilibria are used to predict the direction of the transfers, pointing out that, within the sub-ion range, the generalized cross-helicity could display an inverse cascade if injected at small scales, for example by reconnection processes.

Effects of Helicity on Lagrangian and Eulerian Time Correlations in Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubinstein, Robert; Zhou, Ye

1998-01-01

Taylor series expansions of turbulent time correlation functions are applied to show that helicity influences Eulerian time correlations more strongly than Lagrangian time correlations: to second order in time, the helicity effect on Lagrangian time correlations vanishes, but the helicity effect on Eulerian time correlations is nonzero. Fourier analysis shows that the helicity effect on Eulerian time correlations is confined to the largest inertial range scales. Some implications for sound radiation by swirling flows are discussed.

Processing and plating helical metallic coils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The results of research efforts to develop an optimized nickel cobalt coating suitable as a recording medium are outlined. The coating is to be used directly on a BeCu helical coil substrate of a helical coil NASA recorder. Specifically, efforts were made to: optimize the coating thickness; establish processes and techniques adaptable for the production of finalized plated helical coils; design and fabricate the equipment required for production and testing of the coils; and deliver finalized helical coils to NASA.

Transferability of different classical force fields for right and left handed α-helices constructed from enantiomeric amino acids.

PubMed

Biswas, Santu; Sarkar, Sujit; Pandey, Prithvi Raj; Roy, Sudip

2016-02-21

Amino acids can form d and l enantiomers, of which the l enantiomer is abundant in nature. The naturally occurring l enantiomer has a greater preference for a right handed helical conformation, and the d enantiomer for a left handed helical conformation. The other conformations, that is, left handed helical conformations of the l enantiomers and right handed helical conformations of the d enantiomers, are not common. The energetic differences between left and right handed alpha helical peptide chains constructed from enantiomeric amino acids are investigated using quantum chemical calculations (using the M06/6-311g(d,p) level of theory). Further, the performances of commonly used biomolecular force fields (OPLS/AA, CHARMM27/CMAP and AMBER) to represent the different helical conformations (left and right handed) constructed from enantiomeric (D and L) amino acids are evaluated. 5- and 10-mer chains from d and l enantiomers of alanine, leucine, lysine, and glutamic acid, in right and left handed helical conformations, are considered in the study. Thus, in total, 32 α-helical polypeptides (4 amino acids × 4 conformations of 5-mer and 10-mer) are studied. Conclusions, with regards to the performance of the force fields, are derived keeping the quantum optimized geometry as the benchmark, and on the basis of phi and psi angle calculations, hydrogen bond analysis, and different long range helical order parameters.

Data on diverse roles of helix perturbations in membrane proteins.

PubMed

Shelar, Ashish; Bansal, Manju

2016-12-01

The various structural variations observed in TM helices of membrane proteins have been deconstructed into 9 distinct types of helix perturbations. These perturbations are defined by the deviation of TM helices from the predominantly observed linear α-helical conformation, to form 3 10 - and π-helices, as well as adopting curved and kinked geometries. The data presented here supplements the article 'Helix perturbations in Membrane Proteins Assist in Inter-helical Interactions and Optimal Helix Positioning in the Bilayer' (A. Shelar, M. Bansal, 2016) [1]. This data provides strong evidence for the role of various helix perturbations in influencing backbone torsion angles of helices, mediating inter-helical interactions, oligomer formation and accommodation of hydrophobic residues within the bilayer. The methodology used for creation of various datasets of membrane protein families (Sodium/Calcium exchanger and Heme Copper Oxidase) has also been mentioned.

Helical and rod-shaped bacteria swim in helical trajectories with little additional propulsion from helical shape

PubMed Central

Constantino, Maira A.; Jabbarzadeh, Mehdi; Fu, Henry C.; Bansil, Rama

2016-01-01

It has frequently been hypothesized that the helical body shapes of flagellated bacteria may yield some advantage in swimming ability. In particular, the helical-shaped pathogen Helicobacter pylori is often claimed to swim like a corkscrew through its harsh gastric habitat, but there has been no direct confirmation or quantification of such claims. Using fast time-resolution and high-magnification two-dimensional (2D) phase-contrast microscopy to simultaneously image and track individual bacteria in bacterial broth as well as mucin solutions, we show that both helical and rod-shaped H. pylori rotated as they swam, producing a helical trajectory. Cell shape analysis enabled us to determine shape as well as the rotational and translational speed for both forward and reverse motions, thereby inferring flagellar kinematics. Using the method of regularized Stokeslets, we directly compare observed speeds and trajectories to numerical calculations for both helical and rod-shaped bacteria in mucin and broth to validate the numerical model. Although experimental observations are limited to select cases, the model allows quantification of the effects of body helicity, length, and diameter. We find that due to relatively slow body rotation rates, the helical shape makes at most a 15% contribution to propulsive thrust. The effect of body shape on swimming speeds is instead dominated by variations in translational drag required to move the cell body. Because helical cells are one of the strongest candidates for propulsion arising from the cell body, our results imply that quite generally, swimming speeds of flagellated bacteria can only be increased a little by body propulsion. PMID:28138539

Impact on molecular organization of amylopectin in starch granules upon annealing.

PubMed

Vamadevan, Varatharajan; Bertoft, Eric; Soldatov, Dmitriy V; Seetharaman, Koushik

2013-10-15

This study investigated the influence of the internal structure of amylopectin on annealing (3h, 24h) of starches from four different types of amylopectin (Bertoft, Koch, & Aman, 2012; Bertoft, Piyachomkwan, Chatakanonda, & Sriroth, 2008). Regardless of the starch source and incubation time, annealing significantly increased the onset gelatinization temperature (To) and narrowed and deepened the amylopectin endotherm. However, the extent of the change in the melting temperature (Tm) and the enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH) differed among the types. In terms of the To and Tm, starches from type 1 (oat, rye, barley, and waxy barley) showed the most significant response to annealing. The Tm of starches belonging to type 2 (waxy maize, rice, waxy rice, and sago) remained unchanged after 3h of annealing. Type 1 and type 2 starches with the lowest gelatinization temperatures showed the greatest increase in melting temperature after annealing. However, type 3 (tapioca, mung bean, and arrowroot) and type 4 (potato, waxy potato, canna, and yam) starches were not in line with these observations. Instead, starches from type 3 and type 4 showed a pronounced increase in the ΔH. The inter-block chain length (IB-CL) (distance between tightly branched units within a cluster) correlated positively (r=0.93, p<0.01) with the change in enthalpy after 24h of annealing. These data indicate that a short IB-CL affects the optimum registration of double helices within the crystalline lamellae. The relationship between the gelatinization parameters before and after annealing suggests that type 1 and 2 starches might possess a high number of unpacked double helices (type 1>type 2) compared to other types. Longer IB-CLs, which facilitate the parallel packing of splayed double helices, and the lengthening of double helices likely increased the ΔH in type 3 and type 4 starches. It is concluded that annealing can be used as a probe for visualizing the organization of glucan chains (alignment of double helices/degree of perfection) within crystalline lamellae. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental observation of optical Weyl points and Fermi arcs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rechtsman, Mikael

We directly observe the presence type-II Weyl points for optical photons in a three-dimensional dielectric structure comprising arrays of evanescently-coupled, single-mode, helical waveguides. We also observe the corresponding Fermi arc surface states emerging from Weyl points (despite the use of the `Fermi arc' terminology, we are referring to bosons rather than fermions). The Weyl points are manifested by the presence of conical diffraction at the Weyl frequency in the photonic band structure, and the Fermi arc states are manifested by the emergence of surface states as we scan in frequency past the Weyl point. We map the Weyl points to Dirac points of the isofrequency surface, and the Fermi arcs to chiral edge states of an anomalous Floquet insulator. In collaboration with: Jiho Noh, Sheng Huang, Daniel Leykam*, Y. D. Chong, Kevin Chen, and Mikael C. Rechtsman M.C.R. acknowledges the National Science Foundation under Award Number ECCS-1509546, the Penn State MRSEC, Center for Nanoscale Science, under Award Number NSF DMR-1420620, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation under fellowship number FG-2016-6418.

Heat Transfer Measurements of Internally Finned Rotating Heat Pipes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

42 C. RESULTS OF STRAIGHT 22 FIN CONDENSER o . o . 51 D. RESULTS OF HELICAL 14 AND 16 FIN CONDENSER o 51 E. RESULTS OF HELICAL 36 FIN...88 C.6 RESULTS OF STRAIGHT 22 FIN CONDENSER AT 2800 RPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 C.7 RESULTS OF HELICAL 16 FIN CONDENSER ...AT 700 RPM . 90 C.8 RESULTS OF HELICAL 16 PIN CONDENSER AT 1600 RPM . 91 C.9 RESULTS OF HELICAL 16 PIN CONDENSER AT 2800 RPM . 92 C. 10 RESULTS OF

Passive Sun seeker/tracker and a thermally activated power module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siebert, C. J.; Morris, F. A.

1984-01-01

Development and testing of two mechanisms using a shape memory alloy metal (NITINOL) as the power source are described. The two mechanisms developed are a passive Sun Seeker/Tracker and a generic type power module. These mechanisms use NITINOL wire initially strained in pure torsion which provides the greatest mechanical work capacity upon recovery, as compared to other deformation modes (i.e., tension, helical springs, and bending).

Improved Design Concepts for Millimeter Wave Power Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-14

depicted in Gun current 14 A Fig. 6 (see also Fig. 2). This is a helical mode launcaer. similar to those used in conventional helix TWTs . The helix ... broadband gyro- TWT amplifiers, magnetically tunable gyro-BWAs, and phase-locked inverted gyro-twystron. The realization of high efficiency and stable...inverted gyto-twistron, known as the phigtron. The phigtron combines a subharmonic gyro- TWT amplifier input sectioq with a gyroklystron type output

Combining spatial domain multiplexing and orbital angular momentum of photon-based multiplexing to increase the bandwidth of optical fiber communication systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murshid, Syed; Alanzi, Saud; Hridoy, Arnob; Lovell, Gregory L.; Parhar, Gurinder; Chakravarty, Abhijit; Chowdhury, Bilas

2016-06-01

Spatial domain multiplexing/space division multiplexing (SDM) can increase the bandwidth of existing and futuristic optical fibers by an order of magnitude or more. In the SDM technique, we launch multiple single-mode pigtail laser sources of the same wavelength into a carrier multimode fiber at different angles. The launching angles decide the output of the carrier fiber by allocating separate spatial locations for each channel. Each channel follows a helical trajectory while traversing the length of the carrier fiber, thereby allowing spatial reuse of optical frequencies. We launch light from five different single-mode pigtail laser sources (of same wavelength) at different angles (with respect to the axis of the carrier fiber) into the carrier fiber. Owing to helical propagation, five distinct concentric donut-shaped rings with negligible crosstalk at the output end of the fiber were obtained. These SDM channels also exhibit orbital angular momentum (OAM), thereby adding an extradegree of photon freedom. We present the experimental data of five spatially multiplexed channels and compare them with simulated results to show that this technique can potentially improve the data capacity of optical fibers by an order of magnitude: A factor of five using SDM and another factor of two using OAM.

An order of magnitude improvement in optical fiber bandwidth using spatial domain multiplexing/space division multiplexing (SDM) in conjunction with orbital angular momentum (OAM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murshid, Syed; Alanzi, Saud; Hridoy, Arnob; Lovell, Greg; Parhar, Gurinder; Chakravarty, Abhijit; Chowdhury, Bilas

2014-09-01

Spatial Domain Multiplexing/Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) can increase the bandwidth of existing and futuristic optical fibers by an order of magnitude or more. In the SDM technique, we launch multiple single mode pigtail laser sources of same wavelength into a carrier fiber at different angles. The launching angles decide the output of the carrier fiber by allocating separate spatial locations for each channel. Each channel follows a helical trajectory while traversing the length of the carrier fiber, thereby allowing spatial reuse of optical frequencies. In this endeavor we launch light from five different single mode pigtail laser sources at different angles (with respect to the axis of the carrier fiber) into the carrier fiber. Owing to helical propagation we get five distinct concentric donut shaped rings with negligible crosstalk at the output end of the fiber. These SDM channels also exhibit Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM), thereby adding an extra degree of photon freedom. We present the experimental data of five spatially multiplexed channels and compare them with simulated results to show that this technique can potentially improve the data capacity of optical fibers by an order of magnitude: A factor of five using SDM and another factor of two using OAM.

Pulse Detonation Engine Thrust Tube Heat Exchanger for Flash Vaporization and Supercritical Heating of JP-8

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-01

47 Figure 21. Construction of the long heat exchanger with helical rod welded in place.... 48 Figure 22. Heat exchanger...not at a temperature at or above the dew point temperature of the mixture, some of the fuel in the mixture will re- condense . The concept of...diao (25) Where kamb = Thermal conductivity of the air [W/(m-K)] Nufc = Nusselt number for free convection The Nussult number

A Critical Review of Heat Transfer Enhancement Techniques for Use in Marine Condensers.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-01

horizontal tube, the Nusselt theory predicts that the condensate film is thinnest at the top of the tube, and thickens around the tube until at the...transfer coefficient. As pointed out above, the Nusselt analysis assumes that the condensate film drains from a horizontal tube in a continuous sheet...the condensate falling on the lower tubes does not deteriorate the thermal performance of these tubes because the helically - wrapped wires draw the

Man-portable Vector Time Domain EMI Sensor and Discrimination Processing

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-16

points of each winding are coincident. Each receiver coil is wound helically on a set of 10 grooves etched on the surface of the cube; 36- gauge wire...subset of the data, and inject various levels of noise into the position of the MPV in order to gauge the robustness of the discrimination results...as possible. The quantity φ also provides a metric to gauge goodness of fit, being essentially an average percent error: Benjamin Barrowes, Kevin

Study of the interactions between a proline-rich protein and a flavan-3-ol by NMR: residual structures in the natively unfolded protein provides anchorage points for the ligands.

PubMed

Pascal, Christine; Paté, Franck; Cheynier, Véronique; Delsuc, Marc-André

2009-09-01

Astringency is one of the major organoleptic properties of food and beverages that are made from plants, such as tea, chocolate, beer, or red wine. This sensation is thought to be due to interactions between tannins and salivary proline-rich proteins, which are natively unfolded proteins. A human salivary proline-rich protein, namely IB-5, was produced by the recombinant method. Its interactions with a model tannin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major flavan-3-ol in green tea, were studied here. Circular dichroism experiments showed that IB-5 presents residual structures (PPII helices) when the ionic strength is close to that in saliva. In the presence of these residual structures, IB-5 undergoes an increase in structural content upon binding to EGCG. NMR data corroborated the presence of preformed structural elements within the protein prior to binding and a partial assignment was proposed, showing partial structuration. TOCSY experiments showed that amino acids that are involved in PPII helices are more likely to interact with EGCG than those in random coil regions, as if they were anchorage points for the ligand. The signal from IB-5 in the DOSY NMR spectrum revealed an increase in polydispersity upon addition of EGCG while the mean hydrodynamic radius remained unchanged. This strongly suggests the formation of IB-5/EGCG aggregates.

Role of single-point mutations and deletions on transition temperatures in ideal proteinogenic heteropolymer chains in the gas phase.

PubMed

Olivares-Quiroz, L

2016-07-01

A coarse-grained statistical mechanics-based model for ideal heteropolymer proteinogenic chains of non-interacting residues is presented in terms of the size K of the chain and the set of helical propensities [Formula: see text] associated with each residue j along the chain. For this model, we provide an algorithm to compute the degeneracy tensor [Formula: see text] associated with energy level [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the number of residues with a native contact in a given conformation. From these results, we calculate the equilibrium partition function [Formula: see text] and characteristic temperature [Formula: see text] at which a transition from a low to a high entropy states is observed. The formalism is applied to analyze the effect on characteristic temperatures [Formula: see text] of single-point mutations and deletions of specific amino acids [Formula: see text] along the chain. Two probe systems are considered. First, we address the case of a random heteropolymer of size K and given helical propensities [Formula: see text] on a conformational phase space. Second, we focus our attention to a particular set of neuropentapeptides, [Met-5] and [Leu-5] enkephalins whose thermodynamic stability is a key feature on their coupling to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] receptors and the triggering of biochemical responses.

Approaches to ab initio molecular replacement of α-helical transmembrane proteins.

PubMed

Thomas, Jens M H; Simkovic, Felix; Keegan, Ronan; Mayans, Olga; Zhang, Chengxin; Zhang, Yang; Rigden, Daniel J

2017-12-01

α-Helical transmembrane proteins are a ubiquitous and important class of proteins, but present difficulties for crystallographic structure solution. Here, the effectiveness of the AMPLE molecular replacement pipeline in solving α-helical transmembrane-protein structures is assessed using a small library of eight ideal helices, as well as search models derived from ab initio models generated both with and without evolutionary contact information. The ideal helices prove to be surprisingly effective at solving higher resolution structures, but ab initio-derived search models are able to solve structures that could not be solved with the ideal helices. The addition of evolutionary contact information results in a marked improvement in the modelling and makes additional solutions possible.

Real-space processing of helical filaments in SPARX

PubMed Central

Behrmann, Elmar; Tao, Guozhi; Stokes, David L.; Egelman, Edward H.; Raunser, Stefan; Penczek, Pawel A.

2012-01-01

We present a major revision of the iterative helical real-space refinement (IHRSR) procedure and its implementation in the SPARX single particle image processing environment. We built on over a decade of experience with IHRSR helical structure determination and we took advantage of the flexible SPARX infrastructure to arrive at an implementation that offers ease of use, flexibility in designing helical structure determination strategy, and high computational efficiency. We introduced the 3D projection matching code which now is able to work with non-cubic volumes, the geometry better suited for long helical filaments, we enhanced procedures for establishing helical symmetry parameters, and we parallelized the code using distributed memory paradigm. Additional feature includes a graphical user interface that facilitates entering and editing of parameters controlling the structure determination strategy of the program. In addition, we present a novel approach to detect and evaluate structural heterogeneity due to conformer mixtures that takes advantage of helical structure redundancy. PMID:22248449

On the Mysterious Propulsion of Synechococcus

PubMed Central

Ehlers, Kurt; Oster, George

2012-01-01

We propose a model for the self-propulsion of the marine bacterium Synechococcus utilizing a continuous looped helical track analogous to that found in Myxobacteria [1]. In our model cargo-carrying protein motors, driven by proton-motive force, move along a continuous looped helical track. The movement of the cargo creates surface distortions in the form of small amplitude traveling ridges along the S-layer above the helical track. The resulting fluid motion adjacent to the helical ribbon provides the propulsive thrust. A variation on the helical rotor model of [1] allows the motors to be anchored to the peptidoglycan layer, where they drive rotation of the track creating traveling helical waves along the S-layer. We derive expressions relating the swimming speed to the amplitude, wavelength, and velocity of the surface waves induced by the helical rotor, and show that they fall in reasonable ranges to explain the velocity and rotation rate of swimming Synechococcus. PMID:22567124

75 FR 9159 - Certain Helical Spring Lock Washers from the People's Republic of China: Extension of Time Limit...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-01

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-570-822] Certain Helical Spring Lock... of the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on certain helical spring lock washers... September 30, 2008. See Certain Helical Spring Lock Washers from the People's Republic of China: Preliminary...

The helical MreB cytoskeleton in Escherichia coli MC1000/pLE7 is an artifact of the N-Terminal yellow fluorescent protein tag.

PubMed

Swulius, Matthew T; Jensen, Grant J

2012-12-01

Based on fluorescence microscopy, the actin homolog MreB has been thought to form extended helices surrounding the cytoplasm of rod-shaped bacterial cells. The presence of these and other putative helices has come to dominate models of bacterial cell shape regulation, chromosome segregation, polarity, and motility. Here we use electron cryotomography to show that MreB does in fact form extended helices and filaments in Escherichia coli when yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) is fused to its N terminus but native (untagged) MreB expressed to the same levels does not. In contrast, mCherry fused to an internal loop (MreB-RFP(SW)) does not induce helices. The helices are therefore an artifact of the placement of the fluorescent protein tag. YFP-MreB helices were also clearly distinguishable from the punctate, "patchy" localization patterns of MreB-RFP(SW), even by standard light microscopy. The many interpretations in the literature of such punctate patterns as helices should therefore be reconsidered.

Helicity transformation under the collision and merging of two magnetic flux ropes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeHaas, Timothy; Gekelman, Walter

2017-07-01

Magnetic helicity has become a useful tool in the analysis of astrophysical plasmas. Its conservation in the magnetohydrodynamic limit (and other fluid approaches) constrains the global behavior of large plasma structures. One such astrophysical structure is a magnetic flux rope: a tube-like, current-carrying plasma embedded in an external magnetic field. Bundles of these ropes are commonly observed in the near-earth environment and solar atmosphere. In this well-diagnosed experiment (three-dimensional measurements of ne, Te, Vp, B, J, E, and uflow), two magnetic flux ropes are generated in the Large Plasma Device at UCLA. These ropes are driven kink-unstable to trigger complex motion. As they interact, helicity conservation is examined in regions of reconnection. We examine (1) the transport of helicity and (2) the dissipation of the helicity. As the ropes move and the topology of the field lines diverge, a quasi-separatrix layer (QSL) is formed. As the QSL forms, magnetic helicity is dissipated within this region. At the same time, there is an influx of canonical helicity into the region such that the temporal derivative of magnetic helicity is zero.

Comparison of forcing functions in magnetohydrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKay, Mairi E.; Linkmann, Moritz; Clark, Daniel; Chalupa, Adam A.; Berera, Arjun

2017-11-01

Results are presented of direct numerical simulations of incompressible, homogeneous magnetohydrodynamic turbulence without a mean magnetic field, subject to different mechanical forcing functions commonly used in the literature. Specifically, the forces are negative damping (which uses the large-scale velocity field as a forcing function), a nonhelical random force, and a nonhelical static sinusoidal force (analogous to helical ABC forcing). The time evolution of the three ideal invariants (energy, magnetic helicity, and cross helicity), the time-averaged energy spectra, the energy ratios, and the dissipation ratios are examined. All three forcing functions produce qualitatively similar steady states with regard to the time evolution of the energy and magnetic helicity. However, differences in the cross-helicity evolution are observed, particularly in the case of the static sinusoidal method of energy injection. Indeed, an ensemble of sinusoidally forced simulations with identical parameters shows significant variations in the cross helicity over long time periods, casting some doubt on the validity of the principle of ergodicity in systems in which the injection of helicity cannot be controlled. Cross helicity can unexpectedly enter the system through the forcing function and must be carefully monitored.

Helicity conservation by flow across scales in reconnecting vortex links and knots

PubMed Central

Scheeler, Martin W.; Kleckner, Dustin; Kindlmann, Gordon L.; Irvine, William T. M.

2014-01-01

The conjecture that helicity (or knottedness) is a fundamental conserved quantity has a rich history in fluid mechanics, but the nature of this conservation in the presence of dissipation has proven difficult to resolve. Making use of recent advances, we create vortex knots and links in viscous fluids and simulated superfluids and track their geometry through topology-changing reconnections. We find that the reassociation of vortex lines through a reconnection enables the transfer of helicity from links and knots to helical coils. This process is remarkably efficient, owing to the antiparallel orientation spontaneously adopted by the reconnecting vortices. Using a new method for quantifying the spatial helicity spectrum, we find that the reconnection process can be viewed as transferring helicity between scales, rather than dissipating it. We also infer the presence of geometric deformations that convert helical coils into even smaller scale twist, where it may ultimately be dissipated. Our results suggest that helicity conservation plays an important role in fluids and related fields, even in the presence of dissipation. PMID:25326419

Studying the Transfer of Magnetic Helicity in Solar Active Regions with the Connectivity-based Helicity Flux Density Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalmasse, K.; Pariat, É.; Valori, G.; Jing, J.; Démoulin, P.

2018-01-01

In the solar corona, magnetic helicity slowly and continuously accumulates in response to plasma flows tangential to the photosphere and magnetic flux emergence through it. Analyzing this transfer of magnetic helicity is key for identifying its role in the dynamics of active regions (ARs). The connectivity-based helicity flux density method was recently developed for studying the 2D and 3D transfer of magnetic helicity in ARs. The method takes into account the 3D nature of magnetic helicity by explicitly using knowledge of the magnetic field connectivity, which allows it to faithfully track the photospheric flux of magnetic helicity. Because the magnetic field is not measured in the solar corona, modeled 3D solutions obtained from force-free magnetic field extrapolations must be used to derive the magnetic connectivity. Different extrapolation methods can lead to markedly different 3D magnetic field connectivities, thus questioning the reliability of the connectivity-based approach in observational applications. We address these concerns by applying this method to the isolated and internally complex AR 11158 with different magnetic field extrapolation models. We show that the connectivity-based calculations are robust to different extrapolation methods, in particular with regard to identifying regions of opposite magnetic helicity flux. We conclude that the connectivity-based approach can be reliably used in observational analyses and is a promising tool for studying the transfer of magnetic helicity in ARs and relating it to their flaring activity.

On the inverse transfer of (non-)helical magnetic energy in a decaying magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Kiwan

2017-12-01

In our conventional understanding, large-scale magnetic fields are thought to originate from an inverse cascade in the presence of magnetic helicity, differential rotation or a magneto-rotational instability. However, as recent simulations have given strong indications that an inverse cascade (transfer) may occur even in the absence of magnetic helicity, the physical origin of this inverse cascade is still not fully understood. We here present two simulations of freely decaying helical and non-helical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence. We verified the inverse transfer of helical and non-helical magnetic fields in both cases, but we found the underlying physical principles to be fundamentally different. In the former case, the helical magnetic component leads to an inverse cascade of magnetic energy. We derived a semi-analytic formula for the evolution of large-scale magnetic field using α coefficient and compared it with the simulation data. But in the latter case, the α effect, including other conventional dynamo theories, is not suitable to describe the inverse transfer of non-helical magnetic energy. To obtain a better understanding of the physics at work here, we introduced a 'field structure model' based on the magnetic induction equation in the presence of inhomogeneities. This model illustrates how the curl of the electromotive force leads to the build up of a large-scale magnetic field without the requirement of magnetic helicity. And we applied a quasi-normal approximation to the inverse transfer of magnetic energy.

Segregation of helicity in inertial wave packets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranjan, A.

2017-03-01

Inertial waves are known to exist in the Earth's rapidly rotating outer core and could be important for the dynamo generation. It is well known that a monochromatic inertial plane wave traveling parallel to the rotation axis (along positive z ) has negative helicity while the wave traveling antiparallel (negative z ) has positive helicity. Such a helicity segregation, north and south of the equator, is necessary for the α2-dynamo model based on inertial waves [Davidson, Geophys. J. Int. 198, 1832 (2014), 10.1093/gji/ggu220] to work. The core is likely to contain a myriad of inertial waves of different wave numbers and frequencies. In this study, we investigate whether this characteristic of helicity segregation also holds for an inertial wave packet comprising waves with the same sign of Cg ,z, the z component of group velocity. We first derive the polarization relations for inertial waves and subsequently derive the resultant helicity in wave packets forming as a result of superposition of two or more waves. We find that the helicity segregation does hold for an inertial wave packet unless the wave numbers of the constituent waves are widely separated. In the latter case, regions of opposite color helicity do appear, but the mean helicity retains the expected sign. An illustration of this observation is provided by (a) calculating the resultant helicity for a wave packet formed by superposition of four upward-propagating inertial waves with different wave vectors and (b) conducting the direct numerical simulation of a Gaussian eddy under rapid rotation. Last, the possible effects of other forces such as the viscous dissipation, the Lorentz force, buoyancy stratification, and nonlinearity on helicity are investigated and discussed. The helical structure of the wave packet is likely to remain unaffected by dissipation or the magnetic field, but can be modified by the presence of linearly stable stratification and nonlinearity.

Secondary Structural Changes of Intact and Disulfide Bridges-Cleaved Human Serum Albumins in Thermal Denaturation up to 130°C - Additive Effects of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate on the Changes.

PubMed

Moriyama, Yoshiko; Takeda, Kunio

2017-05-01

The secondary structural changes of human serum albumin with the intact 17 disulfide bridges (HSA) and the disulfide bridges-cleaved human serum albumin (RCM-HSA) in thermal denaturation were examined. Most of the helical structures of HSA, whose original helicity was 66%, were sharply disrupted between 50 and 100°C. However, 14% helicity remained even at 130°C. The temperature dependence of the degree of disrupted helical structures of HSA was discussed in connection with questions about a general protein denaturation model. When HSA lost the disulfide bridges, about two-thirds of the original helices were disrupted. Although the helices of RCM-HSA remaining after the cleavage of the disulfide bridges were relatively resistant against the heat treatment, the helicity changed from 22% at 25°C to 14% at 130℃. The helicity of RCM-HSA at 130°C agreed with the helicity of HSA at the same temperature, indicating that the same helical moieties of the polypeptides remained unaffected at this high temperature. The additive effects of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the structural changes of HSA and RCM-HSA in thermal denaturation were also examined. A slight amount of SDS protected the helical structures of HSA from thermal denaturation below 80°C. Upon cooling to 25°C after heat treatment at temperatures below 70°C with the coexistence of SDS of low concentrations, the helical structures of HSA were reformed to the original level at 25°C before heating. A similar tendency was also observed after heat treatment at 80°C. In contrast, the helical structures of the RCM-HSA complexes with SDS are completely recovered upon cooling to 25°C even after heat treatment up to 100°C. Similar investigations were also carried out on bovine serum albumins which had the intact 17 disulfide bridges and lost all of the bridges.

Measurement of limiter particle fluxes and carbon erosion in the helical scrape-off layer of startup plasmas at W7-X

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winters, V.; Biedermann, C.; Brezinsek, S.; Effenberg, F.; Frerichs, H.; Harris, J.; Schmitz, O.; Stephey, L.; Unterberg, E.; Wurden, G.; W7-X Team

2016-10-01

Measurement of the 2D recycling flux and calculations of the carbon erosion from the limiter in startup plasmas of W7-X provides a first insight into neutral particle release and impurity inflow into the helical scrape-off layer. H-alpha, C-II (514.5nm) and C-III (465.1nm) line emissions were collected with filter-scopes and a visible camera aimed at limiter 3 of W7-X. Local plasma parameters are considered to estimate physical and chemical sputtering contributions. The analytical model for chemical sputtering by Roth is used to convert the measured particle flux into a chemically eroded C flux. The particle flux as well as the extracted C erosion pattern deviates from the measured heat flux distribution and also from the predicted particle flux distribution from EMC3-EIRENE. Candidates to resolve this discrepancy are measurement uncertainties and physics related (e.g. asymmetry in the last closed flux surface position). Post-mortem analysis of the limiter will be taken into account and compared to these in-situ measurements to gather first detailed insight on the net C erosion distribution and the impurity sourcing into the helical scrape-off layer. This work was funded by DE-SC0014210, DE-AC5206NA25396, DE-AC05-00OR22725 and by EUROfusion under Grant No 633053.

Cosmic acceleration and the helicity-0 graviton

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rham, Claudia de; Heisenberg, Lavinia; Gabadadze, Gregory

2011-05-15

We explore cosmology in the decoupling limit of a nonlinear covariant extension of Fierz-Pauli massive gravity obtained recently in arXiv:1007.0443. In this limit the theory is a scalar-tensor model of a unique form defined by symmetries. We find that it admits a self-accelerated solution, with the Hubble parameter set by the graviton mass. The negative pressure causing the acceleration is due to a condensate of the helicity-0 component of the massive graviton, and the background evolution, in the approximation used, is indistinguishable from the {Lambda}CDM model. Fluctuations about the self-accelerated background are stable for a certain range of parameters involved.more » Most surprisingly, the fluctuation of the helicity-0 field above its background decouples from an arbitrary source in the linearized theory. We also show how massive gravity can remarkably screen an arbitrarily large cosmological constant in the decoupling limit, while evading issues with ghosts. The obtained static solution is stable against small perturbations, suggesting that the degravitation of the vacuum energy is possible in the full theory. Interestingly, however, this mechanism postpones the Vainshtein effect to shorter distance scales. Hence, fifth force measurements severely constrain the value of the cosmological constant that can be neutralized, making this scheme phenomenologically not viable for solving the old cosmological constant problem. We briefly speculate on a possible way out of this issue.« less

High-resolution structures of a heterochiral coiled coil

DOE PAGES

Mortenson, David E.; Steinkruger, Jay D.; Kreitler, Dale F.; ...

2015-10-12

Interactions between polypeptide chains containing amino acid residues with opposite absolute configurations have long been a source of interest and speculation, but there is very little structural information for such heterochiral associations. The need to address this lacuna has grown in recent years because of increasing interest in the use of peptides generated from D amino acids (D peptides) as specific ligands for natural proteins, e.g., to inhibit deleterious protein–protein interactions. Coiled–coil interactions, between or among α-helices, represent the most common tertiary and quaternary packing motif in proteins. Heterochiral coiled–coil interactions were predicted over 50 years ago by Crick, andmore » limited experimental data obtained in solution suggest that such interactions can indeed occur. To address the dearth of atomic-level structural characterization of heterochiral helix pairings, we report in this paper two independent crystal structures that elucidate coiled-coil packing between L- and D-peptide helices. Both structures resulted from racemic crystallization of a peptide corresponding to the transmembrane segment of the influenza M2 protein. Networks of canonical knobs-into-holes side-chain packing interactions are observed at each helical interface. Finally, however, the underlying patterns for these heterochiral coiled coils seem to deviate from the heptad sequence repeat that is characteristic of most homochiral analogs, with an apparent preference for a hendecad repeat pattern.« less

Signatures of Relativistic Helical Motion in the Rotation Measures of Active Galactic Nucleus Jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broderick, Avery E.; Loeb, Abraham

2009-10-01

Polarization has proven to be an invaluable tool for probing magnetic fields in relativistic jets. Maps of the intrinsic polarization vectors have provided the best evidence to date for uniform, toroidally dominated magnetic fields within jets. More recently, maps of the rotation measure (RM) in jets have for the first time probed the field geometry of the cool, moderately relativistic surrounding material. In most cases, clear signatures of the toroidal magnetic field are detected, corresponding to gradients in RM profiles transverse to the jet. However, in many objects, these profiles also display marked asymmetries that are difficult to explain in simple helical jet models. Furthermore, in some cases, the RM profiles are strongly frequency and/or time dependent. Here we show that these features may be naturally accounted for by including relativistic helical motion in the jet model. In particular, we are able to reproduce bent RM profiles observed in a variety of jets, frequency-dependent RM profile morphologies, and even the time dependence of the RM profiles of knots in 3C 273. Finally, we predict that some sources may show reversals in their RM profiles at sufficiently high frequencies, depending upon the ratio of the components of jet sheath velocity transverse and parallel to the jet. Thus, multi-frequency RM maps promise a novel way in which to probe the velocity structure of relativistic outflows.

EVOLUTION OF SPINNING AND BRAIDING HELICITY FLUXES IN SOLAR ACTIVE REGION NOAA 10930

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ravindra, B.; Yoshimura, Keiji; Dasso, Sergio, E-mail: ravindra@iiap.res.in, E-mail: yosimura@solar.physics.montana.edu, E-mail: dasso@df.uba.ar

2011-12-10

The line-of-sight magnetograms from Solar Optical Telescope Narrowband Filter Imager observations of NOAA Active Region 10930 have been used to study the evolution of spinning and braiding helicities over a period of five days starting from 2006 December 9. The north (N) polarity sunspot was the follower and the south (S) polarity sunspot was the leader. The N-polarity sunspot in the active region was rotating in the counterclockwise direction. The rate of rotation was small during the first two days of observations and it increased up to 8 Degree-Sign hr{sup -1} on the third day of the observations. On themore » fourth and fifth days it remained at 4 Degree-Sign hr{sup -1} with small undulations in its magnitude. The sunspot rotated about 260 Degree-Sign in the last three days. The S-polarity sunspot did not complete more than 20 Degree-Sign in five days. However, it changed its direction of rotation five times over a period of five days and injected both the positive and negative type of spin helicity fluxes into the corona. Through the five days, both the positive and negative sunspot regions injected equal amounts of spin helicity. The total injected helicity is predominantly negative in sign. However, the sign of the spin and braiding helicity fluxes computed over all the regions were reversed from negative to positive five times during the five-day period of observations. The reversal in spinning helicity flux was found before the onset of the X3.4-class flare, too. Though, the rotating sunspot has been observed in this active region, the braiding helicity has contributed more to the total accumulated helicity than the spinning helicity. The accumulated helicity is in excess of -7 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 43} Mx{sup 2} over a period of five days. Before the X3.4-class flare that occurred on 2006 December 13, the rotation speed and spin helicity flux increased in the S-polarity sunspot. Before the flare, the total injected helicity was larger than -6 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 43} Mx{sup 2}. The observed reversal in the sign of spinning and braiding helicity fluxes could be the signature of the emergence of a twisted flux tube, which acquires the writhe of an opposite sign. The magnetic cloud associated with the ejected mass has carried about -7 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 41} Mx{sup 2} of helicity. A time integration of helicity flux of about 1.2 hr integrated backward in time of the observation of the coronal mass ejection is sufficient for this event.« less

Patient-specific radiation dose and cancer risk estimation in CT: Part I. Development and validation of a Monte Carlo program

PubMed Central

Li, Xiang; Samei, Ehsan; Segars, W. Paul; Sturgeon, Gregory M.; Colsher, James G.; Toncheva, Greta; Yoshizumi, Terry T.; Frush, Donald P.

2011-01-01

Purpose: Radiation-dose awareness and optimization in CT can greatly benefit from a dose-reporting system that provides dose and risk estimates specific to each patient and each CT examination. As the first step toward patient-specific dose and risk estimation, this article aimed to develop a method for accurately assessing radiation dose from CT examinations. Methods: A Monte Carlo program was developed to model a CT system (LightSpeed VCT, GE Healthcare). The geometry of the system, the energy spectra of the x-ray source, the three-dimensional geometry of the bowtie filters, and the trajectories of source motions during axial and helical scans were explicitly modeled. To validate the accuracy of the program, a cylindrical phantom was built to enable dose measurements at seven different radial distances from its central axis. Simulated radial dose distributions in the cylindrical phantom were validated against ion chamber measurements for single axial scans at all combinations of tube potential and bowtie filter settings. The accuracy of the program was further validated using two anthropomorphic phantoms (a pediatric one-year-old phantom and an adult female phantom). Computer models of the two phantoms were created based on their CT data and were voxelized for input into the Monte Carlo program. Simulated dose at various organ locations was compared against measurements made with thermoluminescent dosimetry chips for both single axial and helical scans. Results: For the cylindrical phantom, simulations differed from measurements by −4.8% to 2.2%. For the two anthropomorphic phantoms, the discrepancies between simulations and measurements ranged between (−8.1%, 8.1%) and (−17.2%, 13.0%) for the single axial scans and the helical scans, respectively. Conclusions: The authors developed an accurate Monte Carlo program for assessing radiation dose from CT examinations. When combined with computer models of actual patients, the program can provide accurate dose estimates for specific patients. PMID:21361208

Technical Note: FreeCT_wFBP: A robust, efficient, open-source implementation of weighted filtered backprojection for helical, fan-beam CT.

PubMed

Hoffman, John; Young, Stefano; Noo, Frédéric; McNitt-Gray, Michael

2016-03-01

With growing interest in quantitative imaging, radiomics, and CAD using CT imaging, the need to explore the impacts of acquisition and reconstruction parameters has grown. This usually requires extensive access to the scanner on which the data were acquired and its workflow is not designed for large-scale reconstruction projects. Therefore, the authors have developed a freely available, open-source software package implementing a common reconstruction method, weighted filtered backprojection (wFBP), for helical fan-beam CT applications. FreeCT_wFBP is a low-dependency, GPU-based reconstruction program utilizing c for the host code and Nvidia CUDA C for GPU code. The software is capable of reconstructing helical scans acquired with arbitrary pitch-values, and sampling techniques such as flying focal spots and a quarter-detector offset. In this work, the software has been described and evaluated for reconstruction speed, image quality, and accuracy. Speed was evaluated based on acquisitions of the ACR CT accreditation phantom under four different flying focal spot configurations. Image quality was assessed using the same phantom by evaluating CT number accuracy, uniformity, and contrast to noise ratio (CNR). Finally, reconstructed mass-attenuation coefficient accuracy was evaluated using a simulated scan of a FORBILD thorax phantom and comparing reconstructed values to the known phantom values. The average reconstruction time evaluated under all flying focal spot configurations was found to be 17.4 ± 1.0 s for a 512 row × 512 column × 32 slice volume. Reconstructions of the ACR phantom were found to meet all CT Accreditation Program criteria including CT number, CNR, and uniformity tests. Finally, reconstructed mass-attenuation coefficient values of water within the FORBILD thorax phantom agreed with original phantom values to within 0.0001 mm(2)/g (0.01%). FreeCT_wFBP is a fast, highly configurable reconstruction package for third-generation CT available under the GNU GPL. It shows good performance with both clinical and simulated data.

Influence of gantry rotation time and scan mode on image quality in ultra-high-resolution CT system.

PubMed

Honda, Osamu; Yanagawa, Masahiro; Hata, Akinori; Kikuchi, Noriko; Miyata, Tomo; Tsukagoshi, Shinsuke; Uranishi, Ayumi; Tomiyama, Noriyuki

2018-06-01

To investigate the image quality of helical scan (HS) mode and non-helical scan (non-HS) mode on ultra-high-resolution CT in different gantry rotation time. non-HS with 0.35 s/rot (non-HS200 mA/0.35 s). Three observers compared each non-HS image with HS image, and scored non-HS images by using 3-point scale, paying attention to normal findings, abnormal findings, noise, streak artifact, and overall image quality. Statistical analysis was performed with Steel-Dwass test. Overall image quality (score: 2.45) and noise (score: 2.42) of non-HS 200 mA/1.5s was statistically best (p < 0.0005). Overall Image quality and noise of non-HS200 mA/0.75 s (score: 2.0) was comparable to that of HS200 mA/1.5 s. CTDIvol of HS200 mA/1.5 s is 23.2 mGy. CTDIvol of non-HS200 mA/1.5 s, non-HS200 mA/0.75 s, non-HS200 mA/0.35 s is 19.2 mGy, 9.8 mGy, 4.7 mGy. Overall image quality and noise of non-helical scan is better than that of helical scan in the same rotation time. Overall Image quality of non-HS200 mA/0.75 s is comparable to that of HS200 mA/1.5 s, though the radiation dose of non-HS200 mA/0.75 s is lower than that of HS200 mA/1.5 s. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sequence-dependent folding landscapes of adenine riboswitch aptamers.

PubMed

Lin, Jong-Chin; Hyeon, Changbong; Thirumalai, D

2014-04-14

Expression of a large fraction of genes in bacteria is controlled by riboswitches, which are found in the untranslated region of mRNA. Structurally riboswitches have a conserved aptamer domain to which a metabolite binds, resulting in a conformational change in the downstream expression platform. Prediction of the functions of riboswitches requires a quantitative description of the folding landscape so that the barriers and time scales for the conformational change in the switching region in the aptamer can be estimated. Using a combination of all atom molecular dynamics (MD) and coarse-grained model simulations we studied the response of adenine (A) binding add and pbuE A-riboswitches to mechanical force. The two riboswitches contain a structurally similar three-way junction formed by three paired helices, P1, P2, and P3, but carry out different functions. Using pulling simulations, with structures generated in MD simulations, we show that after P1 rips the dominant unfolding pathway in the add A-riboswitch is the rupture of P2 followed by unraveling of P3. In the pbuE A-riboswitch, after P1 unfolds P3 ruptures ahead of P2. The order of unfolding of the helices, which is in accord with single molecule pulling experiments, is determined by the relative stabilities of the individual helices. Our results show that the stability of isolated helices determines the order of assembly and response to force in these non-coding regions. We use the simulated free energy profile for the pbuE A-riboswitch to estimate the time scale for allosteric switching, which shows that this riboswitch is under kinetic control lending additional support to the conclusion based on single molecule pulling experiments. A consequence of the stability hypothesis is that a single point mutation (U28C) in the P2 helix of the add A-riboswitch, which increases the stability of P2, would make the folding landscapes of the two riboswitches similar. This prediction can be tested in single molecule pulling experiments.

Modeling backbone flexibility to achieve sequence diversity: The design of novel alpha-helical ligands for Bcl-xL

PubMed Central

Fu, Xiaoran; Apgar, James R.; Keating, Amy E.

2007-01-01

Computational protein design can be used to select sequences that are compatible with a fixed-backbone template. This strategy has been used in numerous instances to engineer novel proteins. However, the fixed-backbone assumption severely restricts the sequence space that is accessible via design. For challenging problems, such as the design of functional proteins, this may not be acceptable. In this paper, we present a method for introducing backbone flexibility into protein design calculations and apply it to the design of diverse helical BH3 ligands that bind to the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL, a member of the Bcl-2 protein family. We demonstrate how normal mode analysis can be used to sample different BH3 backbones, and show that this leads to a larger and more diverse set of low-energy solutions than can be achieved using a native high-resolution Bcl-xL complex crystal structure as a template. We tested several of the designed solutions experimentally and found that this approach worked well when normal mode calculations were used to deform a native BH3 helix structure, but less well when they were used to deform an idealized helix. A subsequent round of design and testing identified a likely source of the problem as inadequate sampling of the helix pitch. In all, we tested seventeen designed BH3 peptide sequences, including several point mutants. Of these, eight bound well to Bcl-xL and four others showed weak but detectable binding. The successful designs showed a diversity of sequences that would have been difficult or impossible to achieve using only a fixed backbone. Thus, introducing backbone flexibility via normal mode analysis effectively broadened the set of sequences identified by computational design, and provided insight into positions important for binding Bcl-xL. PMID:17597151

Comprehensive analysis of all triple helical repeats in beta-spectrins reveals patterns of selective evolutionary conservation.

PubMed

Baines, Anthony J

2003-01-01

The spectrin superfamily (spectrin, alpha-actinin, utrophin and dystrophin) has in common a triple helical repeating unit of ~106 amino acid residues. In spectrin, alpha and beta chains contain multiple copies of this repeat. beta-spectrin chains contain the majority of binding activities in spectrin and are essential for animal life. Canonical beta-spectrins have 17 repeats; beta-heavy spectrins have 30. Here, the repeats of five human beta-spectrins, plus beta-spectrins from several other vertebrates and invertebrates, have been analysed. Repeats 1, 2, 14 and 17 in canonical beta are highly conserved between invertebrates and vertebrates, and repeat 8 in some isoforms. This is consistent with conservation of critical functions, since repeats 1, 2 and 17 bind alpha-spectrin. Repeats 1 of beta-spectrins are not always detected by SMART or Pfam tools. A profile hidden Markov model of beta-spectrin repeat 1 detects alpha-actinins, but not utrophin or dystrophin. Novel examples of repeat 1 were detected in the spectraplakins MACF1, BPAG1 and plectin close to the actin-binding domain. Ankyrin binds to the C-terminal portion of repeat 14; the high conservation of this entire repeat may point to additional, undiscovered ligand-binding activities. This analysis indicates that the basic triple helical repeat pattern was adapted early in the evolution of the spectrin superfamily to encompass essential binding activities, which characterise individual repeats in proteins extant today.

Structural and sequencing analysis of local target DNA recognition by MLV integrase.

PubMed

Aiyer, Sriram; Rossi, Paolo; Malani, Nirav; Schneider, William M; Chandar, Ashwin; Bushman, Frederic D; Montelione, Gaetano T; Roth, Monica J

2015-06-23

Target-site selection by retroviral integrase (IN) proteins profoundly affects viral pathogenesis. We describe the solution nuclear magnetic resonance structure of the Moloney murine leukemia virus IN (M-MLV) C-terminal domain (CTD) and a structural homology model of the catalytic core domain (CCD). In solution, the isolated MLV IN CTD adopts an SH3 domain fold flanked by a C-terminal unstructured tail. We generated a concordant MLV IN CCD structural model using SWISS-MODEL, MMM-tree and I-TASSER. Using the X-ray crystal structure of the prototype foamy virus IN target capture complex together with our MLV domain structures, residues within the CCD α2 helical region and the CTD β1-β2 loop were predicted to bind target DNA. The role of these residues was analyzed in vivo through point mutants and motif interchanges. Viable viruses with substitutions at the IN CCD α2 helical region and the CTD β1-β2 loop were tested for effects on integration target site selection. Next-generation sequencing and analysis of integration target sequences indicate that the CCD α2 helical region, in particular P187, interacts with the sequences distal to the scissile bonds whereas the CTD β1-β2 loop binds to residues proximal to it. These findings validate our structural model and disclose IN-DNA interactions relevant to target site selection. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Investigating High Frequency Magnetic Activity During Local Helicity Injection on the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richner, N. J.; Bongard, M. W.; Fonck, R. J.; Pachicano, J. L.; Perry, J. M.; Reusch, J. A.

2017-10-01

Understanding the current drive mechanism(s) of Local Helicity Injection (LHI) is needed for confident scaling to next-step devices. 3D resistive MHD NIMROD simulations ascribe large-scale reconnection events of helical injector current streams as a current drive mechanism. The events generate n = 1 B fluctuations on outboard Mirnov coils, consistent with experiment. New results suggest additional mechanisms are also active during LHI. Reconnection-driven ion heating is better correlated with high frequency activity than the n = 1 bursts. Experiments with inboard injectors can exhibit an abrupt ( 250 μs) transition to a reduced MHD state on outboard Mirnovs where the n = 1 feature vanishes, while still maintaining current growth and/or sustainment. A new insertable magnetics probe was developed to investigate these phenomena. It measures TeXBz up to 3.5 MHz at 15 points over a 14 cm radial extent (ΔR 1 cm). Measurements with this probe are consistent with the outboard Mirnovs when positioned far from the plasma boundary. However, measurements near the plasma edge lack the reduction in broadband power (up to 2 MHz) following the transition. The probe shows power is concentrated at higher frequencies during LHI, with mostly flat B spectra up to 600-800 kHz ( fci) at which there is a resonance-like feature; at higher frequencies, the power decreases. These measurements suggest short-wavelength activity may play a significant role in LHI current drive. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Analytic Result for the Two-loop Six-point NMHV Amplitude in N = 4 Super Yang-Mills Theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dixon, Lance J.; /SLAC; Drummond, James M.

2012-02-15

We provide a simple analytic formula for the two-loop six-point ratio function of planar N = 4 super Yang-Mills theory. This result extends the analytic knowledge of multi-loop six-point amplitudes beyond those with maximal helicity violation. We make a natural ansatz for the symbols of the relevant functions appearing in the two-loop amplitude, and impose various consistency conditions, including symmetry, the absence of spurious poles, the correct collinear behavior, and agreement with the operator product expansion for light-like (super) Wilson loops. This information reduces the ansatz to a small number of relatively simple functions. In order to fix these parametersmore » uniquely, we utilize an explicit representation of the amplitude in terms of loop integrals that can be evaluated analytically in various kinematic limits. The final compact analytic result is expressed in terms of classical polylogarithms, whose arguments are rational functions of the dual conformal cross-ratios, plus precisely two functions that are not of this type. One of the functions, the loop integral {Omega}{sup (2)}, also plays a key role in a new representation of the remainder function R{sub 6}{sup (2)} in the maximally helicity violating sector. Another interesting feature at two loops is the appearance of a new (parity odd) x (parity odd) sector of the amplitude, which is absent at one loop, and which is uniquely determined in a natural way in terms of the more familiar (parity even) x (parity even) part. The second non-polylogarithmic function, the loop integral {tilde {Omega}}{sup (2)}, characterizes this sector. Both {Omega}{sup (2)} and {tilde {Omega}}{sup (2)} can be expressed as one-dimensional integrals over classical polylogarithms with rational arguments.« less

Chiral self-assembly of helical particles.

PubMed

Kolli, Hima Bindu; Cinacchi, Giorgio; Ferrarini, Alberta; Giacometti, Achille

2016-01-01

The shape of the building blocks plays a crucial role in directing self-assembly towards desired architectures. Out of the many different shapes, the helix has a unique position. Helical structures are ubiquitous in nature and a helical shape is exhibited by the most important biopolymers like polynucleotides, polypeptides and polysaccharides as well as by cellular organelles like flagella. Helical particles can self-assemble into chiral superstructures, which may have a variety of applications, e.g. as photonic (meta)materials. However, a clear and definite understanding of these structures has not been entirely achieved yet. We have recently undertaken an extensive investigation on the phase behaviour of hard helical particles, using numerical simulations and classical density functional theory. Here we present a detailed study of the phase diagram of hard helices as a function of their morphology. This includes a variety of liquid-crystal phases, with different degrees of orientational and positional ordering. We show how, by tuning the helix parameters, it is possible to control the organization of the system. Starting from slender helices, whose phase behaviour is similar to that of rodlike particles, an increase in curliness leads to the onset of azimuthal correlations between the particles and the formation of phases specific to helices. These phases feature a new kind of screw order, of which there is experimental evidence in colloidal suspensions of helical flagella.

Maintenance of electrostatic stabilization in altered tubulin lateral contacts may facilitate formation of helical filaments in foraminifera.

PubMed

Bassen, David M; Hou, Yubo; Bowser, Samuel S; Banavali, Nilesh K

2016-08-19

Microtubules in foraminiferan protists (forams) can convert into helical filament structures, in which longitudinal intraprotofilament interactions between tubulin heterodimers are thought to be lost, while lateral contacts across protofilaments are still maintained. The coarse geometric features of helical filaments are known through low-resolution negative stain electron microscopy (EM). In this study, geometric restraints derived from these experimental data were used to generate an average atomic-scale helical filament model, which anticipated a modest reorientation in the lateral tubulin heterodimer interface. Restrained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the nearest neighbor interactions combined with a Genalized Born implicit solvent model were used to assess the lateral, longitudinal, and seam contacts in 13-3 microtubules and the reoriented lateral contacts in the helical filament model. This electrostatic analysis suggests that the change in the lateral interface in the helical filament does not greatly diminish the lateral electrostatic interaction. After longitudinal dissociation, the 13-3 seam interaction is much weaker than the reoriented lateral interface in the helical filament model, providing a plausible atomic-detail explanation for seam-to-lateral contact transition that enables the transition to a helical filament structure.

Maintenance of electrostatic stabilization in altered tubulin lateral contacts may facilitate formation of helical filaments in foraminifera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bassen, David M.; Hou, Yubo; Bowser, Samuel S.; Banavali, Nilesh K.

2016-08-01

Microtubules in foraminiferan protists (forams) can convert into helical filament structures, in which longitudinal intraprotofilament interactions between tubulin heterodimers are thought to be lost, while lateral contacts across protofilaments are still maintained. The coarse geometric features of helical filaments are known through low-resolution negative stain electron microscopy (EM). In this study, geometric restraints derived from these experimental data were used to generate an average atomic-scale helical filament model, which anticipated a modest reorientation in the lateral tubulin heterodimer interface. Restrained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the nearest neighbor interactions combined with a Genalized Born implicit solvent model were used to assess the lateral, longitudinal, and seam contacts in 13-3 microtubules and the reoriented lateral contacts in the helical filament model. This electrostatic analysis suggests that the change in the lateral interface in the helical filament does not greatly diminish the lateral electrostatic interaction. After longitudinal dissociation, the 13-3 seam interaction is much weaker than the reoriented lateral interface in the helical filament model, providing a plausible atomic-detail explanation for seam-to-lateral contact transition that enables the transition to a helical filament structure.

Magnetic Helicities and Dynamo Action in Magneto-rotational Turbulence

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bodo, G.; Rossi, P.; Cattaneo, F.

We examine the relationship between magnetic flux generation, taken as an indicator of large-scale dynamo action, and magnetic helicity, computed as an integral over the dynamo volume, in a simple dynamo. We consider dynamo action driven by magneto-rotational turbulence (MRT) within the shearing-box approximation. We consider magnetically open boundary conditions that allow a flux of helicity in or out of the computational domain. We circumvent the problem of the lack of gauge invariance in open domains by choosing a particular gauge—the winding gauge—that provides a natural interpretation in terms of the average winding number of pairwise field lines. We usemore » this gauge precisely to define and measure the helicity and the helicity flux for several realizations of dynamo action. We find in these cases that the system as a whole does not break reflectional symmetry and that the total helicity remains small even in cases when substantial magnetic flux is generated. We find no particular connection between the generation of magnetic flux and the helicity or the helicity flux through the boundaries. We suggest that this result may be due to the essentially nonlinear nature of the dynamo processes in MRT.« less

Theoretical model of chirality-induced helical self-propulsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Takaki; Sano, Masaki

2018-01-01

We recently reported the experimental realization of a chiral artificial microswimmer exhibiting helical self-propulsion [T. Yamamoto and M. Sano, Soft Matter 13, 3328 (2017), 10.1039/C7SM00337D]. In the experiment, cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) droplets dispersed in surfactant solutions swam spontaneously, driven by the Marangoni flow, in helical paths whose handedness is determined by the chirality of the component molecules of CLC. To study the mechanism of the emergence of the helical self-propelled motion, we propose a phenomenological model of the self-propelled helical motion of the CLC droplets. Our model is constructed by symmetry argument in chiral systems, and it describes the dynamics of CLC droplets with coupled time-evolution equations in terms of a velocity, an angular velocity, and a tensor variable representing the symmetry of the helical director field of the droplet. We found that helical motions as well as other chiral motions appear in our model. By investigating bifurcation behaviors between each chiral motion, we found that the chiral coupling terms between the velocity and the angular velocity, the structural anisotropy of the CLC droplet, and the nonlinearity of model equations play a crucial role in the emergence of the helical motion of the CLC droplet.

Helicity within the vortex filament model.

PubMed

Hänninen, R; Hietala, N; Salman, H

2016-11-24

Kinetic helicity is one of the invariants of the Euler equations that is associated with the topology of vortex lines within the fluid. In superfluids, the vorticity is concentrated along vortex filaments. In this setting, helicity would be expected to acquire its simplest form. However, the lack of a core structure for vortex filaments appears to result in a helicity that does not retain its key attribute as a quadratic invariant. By defining a spanwise vector to the vortex through the use of a Seifert framing, we are able to introduce twist and henceforth recover the key properties of helicity. We present several examples for calculating internal twist to illustrate why the centreline helicity alone will lead to ambiguous results if a twist contribution is not introduced. Our choice of the spanwise vector can be expressed in terms of the tangential component of velocity along the filament. Since the tangential velocity does not alter the configuration of the vortex at later times, we are able to recover a similar equation for the internal twist angle to that of classical vortex tubes. Our results allow us to explain how a quasi-classical limit of helicity emerges from helicity considerations for individual superfluid vortex filaments.

Helicity within the vortex filament model

PubMed Central

Hänninen, R.; Hietala, N.; Salman, H.

2016-01-01

Kinetic helicity is one of the invariants of the Euler equations that is associated with the topology of vortex lines within the fluid. In superfluids, the vorticity is concentrated along vortex filaments. In this setting, helicity would be expected to acquire its simplest form. However, the lack of a core structure for vortex filaments appears to result in a helicity that does not retain its key attribute as a quadratic invariant. By defining a spanwise vector to the vortex through the use of a Seifert framing, we are able to introduce twist and henceforth recover the key properties of helicity. We present several examples for calculating internal twist to illustrate why the centreline helicity alone will lead to ambiguous results if a twist contribution is not introduced. Our choice of the spanwise vector can be expressed in terms of the tangential component of velocity along the filament. Since the tangential velocity does not alter the configuration of the vortex at later times, we are able to recover a similar equation for the internal twist angle to that of classical vortex tubes. Our results allow us to explain how a quasi-classical limit of helicity emerges from helicity considerations for individual superfluid vortex filaments. PMID:27883029

An Algorithm for Protein Helix Assignment Using Helix Geometry

PubMed Central

Cao, Chen; Xu, Shutan; Wang, Lincong

2015-01-01

Helices are one of the most common and were among the earliest recognized secondary structure elements in proteins. The assignment of helices in a protein underlies the analysis of its structure and function. Though the mathematical expression for a helical curve is simple, no previous assignment programs have used a genuine helical curve as a model for helix assignment. In this paper we present a two-step assignment algorithm. The first step searches for a series of bona fide helical curves each one best fits the coordinates of four successive backbone Cα atoms. The second step uses the best fit helical curves as input to make helix assignment. The application to the protein structures in the PDB (protein data bank) proves that the algorithm is able to assign accurately not only regular α-helix but also 310 and π helices as well as their left-handed versions. One salient feature of the algorithm is that the assigned helices are structurally more uniform than those by the previous programs. The structural uniformity should be useful for protein structure classification and prediction while the accurate assignment of a helix to a particular type underlies structure-function relationship in proteins. PMID:26132394

Helical and rod-shaped bacteria swim in helical trajectories with little additional propulsion from helical shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Henry; Constantino, Maira; Jabbarzadeh, Mehdi; Bansil, Rama

2017-11-01

It has frequently been hypothesized that the helical body shapes of flagellated bacteria may yield some advantage in swimming ability. The helical-shaped pathogen Helicobacter pylori allows us to test these claims. Using fast time-resolution and high-magnification phase-contrast microscopy to simultaneously image and track individual bacteria we determine cell body shape as well as rotational and translational speeds. Using the method of regularized Stokeslets, we directly compare observed speeds and trajectories to numerical calculations to validate the numerical model. Although experimental observations are limited to select cases, the model allows quantification of the effects of body helicity, length, and diameter. We find that due to relatively slow body rotation rates, the helical shape makes at most a 15% contribution to propulsive thrust. The effect of body shape on swimming speeds is instead dominated by variations in translational drag required to move the cell body. Because helical cells are one of the strongest candidates for propulsion arising from the cell body, our results imply that quite generally, swimming speeds of flagellated bacteria can only be increased a little by by body propulsion.

Confined partial filament eruption and its reformation within a stable magnetic flux rope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Joshi, Navin Chandra; Kayshap, Pradeep; Uddin, Wahab

2014-05-20

We present observations of a confined partial eruption of a filament on 2012 August 4, which restores its initial shape within ≈2 hr after eruption. From the Global Oscillation Network Group Hα observations, we find that the filament plasma turns into dynamic motion at around 11:20 UT from the middle part of the filament toward the northwest direction with an average speed of ≈105 km s{sup –1}. A little brightening underneath the filament possibly shows the signature of low-altitude reconnection below the filament eruptive part. In Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly 171 Å images, we observe an activation of right-handedmore » helically twisted magnetic flux rope that contains the filament material and confines it during its dynamical motion. The motion of cool filament plasma stops after traveling a distance of ≈215 Mm toward the northwest from the point of eruption. The plasma moves partly toward the right foot point of the flux rope, while most of the plasma returns after 12:20 UT toward the left foot point with an average speed of ≈60 km s{sup –1} to reform the filament within the same stable magnetic structure. On the basis of the filament internal fine structure and its position relative to the photospheric magnetic fields, we find filament chirality to be sinistral, while the activated enveloping flux rope shows a clear right-handed twist. Thus, this dynamic event is an apparent example of one-to-one correspondence between the filament chirality (sinistral) and the enveloping flux rope helicity (positive). From the coronal magnetic field decay index, n, calculation near the flux rope axis, it is evident that the whole filament axis lies within the domain of stability (i.e., n < 1), which provides the filament stability despite strong disturbances at its eastern foot point.« less

On the Helicity of Open Magnetic Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prior, C.; Yeates, A. R.

2014-06-01

We reconsider the topological interpretation of magnetic helicity for magnetic fields in open domains, and relate this to the relative helicity. Specifically, our domains stretch between two parallel planes, and each of these ends may be magnetically open. It is demonstrated that, while the magnetic helicity is gauge-dependent, its value in any gauge may be physically interpreted as the average winding number among all pairs of field lines with respect to some orthonormal frame field. In fact, the choice of gauge is equivalent to the choice of reference field in the relative helicity, meaning that the magnetic helicity is no less physically meaningful. We prove that a particular gauge always measures the winding with respect to a fixed frame, and propose that this is normally the best choice. For periodic fields, this choice is equivalent to measuring relative helicity with respect to a potential reference field. However, for aperiodic fields, we show that the potential field can be twisted. We prove by construction that there always exists a possible untwisted reference field.

Time-dependent behavior in a transport-barrier model for the quasi-single helcity state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terry, P. W.; Whelan, G. G.

2014-09-01

Time-dependent behavior that follows from a recent theory of the quasi-single-helicity (QSH) state of the reversed field pinch is considered. The theory (Kim and Terry 2012 Phys. Plasmas 19 122304) treats QSH as a core fluctuation structure tied to a tearing mode of the same helicity, and shows that strong magnetic and velocity shears in the structure suppress the nonlinear interaction with other fluctuations. By summing the multiple helicity fluctuation energies over wavenumber, we reduce the theory to a predator-prey model. The suppression of the nonlinear interaction is governed by the single helicity energy, which, for fixed radial structure, controls the magnetic and velocity shearing rates. It is also controlled by plasma current which, in the theory, sets the shearing threshold for suppression. The model shows a limit cycle oscillation in which the system toggles between QSH and multiple helicity states, with the single helicity phase becoming increasingly long-lived relative to the multiple helicity phase as plasma current increases.

Interaction of rotating helical magnetic field with the HIST spherical torus plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, Yusuke; Sugahara, Masato; Yamada, Satoshi; Yoshikawa, Tatsuya; Fukumoto, Naoyuki; Nagata, Masayoshi

2006-10-01

The physical mechanism of current drive by co-axial helicity injection (CHI) has been experimentally investigated on both spheromak and spherical torus (ST) configurations on the HIST device [1]. It has been observed that the n = 1 kink mode rotates toroidally with a frequency of 10-20 kHz in the ExB direction. It seems that the induced toroidal current by CHI strongly relates with the observed rotating kink mode. On the other hand, it is well known that MHD instabilities can be controlled or even suppressed by an externally applied helical magnetic field in tokamak devices. Therefore, we have started to install two sets of external helical coils in order to produce a rotating helical magnetic field on HIST. Mode structures of the generated rotating helical magnetic field and preliminary experimental results of the interaction of the rotating helical magnetic field with the HIST plasmas will be shown in the conference. [1] M. Nagata, et al., Physics of Plasmas 10, 2932 (2003)

The next large helical devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iiyoshi, Atsuo; Yamazaki, Kozo

1995-06-01

Helical systems have the strong advantage of inherent steady-state operation for fusion reactors. Two large helical devices with fully superconducting coil systems are presently under design and construction. One is the LHD (Large Helical Device) [Fusion Technol. 17, 169 (1990)] with major radius=3.9 m and magnetic field=3-4 T, that is under construction during 1990-1997 at NIFS (National Institute for Fusion Science), Nagoya/Toki, Japan; it features continuous helical coils and a clean helical divertor focusing on edge configuration optimization. The other one in the W7-X (Wendelstein 7-X) [in Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion Nuclear Research, 1990, (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1991), Vol. 3, p. 525] with major radius=5.5 m and magnetic field=3 T, that is under review at IPP (Max-Planck Institute for Plasma Physics), Garching, Germany; it has adopted a modular coil system after elaborate optimization studies. These two programs are complementary in promoting world helical fusion research and in extending the understanding of toroidal plasmas through comparisons with large tokamaks.

Several Human Liver Cell Expressed Apolipoproteins Complement HCV Virus Production with Varying Efficacy Conferring Differential Specific Infectivity to Released Viruses.

PubMed

Hueging, Kathrin; Weller, Romy; Doepke, Mandy; Vieyres, Gabrielle; Todt, Daniel; Wölk, Benno; Vondran, Florian W R; Geffers, Robert; Lauber, Chris; Kaderali, Lars; Penin, François; Pietschmann, Thomas

2015-01-01

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), an exchangeable apolipoprotein, is necessary for production of infectious Hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles. However, ApoE is not the only liver-expressed apolipoprotein and the role of other apolipoproteins for production of infectious HCV progeny is incompletely defined. Therefore, we quantified mRNA expression of human apolipoproteins in primary human hepatocytes. Subsequently, cDNAs encoding apolipoproteins were expressed in 293T/miR-122 cells to explore if they complement HCV virus production in cells that are non-permissive due to limiting endogenous levels of human apolipoproteins. Primary human hepatocytes expressed high mRNA levels of ApoA1, A2, C1, C3, E, and H. ApoA4, A5, B, D, F, J, L1, L2, L3, L4, L6, M, and O were expressed at intermediate levels, and C2, C4, and L5 were not detected. All members of the ApoA and ApoC family of lipoproteins complemented HCV virus production in HCV transfected 293T/miR-122 cells, albeit with significantly lower efficacy compared with ApoE. In contrast, ApoD expression did not support production of infectious HCV. Specific infectivity of released particles complemented with ApoA family members was significantly lower compared with ApoE. Moreover, the ratio of extracellular to intracellular infectious virus was significantly higher for ApoE compared to ApoA2 and ApoC3. Since apolipoproteins complementing HCV virus production share amphipathic alpha helices as common structural features we altered the two alpha helices of ApoC1. Helix breaking mutations in both ApoC1 helices impaired virus assembly highlighting a critical role of alpha helices in apolipoproteins supporting HCV assembly. In summary, various liver expressed apolipoproteins with amphipathic alpha helices complement HCV virus production in human non liver cells. Differences in the efficiency of virus assembly, the specific infectivity of released particles, and the ratio between extracellular and intracellular infectivity point to distinct characteristics of these apolipoproteins that influence HCV assembly and cell entry. This will guide future research to precisely pinpoint how apolipoproteins function during virus assembly and cell entry.

Several Human Liver Cell Expressed Apolipoproteins Complement HCV Virus Production with Varying Efficacy Conferring Differential Specific Infectivity to Released Viruses

PubMed Central

Doepke, Mandy; Vieyres, Gabrielle; Todt, Daniel; Wölk, Benno; Vondran, Florian W. R.; Geffers, Robert; Lauber, Chris; Kaderali, Lars; Penin, François; Pietschmann, Thomas

2015-01-01

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), an exchangeable apolipoprotein, is necessary for production of infectious Hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles. However, ApoE is not the only liver-expressed apolipoprotein and the role of other apolipoproteins for production of infectious HCV progeny is incompletely defined. Therefore, we quantified mRNA expression of human apolipoproteins in primary human hepatocytes. Subsequently, cDNAs encoding apolipoproteins were expressed in 293T/miR-122 cells to explore if they complement HCV virus production in cells that are non-permissive due to limiting endogenous levels of human apolipoproteins. Primary human hepatocytes expressed high mRNA levels of ApoA1, A2, C1, C3, E, and H. ApoA4, A5, B, D, F, J, L1, L2, L3, L4, L6, M, and O were expressed at intermediate levels, and C2, C4, and L5 were not detected. All members of the ApoA and ApoC family of lipoproteins complemented HCV virus production in HCV transfected 293T/miR-122 cells, albeit with significantly lower efficacy compared with ApoE. In contrast, ApoD expression did not support production of infectious HCV. Specific infectivity of released particles complemented with ApoA family members was significantly lower compared with ApoE. Moreover, the ratio of extracellular to intracellular infectious virus was significantly higher for ApoE compared to ApoA2 and ApoC3. Since apolipoproteins complementing HCV virus production share amphipathic alpha helices as common structural features we altered the two alpha helices of ApoC1. Helix breaking mutations in both ApoC1 helices impaired virus assembly highlighting a critical role of alpha helices in apolipoproteins supporting HCV assembly. In summary, various liver expressed apolipoproteins with amphipathic alpha helices complement HCV virus production in human non liver cells. Differences in the efficiency of virus assembly, the specific infectivity of released particles, and the ratio between extracellular and intracellular infectivity point to distinct characteristics of these apolipoproteins that influence HCV assembly and cell entry. This will guide future research to precisely pinpoint how apolipoproteins function during virus assembly and cell entry. PMID:26226615

320-Row wide volume CT significantly reduces density heterogeneity observed in the descending aorta: comparisons with 64-row helical CT.

PubMed

Yamashiro, Tsuneo; Miyara, Tetsuhiro; Honda, Osamu; Kamiya, Ayano; Tanaka, Yuko; Murayama, Sadayuki

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare density heterogeneity on wide volume (WV) scans with that on helical CT scans. 22 subjects underwent chest CT using 320-WV and 64-helical modes. Density heterogeneity of the descending aorta was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. At qualitative assessment, the heterogeneity was judged to be smaller on WV scans than on helical scans (p<0.0001). Mean changes in aortic density between two contiguous slices were 1.64 HU (3.40%) on WV scans and 2.29 HU (5.19%) on helical scans (p<0.0001). CT density of thoracic organs is more homogeneous and reliable on WV scans than on helical scans. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Helicity patterns on the Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pevtsov, A.

Solar magnetic fields exhibit hemispheric preference for negative (pos- itive) helicity in northern (southern) hemisphere. The hemispheric he- licity rule, however, is not very strong, - the patterns of opposite sign helicity were observed on different spatial scales in each hemisphere. For instance, many individual sunspots exhibit patches of opposite he- licity inside the single polarity field. There are also helicity patterns on scales larger than the size of typical active region. Such patterns were observed in distribution of active regions with abnormal (for a give hemisphere) helicity, in large-scale photospheric magnetic fields and coronal flux systems. We will review the observations of large-scale pat- terns of helicity in solar atmosphere and their possible relationship with (sub-)photospheric processes. The emphasis will be on large-scale pho- tospheric magnetic field and solar corona.

Helicity conservation under quantum reconnection of vortex rings.

PubMed

Zuccher, Simone; Ricca, Renzo L

2015-12-01

Here we show that under quantum reconnection, simulated by using the three-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation, self-helicity of a system of two interacting vortex rings remains conserved. By resolving the fine structure of the vortex cores, we demonstrate that the total length of the vortex system reaches a maximum at the reconnection time, while both writhe helicity and twist helicity remain separately unchanged throughout the process. Self-helicity is computed by two independent methods, and topological information is based on the extraction and analysis of geometric quantities such as writhe, total torsion, and intrinsic twist of the reconnecting vortex rings.

Generation of helical gears with new surfaces topology by application of CNC machines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litvin, F. L.; Chen, N. X.; Hsiao, C. L.; Handschuh, Robert F.

1993-01-01

Analysis of helical involute gears by tooth contact analysis shows that such gears are very sensitive to angular misalignment that leads to edge contact and the potential for high vibration. A new topology of tooth surfaces of helical gears that enables a favorable bearing contact and a reduced level of vibration is described. Methods for grinding of the helical gears with the new topology are proposed. A TCA (tooth contact analysis) program for simulation of meshing and contact of helical gears with the new topology has been developed. Numerical examples that illustrate the proposed ideas are discussed.

Generation of helical gears with new surfaces, topology by application of CNC machines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litvin, F. L.; Chen, N. X.; Hsiao, C. L.; Handschuh, R. F.

1993-01-01

Analysis of helical involute gears by tooth contact analysis shows that such gears are very sensitive to angular misalignment that leads to edge contact and the potential for high vibration. A new topology of tooth surfaces of helical gears that enables a favorable bearing contact and a reduced level of vibration is described. Methods for grinding of the helical gears with the new topology are proposed. A TCA (tooth contact analysis) program for simulation of meshing and contact of helical gears with the new topology has been developed. Numerical examples that illustrate the proposed ideas are discussed.

Observation of an optical vortex beam from a helical undulator in the XUV region.

PubMed

Kaneyasu, Tatsuo; Hikosaka, Yasumasa; Fujimoto, Masaki; Iwayama, Hiroshi; Hosaka, Masahito; Shigemasa, Eiji; Katoh, Masahiro

2017-09-01

The observation of an optical vortex beam at 60 nm wavelength, produced as the second-harmonic radiation from a helical undulator, is reported. The helical wavefront of the optical vortex beam was verified by measuring the interference pattern between the vortex beam from a helical undulator and a normal beam from another undulator. Although the interference patterns were slightly blurred owing to the relatively large electron beam emittance, it was possible to observe the interference features thanks to the helical wavefront of the vortex beam. The experimental results were well reproduced by simulation.

Small-x asymptotics of the gluon helicity distribution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kovchegov, Yuri V.; Pitonyak, Daniel; Sievert, Matthew D.

2017-10-27

Here, we determine the small-x asymptotics of the gluon helicity distribution in a proton at leading order in perturbative QCD at large N c. To achieve this, we begin by evaluating the dipole gluon helicity TMD at small x. In the process we obtain an interesting new result: in contrast to the unpolarized dipole gluon TMD case, the operator governing the small-x behavior of the dipole gluon helicity TMD is different from the operator corresponding to the polarized dipole scattering amplitude (used in our previous work to determine the small-x asymptotics of the quark helicity distribution).

Three-dimensional shape transformations of hydrogel sheets induced by small-scale modulation of internal stresses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zi Liang; Moshe, Michael; Greener, Jesse; Therien-Aubin, Heloise; Nie, Zhihong; Sharon, Eran; Kumacheva, Eugenia

2013-03-01

Although Nature has always been a common source of inspiration in the development of artificial materials, only recently has the ability of man-made materials to produce complex three-dimensional (3D) structures from two-dimensional sheets been explored. Here we present a new approach to the self-shaping of soft matter that mimics fibrous plant tissues by exploiting small-scale variations in the internal stresses to form three-dimensional morphologies. We design single-layer hydrogel sheets with chemically distinct, fibre-like regions that exhibit differential shrinkage and elastic moduli under the application of external stimulus. Using a planar-to-helical three-dimensional shape transformation as an example, we explore the relation between the internal architecture of the sheets and their transition to cylindrical and conical helices with specific structural characteristics. The ability to engineer multiple three-dimensional shape transformations determined by small-scale patterns in a hydrogel sheet represents a promising step in the development of programmable soft matter.

Solar Eruptive Flares: from Physical Understanding to Probabilistic Forecasting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgoulis, M. K.

2013-12-01

We describe a new, emerging physical picture of the triggering of major solar eruptions. First, we discuss and aim to interpret the single distinguishing feature of tight, shear-ridden magnetic polarity inversion lines (PILs) in solar active regions, where most of these eruptions occur. Then we analyze the repercussions of this feature, that acts to form increasingly helical pre-eruption structures. Eruptions, with the CME progenitor preceding the flare, tend to release parts of the accumulated magnetic free energy and helicity that are always much smaller than the respective budgets of the source active region. These eruption-related decreases, however, are not optimal for eruption forecasting - this role is claimed by physically intuitive proxy parameters that could show increased pre-eruption sensitivity at time scales practical for prediction. Concluding, we show how reconciling this new information - jointly enabled by the exceptional resolution and quality of Hinode and cadence of SDO data - can lead to advances in understanding that outline the current state-of-the-art of our eruption-forecasting capability.

Tomotherapy as a tool in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT): theoretical and technological aspects

PubMed Central

Yartsev, S; Kron, T; Van Dyk, J

2007-01-01

Helical tomotherapy (HT) is a novel treatment approach that combines Intensity-Modulate Radiation Therapy (IMRT) delivery with in-built image guidance using megavoltage (MV) CT scanning. The technique utilises a 6 MV linear accelerator mounted on a CT type ring gantry. The beam is collimated to a fan beam, which is intensity modulated using a binary multileaf collimator (MLC). As the patient advances slowly through the ring gantry, the linac rotates around the patient with a leaf-opening pattern optimised to deliver a highly conformal dose distribution to the target in the helical beam trajectory. The unit also allows the acquisition of MVCT images using the same radiation source detuned to reduce its effective energy to 3.5 MV, making the dose required for imaging less than 3 cGy. This paper discusses the major features of HT and describes the advantages and disadvantages of this approach in the context of the commercial Hi-ART system. PMID:21614257

A metering rotary nanopump for microfluidic systems

PubMed Central

Darby, Scott G.; Moore, Matthew R.; Friedlander, Troy A.; Schaffer, David K.; Reiserer, Ron S.; Wikswo, John P.

2014-01-01

We describe the design, fabrication, and testing of a microfabricated metering rotary nanopump for the purpose of driving fluid flow in microfluidic devices. The miniature peristaltic pump is composed of a set of microfluidic channels wrapped in a helix around a central cam shaft in which a non-cylindrical cam rotates. The cam compresses the helical channels to induce peristaltic flow as it is rotated. The polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanopump design is able to produce intermittent delivery or removal of several nanoliters of fluid per revolution as well as consistent continuous flow rates ranging from as low as 15 nL/min to above 1.0 µL/min. At back pressures encountered in typical microfluidic devices, the pump acts as a high impedance flow source. The durability, biocompatibility, ease of integration with soft-lithographic fabrication, the use of a simple rotary motor instead of multiple synchronized pneumatic or mechanical actuators, and the absence of power consumption or fluidic conductance in the resting state all contribute to a compact pump with a low cost of fabrication and versatile implementation. This suggests that the pump design may be useful for a wide variety of biological experiments and point of care devices. PMID:20959938

Determination of magnetic helicity in the solar wind and implications for cosmic ray propagation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matthaeus, W. H.; Goldstein, M. L.

1981-01-01

The mean value of the correlation between local magnetic field and vector potential, known as the magnetic helicity, is a measure of the lack of mirror reflection symmetry of magnetic covariances in a turbulent medium. A method is presented for extraction of helicity spectra from magnetometer data, and applied to an evaluation of the magnetic helicity of interplanetary magnetic fluctuations.

Biot-Savart helicity versus physical helicity: A topological description of ideal flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahihi, Taliya; Eshraghi, Homayoon

2014-08-01

For an isentropic (thus compressible) flow, fluid trajectories are considered as orbits of a family of one parameter, smooth, orientation-preserving, and nonsingular diffeomorphisms on a compact and smooth-boundary domain in the Euclidian 3-space which necessarily preserve a finite measure, later interpreted as the fluid mass. Under such diffeomorphisms the Biot-Savart helicity of the pushforward of a divergence-free and tangent to the boundary vector field is proved to be conserved and since these circumstances present an isentropic flow, the conservation of the "Biot-Savart helicity" is established for such flows. On the other hand, the well known helicity conservation in ideal flows which here we call it "physical helicity" is found to be an independent constant with respect to the Biot-Savart helicity. The difference between these two helicities reflects some topological features of the domain as well as the velocity and vorticity fields which is discussed and is shown for simply connected domains the two helicities coincide. The energy variation of the vorticity field is shown to be formally the same as for the incompressible flow obtained before. For fluid domains consisting of several disjoint solid tori, at each time, the harmonic knot subspace of smooth vector fields on the fluid domain is found to have two independent base sets with a special type of orthogonality between these two bases by which a topological description of the vortex and velocity fields depending on the helicity difference is achieved since this difference is shown to depend only on the harmonic knot parts of velocity, vorticity, and its Biot-Savart vector field. For an ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow three independent constant helicities are reviewed while the helicity of magnetic potential is generalized for non-simply connected domains by inserting a special harmonic knot field in the dynamics of the magnetic potential. It is proved that the harmonic knot part of the vorticity in hydrodynamics and the magnetic field in MHD is presented by constant coefficients (fluxes) when expanded in terms of one of the time dependent base functions.

Physics of Intense Electron Current Sources for Helicity Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinson, E. T.; Barr, J. L.; Bongard, M. W.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Lewicki, B. T.; Perry, J. M.; Redd, A. J.; Winz, G. R.

2014-10-01

DC helicity injection (HI) for non-solenoidal ST startup requires sources of current at the tokamak edge. Since the rate of HI scales with injection voltage, understanding of the physics setting injector impedance is necessary for a predictive model of the HI rate and subsequent growth of Ip. In Pegasus, arc plasma sources are used for current injection. They operate immersed in tokamak edge plasma, and are biased at ~1-2 kV with respect to the vessel to draw current densities J ~ 1 kA/cm2 from an arc plasma cathode. Prior to tokamak formation, impedance data manifests two regimes, one at low current (< 1 kA) with I ~V 3 / 2 , and a higher current mode where I ~V 1 / 2 holds. The impedance in the I ~V 3 / 2 regime is consistent with an electrostatic double layer. Current in the I ~V 1 / 2 regime is linear in arc gas fueling rate, suggesting a space-charge limit set by nedge. In the presence of tokamak plasmas, voltage oscillations of the order 100s of volts are measured during MHD relaxation activity. These fluctuations occur at the characteristic frequencies of the n = 1 and n = 0 MHD activity observed on magnetic probes, and are suggestive of dynamic activity found in LHI simulations in NIMROD. Advanced injector design techniques have allowed higher voltage operation. These include staged shielding to prevent external arcing, and shaped cathodes, which minimize the onset and material damage due to cathode spot formation. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Use of reconstructed 3D equilibria to determine onset conditions of helical cores in tokamaks for extrapolation to ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wingen, A.; Wilcox, R. S.; Seal, S. K.; Unterberg, E. A.; Cianciosa, M. R.; Delgado-Aparicio, L. F.; Hirshman, S. P.; Lao, L. L.

2018-03-01

Large, spontaneous m/n  =  1/1 helical cores are shown to be expected in tokamaks such as ITER with extended regions of low- or reversed- magnetic shear profiles and q near 1 in the core. The threshold for this spontaneous symmetry breaking is determined using VMEC scans, beginning with reconstructed 3D equilibria from DIII-D and Alcator C-Mod based on observed internal 3D deformations. The helical core is a saturated internal kink mode (Wesson 1986 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 28 243); its onset threshold is shown to be proportional to (dp/dρ)/B_t2 around q  =  1. Below the threshold, applied 3D fields can drive a helical core to finite size, as in DIII-D. The helical core size thereby depends on the magnitude of the applied perturbation. Above it, a small, random 3D kick causes a bifurcation from axisymmetry and excites a spontaneous helical core, which is independent of the kick size. Systematic scans of the q-profile show that the onset threshold is very sensitive to the q-shear in the core. Helical cores occur frequently in Alcator C-Mod during ramp-up when slow current penetration results in a reversed shear q-profile, which is favorable for helical core formation. Finally, a comparison of the helical core onset threshold for discharges from DIII-D, Alcator C-Mod and ITER confirms that while DIII-D is marginally stable, Alcator C-Mod and especially ITER are highly susceptible to helical core formation without being driven by an externally applied 3D magnetic field.

Use of reconstructed 3D equilibria to determine onset conditions of helical cores in tokamaks for extrapolation to ITER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wingen, A.; Wilcox, R. S.; Seal, S. K.

In this paper, large, spontaneous m/n = 1/1 helical cores are shown to be expected in tokamaks such as ITER with extended regions of low- or reversed- magnetic shear profiles and q near 1 in the core. The threshold for this spontaneous symmetry breaking is determined using VMEC scans, beginning with reconstructed 3D equilibria from DIII-D and Alcator C-Mod based on observed internal 3D deformations. The helical core is a saturated internal kink mode (Wesson 1986 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 28 243); its onset threshold is shown to be proportional tomore » $$({\\rm d}p/{\\rm d}\\rho)/B_t^2$$ around q = 1. Below the threshold, applied 3D fields can drive a helical core to finite size, as in DIII-D. The helical core size thereby depends on the magnitude of the applied perturbation. Above it, a small, random 3D kick causes a bifurcation from axisymmetry and excites a spontaneous helical core, which is independent of the kick size. Systematic scans of the q-profile show that the onset threshold is very sensitive to the q-shear in the core. Helical cores occur frequently in Alcator C-Mod during ramp-up when slow current penetration results in a reversed shear q-profile, which is favorable for helical core formation. In conclusion, a comparison of the helical core onset threshold for discharges from DIII-D, Alcator C-Mod and ITER confirms that while DIII-D is marginally stable, Alcator C-Mod and especially ITER are highly susceptible to helical core formation without being driven by an externally applied 3D magnetic field.« less

A NEW SIMPLE DYNAMO MODEL FOR STELLAR ACTIVITY CYCLE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yokoi, N.; Hamba, F.; Schmitt, D.

2016-06-20

A new simple dynamo model for stellar activity cycle is proposed. By considering an inhomogeneous flow effect on turbulence, it is shown that turbulent cross helicity (velocity–magnetic-field correlation) enters the expression of turbulent electromotive force as the coupling coefficient for the mean absolute vorticity. This makes the present model different from the current α –Ω-type models in two main ways. First, in addition to the usual helicity ( α ) and turbulent magnetic diffusivity ( β ) effects, we consider the cross-helicity effect as a key ingredient of the dynamo process. Second, the spatiotemporal evolution of cross helicity is solvedmore » simultaneously with the mean magnetic fields. The basic scenario is as follows. In the presence of turbulent cross helicity, the toroidal field is induced by the toroidal rotation. Then, as in usual models, the α effect generates the poloidal field from the toroidal one. This induced poloidal field produces a turbulent cross helicity whose sign is opposite to the original one (negative production). With this cross helicity of the reversed sign, a reversal in field configuration starts. Eigenvalue analyses of the simplest possible model give a butterfly diagram, which confirms the above scenario and the equatorward migrations, the phase relationship between the cross helicity and magnetic fields. These results suggest that the oscillation of the turbulent cross helicity is a key for the activity cycle. The reversal of the cross helicity is not the result of the magnetic-field reversal, but the cause of the latter. This new model is expected to open up the possibility of the mean-field or turbulence closure dynamo approaches.« less

Helicity dynamics in stratified turbulence in the absence of forcing.

PubMed

Rorai, C; Rosenberg, D; Pouquet, A; Mininni, P D

2013-06-01

A numerical study of decaying stably stratified flows is performed. Relatively high stratification (Froude number ≈10(-2)-10(-1)) and moderate Reynolds (Re) numbers (Re≈ 3-6×10(3)) are considered and a particular emphasis is placed on the role of helicity (velocity-vorticity correlations), which is not an invariant of the nondissipative equations. The problem is tackled by integrating the Boussinesq equations in a periodic cubical domain using different initial conditions: a nonhelical Taylor-Green (TG) flow, a fully helical Beltrami [Arnold-Beltrami-Childress (ABC)] flow, and random flows with a tunable helicity. We show that for stratified ABC flows helicity undergoes a substantially slower decay than for unstratified ABC flows. This fact is likely associated to the combined effect of stratification and large-scale coherent structures. Indeed, when the latter are missing, as in random flows, helicity is rapidly destroyed by the onset of gravitational waves. A type of large-scale dissipative "cyclostrophic" balance can be invoked to explain this behavior. No production of helicity is observed, contrary to the case of rotating and stratified flows. When helicity survives in the system, it strongly affects the temporal energy decay and the energy distribution among Fourier modes. We discover in fact that the decay rate of energy for stratified helical flows is much slower than for stratified nonhelical flows and can be considered with a phenomenological model in a way similar to what is done for unstratified rotating flows. We also show that helicity, when strong, has a measurable effect on the Fourier spectra, in particular at scales larger than the buoyancy scale, for which it displays a rather flat scaling associated with vertical shear, as observed in the planetary boundary layer.

Multipinhole SPECT helical scan parameters and imaging volume

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yao, Rutao, E-mail: rutaoyao@buffalo.edu; Deng, Xiao; Wei, Qingyang

Purpose: The authors developed SPECT imaging capability on an animal PET scanner using a multiple-pinhole collimator and step-and-shoot helical data acquisition protocols. The objective of this work was to determine the preferred helical scan parameters, i.e., the angular and axial step sizes, and the imaging volume, that provide optimal imaging performance. Methods: The authors studied nine helical scan protocols formed by permuting three rotational and three axial step sizes. These step sizes were chosen around the reference values analytically calculated from the estimated spatial resolution of the SPECT system and the Nyquist sampling theorem. The nine helical protocols were evaluatedmore » by two figures-of-merit: the sampling completeness percentage (SCP) and the root-mean-square (RMS) resolution. SCP was an analytically calculated numerical index based on projection sampling. RMS resolution was derived from the reconstructed images of a sphere-grid phantom. Results: The RMS resolution results show that (1) the start and end pinhole planes of the helical scheme determine the axial extent of the effective field of view (EFOV), and (2) the diameter of the transverse EFOV is adequately calculated from the geometry of the pinhole opening, since the peripheral region beyond EFOV would introduce projection multiplexing and consequent effects. The RMS resolution results of the nine helical scan schemes show optimal resolution is achieved when the axial step size is the half, and the angular step size is about twice the corresponding values derived from the Nyquist theorem. The SCP results agree in general with that of RMS resolution but are less critical in assessing the effects of helical parameters and EFOV. Conclusions: The authors quantitatively validated the effective FOV of multiple pinhole helical scan protocols and proposed a simple method to calculate optimal helical scan parameters.« less

Use of reconstructed 3D equilibria to determine onset conditions of helical cores in tokamaks for extrapolation to ITER

DOE PAGES

Wingen, A.; Wilcox, R. S.; Seal, S. K.; ...

2018-01-15

In this paper, large, spontaneous m/n = 1/1 helical cores are shown to be expected in tokamaks such as ITER with extended regions of low- or reversed- magnetic shear profiles and q near 1 in the core. The threshold for this spontaneous symmetry breaking is determined using VMEC scans, beginning with reconstructed 3D equilibria from DIII-D and Alcator C-Mod based on observed internal 3D deformations. The helical core is a saturated internal kink mode (Wesson 1986 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 28 243); its onset threshold is shown to be proportional tomore » $$({\\rm d}p/{\\rm d}\\rho)/B_t^2$$ around q = 1. Below the threshold, applied 3D fields can drive a helical core to finite size, as in DIII-D. The helical core size thereby depends on the magnitude of the applied perturbation. Above it, a small, random 3D kick causes a bifurcation from axisymmetry and excites a spontaneous helical core, which is independent of the kick size. Systematic scans of the q-profile show that the onset threshold is very sensitive to the q-shear in the core. Helical cores occur frequently in Alcator C-Mod during ramp-up when slow current penetration results in a reversed shear q-profile, which is favorable for helical core formation. In conclusion, a comparison of the helical core onset threshold for discharges from DIII-D, Alcator C-Mod and ITER confirms that while DIII-D is marginally stable, Alcator C-Mod and especially ITER are highly susceptible to helical core formation without being driven by an externally applied 3D magnetic field.« less

Hexagonally Ordered Arrays of α-Helical Bundles Formed from Peptide-Dendron Hybrids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barkley, Deborah A.; Rokhlenko, Yekaterina; Marine, Jeannette E.

Combining monodisperse building blocks that have distinct folding properties serves as a modular strategy for controlling structural complexity in hierarchically organized materials. We combine an α-helical bundle-forming peptide with self-assembling dendrons to better control the arrangement of functional groups within cylindrical nanostructures. Site-specific grafting of dendrons to amino acid residues on the exterior of the α-helical bundle yields monodisperse macromolecules with programmable folding and self-assembly properties. The resulting hybrid biomaterials form thermotropic columnar hexagonal mesophases in which the peptides adopt an α-helical conformation. Bundling of the α-helical peptides accompanies self-assembly of the peptide-dendron hybrids into cylindrical nanostructures. The bundle stoichiometrymore » in the mesophase agrees well with the size found in solution for α-helical bundles of peptides with a similar amino acid sequence.« less

Hierarchical Helical Order in the Twisted Growth of Plant Organs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wada, Hirofumi

2012-09-01

The molecular and cellular basis of left-right asymmetry in plant morphogenesis is a fundamental issue in biology. A rapidly elongating root or hypocotyl of twisting mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana exhibits a helical growth with a handedness opposite to that of the underlying cortical microtubule arrays in epidermal cells. However, how such a hierarchical helical order emerges is currently unknown. We propose a model for investigating macroscopic chiral asymmetry in Arabidopsis mutants. Our elastic model suggests that the helical pattern observed is a direct consequence of the simultaneous presence of anisotropic growth and tilting of cortical microtubule arrays. We predict that the root helical pitch angle is a function of the microtubule helical angle and elastic moduli of the tissues. The proposed model is versatile and is potentially important for other biological systems ranging from protein fibrous structures to tree trunks.

Helicity in dynamic atmospheric processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurgansky, M. V.

2017-03-01

An overview on the helicity of the velocity field and the role played by this concept in modern research in the field of geophysical fluid dynamics and dynamic meteorology is given. Different (both previously known in the literature and first presented) formulations of the equation of helicity balance in atmospheric motions (including those with allowance for effects of air compressibility and Earth's rotation) are brought together. Equations and relationships are given which are valid in different approximations accepted in dynamic meteorology: Boussinesq approximation, quasi-static approximation, and quasi-geostrophic approximation. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of helicity budget in large-scale quasi-geostrophic systems of motion; a formula for the helicity flux across the upper boundary of the nonlinear Ekman boundary layer is given, and this flux is shown to be exactly compensated for by the helicity destruction inside the Ekman boundary layer.

Helical modes generate antimagnetic rotational spectra in nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malik, Sham S.

2018-03-01

A systematic analysis of the antimagnetic rotation band using r -helicity formalism is carried out for the first time. The observed octupole correlation in a nucleus is likely to play a role in establishing the antimagnetic spectrum. Such octupole correlations are explained within the helical orbits. In a rotating field, two identical fermions (generally protons) with paired spins generate these helical orbits in such a way that its positive (i.e., up) spin along the axis of quantization refers to one helicity (right-handedness) while negative (down) spin along the same quantization-axis decides another helicity (left-handedness). Since the helicity remains invariant under rotation, therefore, the quantum state of a fermion is represented by definite angular momentum and helicity. These helicity represented states support a pear-shaped structure of a rotating system having z axis as the symmetry axis. A combined operation of parity, time-reversal, and signature symmetries ensures an absence of one of the signature partner band from the observed antimagnetic spectrum. This formalism has also been tested for the recently observed negative parity Δ I =2 antimagnetic spectrum in odd-A 101Pd nucleus and explains nicely its energy spectrum as well as the B (E 2 ) values. Further, this formalism is found to be fully consistent with twin-shears mechanism popularly known for such type of rotational bands. It also provides significant clue for extending these experiments in various mass regions spread over the nuclear chart.

Numerical Simulations of Helicity Condensation in the Solar Corona

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhao, L.; DeVore, C. R.; Antiochos, S. K.; Zurbuchen, T. H.

2015-01-01

The helicity condensation model has been proposed by Antiochos (2013) to explain the observed smoothness of coronal loops and the observed buildup of magnetic shear at filament channels. The basic hypothesis of the model is that magnetic reconnection in the corona causes the magnetic stress injected by photospheric motions to collect only at those special locations where prominences form. In this work we present the first detailed quantitative MHD simulations of the reconnection evolution proposed by the helicity condensation model. We use the well-known ansatz of modeling the closed corona as an initially uniform field between two horizontal photospheric plates. The system is driven by applying photospheric rotational flows that inject magnetic helicity into the system. The flows are confined to a finite region on the photosphere so as to mimic the finite flux system of, for example, a bipolar active region. The calculations demonstrate that, contrary to common belief, coronal loops having opposite helicity do not reconnect, whereas loops having the same sense of helicity do reconnect. Furthermore, we find that for a given amount of helicity injected into the corona, the evolution of the magnetic shear is insensitive to whether the pattern of driving photospheric motions is fixed or quasi-random. In all cases, the shear propagates via reconnection to the boundary of the flow region while the total magnetic helicity is conserved, as predicted by the model. We discuss the implications of our results for solar observations and for future, more realistic simulations of the helicity condensation process.

Helical magnetic fields in molecular clouds?. A new method to determine the line-of-sight magnetic field structure in molecular clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tahani, M.; Plume, R.; Brown, J. C.; Kainulainen, J.

2018-06-01

Context. Magnetic fields pervade in the interstellar medium (ISM) and are believed to be important in the process of star formation, yet probing magnetic fields in star formation regions is challenging. Aims: We propose a new method to use Faraday rotation measurements in small-scale star forming regions to find the direction and magnitude of the component of magnetic field along the line of sight. We test the proposed method in four relatively nearby regions of Orion A, Orion B, Perseus, and California. Methods: We use rotation measure data from the literature. We adopt a simple approach based on relative measurements to estimate the rotation measure due to the molecular clouds over the Galactic contribution. We then use a chemical evolution code along with extinction maps of each cloud to find the electron column density of the molecular cloud at the position of each rotation measure data point. Combining the rotation measures produced by the molecular clouds and the electron column density, we calculate the line-of-sight magnetic field strength and direction. Results: In California and Orion A, we find clear evidence that the magnetic fields at one side of these filamentary structures are pointing towards us and are pointing away from us at the other side. Even though the magnetic fields in Perseus might seem to suggest the same behavior, not enough data points are available to draw such conclusions. In Orion B, as well, there are not enough data points available to detect such behavior. This magnetic field reversal is consistent with a helical magnetic field morphology. In the vicinity of available Zeeman measurements in OMC-1, OMC-B, and the dark cloud Barnard 1, we find magnetic field values of - 23 ± 38 μG, - 129 ± 28 μG, and 32 ± 101 μG, respectively, which are in agreement with the Zeeman measurements. Tables 1 to 7 are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/614/A100

Influence of drill helical direction on exit damage development in drilling carbon fiber reinforced plastic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Y.; Jia, Z. Y.; Wang, F. J.; Fu, R.; Guo, H. B.; Cheng, D.; Zhang, B. Y.

2017-06-01

Drilling is inevitable for CFRP components’ assembling process in the aviation industry. The exit damage frequently occurs and affects the load carrying capacity of components. Consequently, it is of great urgency to enhance drilling exit quality on CFRP components. The article aims to guide the reasonable choice of drill helical direction and effectively reduce exit damage. Exit observation experiments are carried out with left-hand helical, right-hand helical and straight one-shot drill drilling T800S CFRP laminates separately. The development rules of exit damage and delamination factor curves are obtained. Combined with loading conditions and fracture modes of push-out burrs, and thrust force curves, the influence of drill helical direction on exit damage development is derived. It is found that the main fracture modes for left-hand helical, right-hand helical, and straight one-shot drill are mode I, extrusive fracture, mode III respectively. Among them, mode III has the least effect on exit damage development. Meanwhile, the changing rate of thrust force is relative slow for right-hand helical and straight one-shot drill in the thrust force increasing phase of stage II, which is disadvantaged for exit damage development. Therefore, straight one-shot drill’s exit quality is the best.

Design of the Helicity Injected Torus with Steady Inductive Helicity Injection (HIT-SI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sieck, P. E.; Gu, P.; Hamp, W. T.; Izzo, V. A.; McCollam, K. J.; Jarboe, T. R.; Nelson, B. A.; Redd, A. J.; Rogers, J. A.; Shumlak, U.

2000-10-01

Steady Inductive Helicity Injection (SIHI) is an inductive current drive method that injects helicity at a nearly constant rate, without open field lines, and without removing any helicity or magnetic energy from the plasma(T.R. Jarboe, Fusion Technology 36), p. 85, 1999. SIHI directly produces a rotating magnetic field structure, and the current profile is nearly time independent in the frame of the rotating field. The Helicity Injected Torus with SIHI (HIT-SI) is a ``bow tie'' spheromak designed to implement SIHI so that the current profile in the rotating frame is optimized. SIHI is accomplished using two inductive helicity injectors that operate 90^o out of phase with each other. Each helicity injector is a 180^o segment of a ZT-P size (a ≈ 8cm, R ≈ 32cm) RFP. The presence of a spheromak equilibrium will be readily apparent on several diagnostics, including the surface magnetic probes. The design of HIT-SI is presented, including the manufacturing techniques and metallurgical processes being used in the construction of the one-meter diameter close-fitting flux conserver. Several small prototype tests have been performed to prove the vacuum seal and electrical insulation capabilities of the design, and a finite element stress analysis of the flux conserver will be presented.

Tubular Crystals and Helical Arrays: Structural Determination of HIV-1 Capsid Assemblies Using Iterative Helical Real-Space Reconstruction

PubMed Central

Zhang, Peijun; Meng, Xin; Zhao, Gongpu

2013-01-01

Helical structures are important in many different life forms and are well-suited for structural studies by cryo-EM. A unique feature of helical objects is that a single projection image contains all the views needed to perform a three-dimensional (3D) crystallographic reconstruction. Here, we use HIV-1 capsid assemblies to illustrate the detailed approaches to obtain 3D density maps from helical objects. Mature HIV-1 particles contain a conical- or tubular-shaped capsid that encloses the viral RNA genome and performs essential functions in the virus life cycle. The capsid is composed of capsid protein (CA) oligomers which are helically arranged on the surface. The N-terminal domain (NTD) of CA is connected to its C-terminal domain (CTD) through a flexible hinge. Structural analysis of two- and three-dimensional crystals provided molecular models of the capsid protein (CA) and its oligomer forms. We determined the 3D density map of helically assembled HIV-1 CA hexamers at 16 Å resolution using an iterative helical real-space reconstruction method. Docking of atomic models of CA-NTD and CA-CTD dimer into the electron density map indicated that the CTD dimer interface is retained in the assembled CA. Furthermore, molecular docking revealed an additional, novel CTD trimer interface. PMID:23132072

Effect of helicity on the correlation time of large scales in turbulent flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cameron, Alexandre; Alexakis, Alexandros; Brachet, Marc-Étienne

2017-11-01

Solutions of the forced Navier-Stokes equation have been conjectured to thermalize at scales larger than the forcing scale, similar to an absolute equilibrium obtained for the spectrally truncated Euler equation. Using direct numeric simulations of Taylor-Green flows and general-periodic helical flows, we present results on the probability density function, energy spectrum, autocorrelation function, and correlation time that compare the two systems. In the case of highly helical flows, we derive an analytic expression describing the correlation time for the absolute equilibrium of helical flows that is different from the E-1 /2k-1 scaling law of weakly helical flows. This model predicts a new helicity-based scaling law for the correlation time as τ (k ) ˜H-1 /2k-1 /2 . This scaling law is verified in simulations of the truncated Euler equation. In simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations the large-scale modes of forced Taylor-Green symmetric flows (with zero total helicity and large separation of scales) follow the same properties as absolute equilibrium including a τ (k ) ˜E-1 /2k-1 scaling for the correlation time. General-periodic helical flows also show similarities between the two systems; however, the largest scales of the forced flows deviate from the absolute equilibrium solutions.

Building blocks for subleading helicity operators

DOE PAGES

Kolodrubetz, Daniel W.; Moult, Ian; Stewart, Iain W.

2016-05-24

On-shell helicity methods provide powerful tools for determining scattering amplitudes, which have a one-to-one correspondence with leading power helicity operators in the Soft-Collinear Effective Theory (SCET) away from singular regions of phase space. We show that helicity based operators are also useful for enumerating power suppressed SCET operators, which encode subleading amplitude information about singular limits. In particular, we present a complete set of scalar helicity building blocks that are valid for constructing operators at any order in the SCET power expansion. In conclusion, we also describe an interesting angular momentum selection rule that restricts how these building blocks canmore » be assembled.« less

Modeling the Structure of Helical Assemblies with Experimental Constraints in Rosetta.

PubMed

André, Ingemar

2018-01-01

Determining high-resolution structures of proteins with helical symmetry can be challenging due to limitations in experimental data. In such instances, structure-based protein simulations driven by experimental data can provide a valuable approach for building models of helical assemblies. This chapter describes how the Rosetta macromolecular package can be used to model homomeric protein assemblies with helical symmetry in a range of modeling scenarios including energy refinement, symmetrical docking, comparative modeling, and de novo structure prediction. Data-guided structure modeling of helical assemblies with experimental information from electron density, X-ray fiber diffraction, solid-state NMR, and chemical cross-linking mass spectrometry is also described.

On the helical arrangements of protein molecules.

PubMed

Dauter, Zbigniew; Jaskolski, Mariusz

2018-03-01

Helical structures are prevalent in biology. In the PDB, there are many examples where protein molecules are helically arranged, not only according to strict crystallographic screw axes but also according to approximate noncrystallographic screws. The preponderance of such screws is rather striking as helical arrangements in crystals must preserve an integer number of subunits per turn, while intuition and simple packing arguments would seem to favor fractional helices. The article provides insights into such questions, based on stereochemistry, trigonometry, and topology, and illustrates the findings with concrete PDB structures. Updated statistics of Sohncke space groups in the PDB are also presented. © 2017 The Protein Society.

Research on the influence of helical strakes on dynamic response of floating wind turbine platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Qin-wei; Li, Chun

2017-04-01

The stability of platform structure is the paramount guarantee of the safe operation of the offshore floating wind turbine. The NREL 5MW floating wind turbine is established based on the OC3-Hywind Spar Buoy platform with the supplement of helical strakes for the purpose to analyze the impact of helical strakes on the dynamic response of the floating wind turbine Spar platform. The dynamic response of floating wind turbine Spar platform under wind, wave and current loading from the impact of number, height and pitch ratio of the helical strakes is analysed by the radiation and diffraction theory, the finite element method and orthogonal design method. The result reveals that the helical strakes can effectively inhibit the dynamic response of the platform but enlarge the wave exciting force; the best parameter combination is two pieces of helical strakes with the height of 15% D ( D is the diameter of the platform) and the pitch ratio of 5; the height of the helical strake and its pitch ratio have significant influence on pitch response.

Magnetic helicity balance at Taylor relaxed states sustained by AC helicity injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirota, Makoto; Morrison, Philip J.; Horton, Wendell; Hattori, Yuji

2017-10-01

Magnitudes of Taylor relaxed states that are sustained by AC magnetic helicity injection (also known as oscillating field current drive, OFCD) are investigated numerically in a cylindrical geometry. Compared with the amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field at the skin layer (which is normalized to 1), the strength of the axial guide field Bz 0 is shown to be an important parameter. The relaxation process seems to be active only when Bz 0 < 1 . Moreover, in the case of weak guide field Bz 0 < 0.2 , a helically-symmetric relaxed state is self-generated instead of the axisymmetric reversed-field pinch. As a theoretical model, the helicity balance is considered in a similar way to R. G. O'Neill et al., where the helicity injection rate is directly equated with the dissipation rate at the Taylor states. Then, the bifurcation to the helical Taylor state is predicted theoretically and the estimated magnitudes of the relaxed states reasonably agree with numerical results as far as Bz 0 < 1 . This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 16K05627.

INVESTIGATION OF HELICITY AND ENERGY FLUX TRANSPORT IN THREE EMERGING SOLAR ACTIVE REGIONS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vemareddy, P., E-mail: vemareddy@iiap.res.in

We report the results of an investigation of helicity and energy flux transport from three emerging solar active regions (ARs). Using time sequence vector magnetic field observations obtained from the Helioseismic Magnetic Imager, the velocity field of plasma flows is derived by the differential affine velocity estimator for vector magnetograms. In three cases, the magnetic fluxes evolve to pump net positive, negative, and mixed-sign helicity flux into the corona. The coronal helicity flux is dominantly coming from the shear term that is related to horizontal flux motions, whereas energy flux is dominantly contributed by the emergence term. The shear helicity fluxmore » has a phase delay of 5–14 hr with respect to absolute magnetic flux. The nonlinear curve of coronal energy versus relative helicity identifies the configuration of coronal magnetic fields, which is approximated by a fit of linear force-free fields. The nature of coronal helicity related to the particular pattern of evolving magnetic fluxes at the photosphere has implications for the generation mechanism of two kinds of observed activity in the ARs.« less

Helicity-dependent single-walled carbon nanotube alignment on graphite for helical angle and handedness recognition

PubMed Central

Chen, Yabin; Shen, Ziyong; Xu, Ziwei; Hu, Yue; Xu, Haitao; Wang, Sheng; Guo, Xiaolei; Zhang, Yanfeng; Peng, Lianmao; Ding, Feng; Liu, Zhongfan; Zhang, Jin

2013-01-01

Aligned single-walled carbon nanotube arrays provide a great potential for the carbon-based nanodevices and circuit integration. Aligning single-walled carbon nanotubes with selected helicities and identifying their helical structures remain a daunting issue. The widely used gas-directed and surface-directed growth modes generally suffer the drawbacks of mixed and unknown helicities of the aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes. Here we develop a rational approach to anchor the single-walled carbon nanotubes on graphite surfaces, on which the orientation of each single-walled carbon nanotube sensitively depends on its helical angle and handedness. This approach can be exploited to conveniently measure both the helical angle and handedness of the single-walled carbon nanotube simultaneously at a low cost. In addition, by combining with the resonant Raman spectroscopy, the (n,m) index of anchored single-walled carbon nanotube can be further determined from the (d,θ) plot, and the assigned (n,m) values by this approach are validated by both the electronic transition energy Eii measurement and nanodevice application. PMID:23892334

Amplification of large scale magnetic fields in a decaying MHD system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Kiwan

2017-10-01

Dynamo theory explains the amplification of magnetic fields in the conducting fluids (plasmas) driven by the continuous external energy. It is known that the nonhelical continuous kinetic or magnetic energy amplifies the small scale magnetic field; and the helical energy, the instability, or the shear with rotation effect amplifies the large scale magnetic field. However, recently it was reported that the decaying magnetic energy independent of helicity or instability could generate the large scale magnetic field. This phenomenon may look somewhat contradictory to the conventional dynamo theory. But it gives us some clues to the fundamental mechanism of energy transfer in the magnetized conducting fluids. It also implies that an ephemeral astrophysical event emitting the magnetic and kinetic energy can be a direct cause of the large scale magnetic field observed in space. As of now the exact physical mechanism is not yet understood in spite of several numerical results. The plasma motion coupled with a nearly conserved vector potential in the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) system may transfer magnetic energy to the large scale. Also the intrinsic property of the scaling invariant MHD equation may decide the direction of energy transfer. In this paper we present the simulation results of inversely transferred helical and nonhelical energy in a decaying MHD system. We introduce a field structure model based on the MHD equation to show that the transfer of magnetic energy is essentially bidirectional depending on the plasma motion and initial energy distribution. And then we derive α coefficient algebraically in line with the field structure model to explain how the large scale magnetic field is induced by the helical energy in the system regardless of an external forcing source. And for the algebraic analysis of nonhelical magnetic energy, we use the eddy damped quasinormalized Markovian approximation to show the inverse transfer of magnetic energy.

Experiments Using Local Helicity Injectors in the Lower Divertor Region as the Majority Current Drive in a Tokamak Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perry, Justin M.

Local helicity injection (LHI) is a non-solenoidal current drive capable of achieving high-Ip tokamak startup with a relatively compact and non-invasive array of current injectors in the plasma scrape-off layer. The choice of injector location within the edge region is flexible, but has a profound influence on the nature of the current drive in LHI discharges. Past experiments on the Pegasus ST with injection on the low-field-side near the outboard midplane produced plasmas dominated by inductive drive resulting primarily from plasma geometry evolution over the discharge. Recent experiments with injection on the high-field- side in the lower divertor region produce plasmas dominated by helicity injection current drive, with relatively static plasma geometry, and thus negligible inductive drive. Plasma current up to 200 kA is driven with helicity injection as the dominant current drive using a pair of 4 cm2 area injectors sourcing 8 kA of total injected current. Steady sustainment with LHI current drive alone is demonstrated, with 100 kA sustained for 18 ms. Maximum achievable plasma current is found to scale approximately linearly with a plasma-geometry- normalized form of the effective loop voltage from LHI, Vnorm = AinjVinj/Rinj, where A inj is the total injector area, Vinj is the injector bias voltage, and Rinj is the major radius of the injectors. A newly-discovered MHD regime for LHI-driven plasmas is described, in which the large-amplitude n = 1 fluctuations at 20-50 kHz which are generally dominant during LHI are abruptly reduced by an order of magnitude on the outboard side. High frequency fluctuations ( f > 400 kHz) increase inside the plasma edge at the same time. This regime results in improved plasma current and pervasive changes to plasma behavior, and may suggest short wavelength turbulence as a current drive mechanism during LHI.

Analytic, High-beta Solutions of the Helical Grad-Shafranov Equation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

D.R. Smith; A.H. Reiman

We present analytic, high-beta ({beta} {approx} O(1)), helical equilibrium solutions for a class of helical axis configurations having large helical aspect ratio, with the helix assumed to be tightly wound. The solutions develop a narrow boundary layer of strongly compressed flux, similar to that previously found in high beta tokamak equilibrium solutions. The boundary layer is associated with a strong localized current which prevents the equilibrium from having zero net current.

Adaptive Radiotherapy Planning on Decreasing Gross Tumor Volumes as Seen on Megavoltage Computed Tomography Images

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Woodford, Curtis; Yartsev, Slav; Dar, A. Rashid

2007-11-15

Purpose: To evaluate gross tumor volume (GTV) changes for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer by using daily megavoltage (MV) computed tomography (CT) studies acquired before each treatment fraction on helical tomotherapy and to relate the potential benefit of adaptive image-guided radiotherapy to changes in GTV. Methods and Materials: Seventeen patients were prescribed 30 fractions of radiotherapy on helical tomotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer at London Regional Cancer Program from Dec 2005 to March 2007. The GTV was contoured on the daily MVCT studies of each patient. Adapted plans were created using merged MVCT-kilovoltage CT image sets to investigate the advantagesmore » of replanning for patients with differing GTV regression characteristics. Results: Average GTV change observed over 30 fractions was -38%, ranging from -12 to -87%. No significant correlation was observed between GTV change and patient's physical or tumor features. Patterns of GTV changes in the 17 patients could be divided broadly into three groups with distinctive potential for benefit from adaptive planning. Conclusions: Changes in GTV are difficult to predict quantitatively based on patient or tumor characteristics. If changes occur, there are points in time during the treatment course when it may be appropriate to adapt the plan to improve sparing of normal tissues. If GTV decreases by greater than 30% at any point in the first 20 fractions of treatment, adaptive planning is appropriate to further improve the therapeutic ratio.« less

The SSME seal test program: Leakage tests for helically-grooved seals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Childs, D. W.

1983-01-01

Helically grooved annular seal configurations were tested in highly turbulent flow to determine if reduced leakage and enhanced stability would result from the pumping action of the seal. It was found that: (1) leakage of a helically grooved seals decreases with running speed; (2) leakage reduction due to increased running speed is greater at lower values of R sub a; (3) an asymptote for leakage reduction is indicated with increasing running speed; (4) leakage is reduced by reducing the ridge (minimum) and average clearances; (5) leakage increases with increasing pitch angles and with increasing groove depth. Plain seals with smooth rotors and stators will leak more than a helically grooved seal. It was also found that plain seals with a rough rotor and a rough stator leak less than a properly designed helically grooved seal. A properly designed helically grooved seal consumes at least twice as much power as a conventional annular seal.

Structure and interactions of biological helices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kornyshev, Alexei A.; Lee, Dominic J.; Leikin, Sergey; Wynveen, Aaron

2007-07-01

Helices are essential building blocks of living organisms, be they molecular fragments of proteins ( α -helices), macromolecules (DNA and collagen), or multimolecular assemblies (microtubules and viruses). Their interactions are involved in packing of meters of genetic material within cells and phage heads, recognition of homologous genes in recombination and DNA repair, stability of tissues, and many other processes. Helical molecules form a variety of mesophases in vivo and in vitro. Recent structural studies, direct measurements of intermolecular forces, single-molecule manipulations, and other experiments have accumulated a wealth of information and revealed many puzzling physical phenomena. It is becoming increasingly clear that in many cases the physics of biological helices cannot be described by theories that treat them as simple, unstructured polyelectrolytes. The present article focuses on the most important and interesting aspects of the physics of structured macromolecules, highlighting various manifestations of the helical motif in their structure, elasticity, interactions with counterions, aggregation, and poly- and mesomorphic transitions.

Investigations of electron helicity in optically active molecules using polarized beams of electrons and positrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gidley, D. W.; Rich, A.; Van House, J. C.; Zitzewitz, P. W.

1981-01-01

A positronium-formation experiment with a high sensitivity to a possible relation between the helicity of beta particles emitted in nuclear beta decay and the optical asymmetry of biological molecules is presented. The experiment is based on a mechanism in which the electrons in optically active molecules possess a helicity of less than 0.001, too weak to detect in radiolysis experiments, the sign of which depends on the chirality of the isomer. A helicity-dependent asymmetry is sought in the formation of the triplet ground state of positronium when a low-energy beam of polarized positrons of reversible helicity interacts with an optically active substance coating a channel electron multiplier. Asymmetries between positronium decays observed at positive and negative helicities for the same substance can thus be determined with a sensitivity of 0.0001, which represents a factor of 100 improvement over previous positronium experiments.

Cross Helicity and Turbulent Magnetic Diffusivity in the Solar Convection Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rüdiger, G.; Kitchatinov, L. L.; Brandenburg, A.

2011-03-01

In a density-stratified turbulent medium, the cross helicity < u'ṡ B'> is considered as a result of the interaction of the velocity fluctuations and a large-scale magnetic field. By means of a quasilinear theory and by numerical simulations, we find the cross helicity and the mean vertical magnetic field to be anti-correlated. In the high-conductivity limit the ratio of the helicity and the mean magnetic field equals the ratio of the magnetic eddy diffusivity and the (known) density scale height. The result can be used to predict that the cross helicity at the solar surface will exceed the value of 1 gauss km s-1. Its sign is anti-correlated to that of the radial mean magnetic field. Alternatively, we can use our result to determine the value of the turbulent magnetic diffusivity from observations of the cross helicity.

Nuclear reactor safety device

DOEpatents

Hutter, Ernest

1986-01-01

A safety device is disclosed for use in a nuclear reactor for axially repositioning a control rod with respect to the reactor core in the event of an upward thermal excursion. Such safety device comprises a laminated helical ribbon configured as a tube-like helical coil having contiguous helical turns with slidably abutting edges. The helical coil is disclosed as a portion of a drive member connected axially to the control rod. The laminated ribbon is formed of outer and inner laminae. The material of the outer lamina has a greater thermal coefficient of expansion than the material of the inner lamina. In the event of an upward thermal excursion, the laminated helical coil curls inwardly to a smaller diameter. Such inward curling causes the total length of the helical coil to increase by a substantial increment, so that the control rod is axially repositioned by a corresponding amount to reduce the power output of the reactor.

Hierarchically arranged helical fibre actuators driven by solvents and vapours.

PubMed

Chen, Peining; Xu, Yifan; He, Sisi; Sun, Xuemei; Pan, Shaowu; Deng, Jue; Chen, Daoyong; Peng, Huisheng

2015-12-01

Mechanical responsiveness in many plants is produced by helical organizations of cellulose microfibrils. However, simple mimicry of these naturally occurring helical structures does not produce artificial materials with the desired tunable actuations. Here, we show that actuating fibres that respond to solvent and vapour stimuli can be created through the hierarchical and helical assembly of aligned carbon nanotubes. Primary fibres consisting of helical assemblies of multiwalled carbon nanotubes are twisted together to form the helical actuating fibres. The nanoscale gaps between the nanotubes and micrometre-scale gaps among the primary fibres contribute to the rapid response and large actuation stroke of the actuating fibres. The compact coils allow the actuating fibre to rotate reversibly. We show that these fibres, which are lightweight, flexible and strong, are suitable for a variety of applications such as energy-harvesting generators, deformable sensing springs and smart textiles.

Hierarchically arranged helical fibre actuators driven by solvents and vapours

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Peining; Xu, Yifan; He, Sisi; Sun, Xuemei; Pan, Shaowu; Deng, Jue; Chen, Daoyong; Peng, Huisheng

2015-12-01

Mechanical responsiveness in many plants is produced by helical organizations of cellulose microfibrils. However, simple mimicry of these naturally occurring helical structures does not produce artificial materials with the desired tunable actuations. Here, we show that actuating fibres that respond to solvent and vapour stimuli can be created through the hierarchical and helical assembly of aligned carbon nanotubes. Primary fibres consisting of helical assemblies of multiwalled carbon nanotubes are twisted together to form the helical actuating fibres. The nanoscale gaps between the nanotubes and micrometre-scale gaps among the primary fibres contribute to the rapid response and large actuation stroke of the actuating fibres. The compact coils allow the actuating fibre to rotate reversibly. We show that these fibres, which are lightweight, flexible and strong, are suitable for a variety of applications such as energy-harvesting generators, deformable sensing springs and smart textiles.

Conservation law of angular momentum in helicity-dependent Raman and Rayleigh scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tatsumi, Yuki; Kaneko, Tomoaki; Saito, Riichiro

2018-05-01

In first-order Raman scattering, helicity of circularly polarized incident light is either conserved or changed depending on the Raman modes. When the helicity of incident light changes in the scattered light, the angular momentum of a photon is transferred to the material. Here, we present the conservation law of pseudoangular momentum in the helicity-dependent Raman scattering for a N -fold (N =1 -4 ,6 ) rotational symmetry of a crystal. Furthermore, the conservation law of electron-phonon interaction is discussed by considering the vibration direction of a phonon that has the same or lower symmetry than the symmetry of the crystal, which is essential to allow the helicity change in Raman scattering in a highly symmetric material, such as graphene. We also discuss the conservation law of pseudoangular momentum in Rayleigh scattering and show that the helicity change is allowed only in the crystal with one- or twofold rotational symmetry.

Dosimetric study and in-vivo dose verification for conformal avoidance treatment of anal adenocarcinoma using helical tomotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Han Chunhui; Chen Yijen; Liu An

2007-04-01

This study evaluated the efficacy of using helical tomotherapy for conformal avoidance treatment of anal adenocarcinoma. We retrospectively generated step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiotherapy (sIMRT) plans and helical tomotherapy plans for two anal cancer patients, one male and one female, who were treated by the sIMRT technique. Dose parameters for the planning target volume (PTV) and the organs-at-risk (OARs) were compared between the sIMRT and the helical tomotherapy plans. The helical tomotherapy plans showed better dose homogeneity in the PTV, better dose conformity around the PTV, and, therefore, better sparing of nearby OARs compared with the sIMRT plans. In-vivo skin dose measurementsmore » were performed during conformal avoidance helical tomotherapy treatment of an anal cancer patient to verify adequate delivery of skin dose and sparing of OARs.« less

Simple electronic apparatus for the analysis of radioactively labeled gel electrophoretograms

DOEpatents

Goulianos, Konstantin; Smith, Karen K.; White, Sebastian N.

1982-01-01

A high resolution position sensitive radiation detector for analyzing radiation emanating from a source, constructed of a thin plate having an elongated slot with conductive edges acting as a cathode, a charged anode wire positioned within 0.5 mm adjacent the source and running parallel to the slot and centered therein, an ionizable gas ionized by radiation emanating from the source provided surrounding the anode wire in the slot, a helical wire induction coil serving as a delay line and positioned beneath the anode wire for detecting gas ionization and for producing resulting ionization signals, and processing circuits coupled to the induction coil for receiving ionization signals induced therein after determining therefrom the location along the anode wire of any radiation emanating from the source. An ionization gas of 70% Ar, 29% Isobutane, 0.6% Freon 13BI, and 0.4% Methylal is used.

Preliminary design study of an alternate heat source assembly for a Brayton isotope power system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strumpf, H. J.

1978-01-01

Results are presented for a study of the preliminary design of an alternate heat source assembly (HSA) intended for use in the Brayton isotope power system (BIPS). The BIPS converts thermal energy emitted by a radioactive heat source into electrical energy by means of a closed Brayton cycle. A heat source heat exchanger configuration was selected and optimized. The design consists of a 10 turn helically wound Hastelloy X tube. Thermal analyses were performed for various operating conditions to ensure that post impact containment shell (PICS) temperatures remain within specified limits. These limits are essentially satisfied for all modes of operation except for the emergency cooling system for which the PICS temperatures are too high. Neon was found to be the best choice for a fill gas for auxiliary cooling system operation. Low cycle fatigue life, natural frequency, and dynamic loading requirements can be met with minor modifications to the existing HSA.

A fiber optic biosensor for fluorimetric detection of triple-helical DNA.

PubMed

Uddin, A H; Piunno, P A; Hudson, R H; Damha, M J; Krull, U J

1997-10-15

A fiber optic biosensor was used for the fluorimetric detection of T/AT triple-helical DNA formation. The surfaces of two sets of fused silica optical fibers were functionalized with hexaethylene oxide linkers from which decaadenylic acid oligonucleotides were grown in the 3'to 5'and 5'to 3'direction, respectively, using a DNA synthesizer. Fluorescence studies of hybridization showed unequivocal hybridization between oligomers immobilized on the fibers and complementary oligonucleotides from the solution phase, as detected by fluorescence from intercalated ethidium bromide. The complementary oligonucleotide, dT10, which was expected to Watson-Crick hybridize upon cooling the system below the duplex melting temperature ( T m), provided a fluorescence intensity with a negative temperature coefficient. Upon further cooling, to the point where the pyrimidine motif T*AT triple-helix formation occurred, a fluorescence intensity change with a positive temperature coefficient was observed. The reverse-Hoogsteen T.AT triplex, which is known to form with branched nucleic acids, provided a corresponding decrease in fluorescence intensity with decreasing temperature. Full analytical signal evolution was attainable in minutes.

Design of a Telescopic Linear Actuator Based on Hollow Shape Memory Springs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spaggiari, Andrea; Spinella, Igor; Dragoni, Eugenio

2011-07-01

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are smart materials exploited in many applications to build actuators with high power to mass ratio. Typical SMA drawbacks are: wires show poor stroke and excessive length, helical springs have limited mechanical bandwidth and high power consumption. This study is focused on the design of a large-scale linear SMA actuator conceived to maximize the stroke while limiting the overall size and the electric consumption. This result is achieved by adopting for the actuator a telescopic multi-stage architecture and using SMA helical springs with hollow cross section to power the stages. The hollow geometry leads to reduced axial size and mass of the actuator and to enhanced working frequency while the telescopic design confers to the actuator an indexable motion, with a number of different displacements being achieved through simple on-off control strategies. An analytical thermo-electro-mechanical model is developed to optimize the device. Output stroke and force are maximized while total size and power consumption are simultaneously minimized. Finally, the optimized actuator, showing good performance from all these points of view, is designed in detail.

The Mochi project: a field theory approach to plasma dynamics and self-organization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Setthivoine; von der Linden, Jens; Lavine, Eric Sander; Card, Alexander; Carroll, Evan

2016-10-01

The Mochi project is designed to study the interaction between plasma flows and magnetic fields from the point-of-view of canonical flux tubes. The Mochi Labjet experiment is being commissioned after achieving first plasma. Analytical and numerical tools are being developed to visualize canonical flux tubes. One analytical tool described here is a field theory approach to plasma dynamics and self-organization. A redefinition of the Lagrangian of a multi-particle system in fields reformulates the single-particle, kinetic, and fluid equations governing fluid and plasma dynamics as a single set of generalized Maxwell's equations and Ohm's law for canonical force-fields. The Lagrangian includes new terms representing the coupling between the motion of particle distributions, between distributions and electromagnetic fields, with relativistic contributions. The formulation shows that the concepts of self-organization and canonical helicity transport are applicable across single-particle, kinetic, and fluid regimes, at classical and relativistic scales. The theory gives the basis for comparing canonical helicity change to energy change in general systems. This work is supported by by US DOE Grant DE-SC0010340.

Molecular Dynamics of "Fuzzy" Transcriptional Activator-Coactivator Interactions

PubMed Central

Scholes, Natalie S.; Weinzierl, Robert O. J.

2016-01-01

Transcriptional activation domains (ADs) are generally thought to be intrinsically unstructured, but capable of adopting limited secondary structure upon interaction with a coactivator surface. The indeterminate nature of this interface made it hitherto difficult to study structure/function relationships of such contacts. Here we used atomistic accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) simulations to study the conformational changes of the GCN4 AD and variants thereof, either free in solution, or bound to the GAL11 coactivator surface. We show that the AD-coactivator interactions are highly dynamic while obeying distinct rules. The data provide insights into the constant and variable aspects of orientation of ADs relative to the coactivator, changes in secondary structure and energetic contributions stabilizing the various conformers at different time points. We also demonstrate that a prediction of α-helical propensity correlates directly with the experimentally measured transactivation potential of a large set of mutagenized ADs. The link between α-helical propensity and the stimulatory activity of ADs has fundamental practical and theoretical implications concerning the recruitment of ADs to coactivators. PMID:27175900

Novel Application of Helical Tomotherapy in Whole Skull Palliative Radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodrigues, George; Yartsev, Slav; Coad, Terry

2008-01-01

Helical tomotherapy (HT) is a radiation planning/delivery platform that combines inversely planned IMRT with on-board megavoltage imaging. A unique HT radiotherapy whole skull brain sparing technique is described in a patient with metastatic prostate cancer. An inverse HT plan and an accompanying back-up conventional lateral 6-MV parallel opposed pair (POP) plan with corresponding isodose distributions and dose-volume histograms (DVH) were created and assessed prior to initiation of therapy. Plans conforming to the planning treatment volume (PTV) with significant sparing of brain, optic nerve, and eye were created. Dose heterogeneity to the PTV target was slightly higher in the HT planmore » compared to the back-up POP plan. Conformal sparing of brain, optic nerve, and eye was achieved by the HT plan. Similar lens and brain stem/spinal cord doses were seen with both plans. Prospective clinical evaluation with relevant end points (quality of life, symptom relief) are required to confirm the potential benefits of highly conformal therapies applied to palliative situations such as this case.« less

Huntingtin interacting protein 1 (HIP1) regulates clathrin assembly through direct binding to the regulatory region of the clathrin light chain.

PubMed

Legendre-Guillemin, Valerie; Metzler, Martina; Lemaire, Jean-Francois; Philie, Jacynthe; Gan, Lu; Hayden, Michael R; McPherson, Peter S

2005-02-18

Huntingtin interacting protein 1 (HIP1) is a component of clathrin coats. We previously demonstrated that HIP1 promotes clathrin assembly through its central helical domain, which binds directly to clathrin light chains (CLCs). To better understand the relationship between CLC binding and clathrin assembly we sought to dissect this interaction. Using C-terminal deletion constructs of the HIP1 helical domain, we identified a region between residues 450 and 456 that is required for CLC binding. Within this region, point mutations showed the importance of residues Leu-451, Leu-452, and Arg-453. Mutants that fail to bind CLC are unable to promote clathrin assembly in vitro but still mediate HIP1 homodimerization and heterodimerization with the family member HIP12/HIP1R. Moreover, HIP1 binding to CLC is necessary for HIP1 targeting to clathrin-coated pits and clathrin-coated vesicles. Interestingly, HIP1 binds to a highly conserved region of CLC previously demonstrated to regulate clathrin assembly. These results suggest a role for HIP1/CLC interactions in the regulation of clathrin assembly.

Magnetic reconnection process in transient coaxial helicity injection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ebrahimi, F.; Hooper, E. B.; Sovinec, C. R.

The physics of magnetic reconnection and fast flux closure in transient coaxial helicity injection experiments in NSTX is examined using resistive MHD simulations. These simulations have been performed using the NIMROD code with fixed boundary flux (including NSTX poloidal coil currents) in the NSTX experimental geometry. Simulations show that an X point is formed in the injector region, followed by formation of closed flux surfaces within 0.5 ms after the driven injector voltage and injector current begin to rapidly decrease. As the injector voltage is turned off, the field lines tend to untwist in the toroidal direction and magnetic fieldmore » compression exerts a radial J × B force and generates a bi-directional radial E{sub toroidal}×B{sub poloidal} pinch flow to bring oppositely directed field lines closer together to reconnect. At sufficiently low magnetic diffusivity (high Lundquist number), and with a sufficiently narrow injector flux footprint width, the oppositely directed field lines have sufficient time to reconnect (before dissipating), leading to the formation of closed flux surfaces. The reconnection process is shown to have transient Sweet-Parker characteristics.« less

Olminska and colleagues' study, "Conversion of the helical tomotherapy plans to the step-and-shoot IMRT plans for patients with hip prosthesis during radiotherapy for prostate cancer" was interesting to read.

PubMed

Cihan, Yasemin Benderli

2016-11-01

Olmińska and colleagues' study, Olmińska et al. (2016) was interesting to read [1]. While prasining the authors for their great work, I want to emphasize e few points. In the recent years, with the development of new device technology, Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and complex treatment modalities such as stereotactic radiosurgery and helical tomotherapy were started to be implemented. Thus, due to increased local control of tumor growth and reduction of dose received by surrounding critical organs, serious complications were avoided. In this new treatment modality, while calculating appropriate dose, all the parameters such as patient anatomy and characteristics of radiation should be taken into account. Besides, during conformal radiotherapy, if hip prosthesis is located around or in the clinical target volume (CTV), type, thickness and density of biomaterial should be considered to avoid dose differences. Copyright © 2016 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-Solenoidal Startup via Helicity Injection in the Pegasus ST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bongard, M. W.; Bodner, G. M.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Pachicano, J. L.; Perry, J. M.; Pierren, C.; Richner, N. J.; Rodriguez Sanchez, C.; Schlossberg, D. J.; Reusch, J. A.; Weberski, J. D.

2017-10-01

Research on the A 1 . 2 Pegasus ST is developing the physics and technology basis for optimal non-solenoidal tokamak startup. Recent work explores startup via Local Helicity Injection (LHI) using compact, multi-MW current sources placed at the plasma edge in the lower divertor region. This minimizes inductive drive from poloidal fields and dynamic shaping. Plasmas with Ip <= 200 kA, Δtpulse 20 ms and BT <= 0 . 15 T are produced to date, sustained by two injectors with Ainj = 4 cm2 , Vinj 1 . 5 kV, and Iinj 8 kA, facilitated by improvements to the injectors, limiters, and divertor plates that mitigate deleterious PMI. These plasmas feature anomalous, reconnection-driven ion heating with Ti >=Te >= 50 - 100 eV and large-amplitude MHD activity driven by the injectors. Under some conditions, MHD fluctuations abruptly decrease by over an order of magnitude without loss of LHI drive, improving realized Ip , and suggesting short-wavelength modes may relate to the current drive mechanism. The high IN >= 10 , ion heating, and low li driven by LHI, and the favorable stability of A 1 STs allows access to record βt 100 % and high βN 6 . 5 . Such high-βt plasmas have a minimum | B | well spanning 50 % of the plasma volume. Enhancements to the Pegasus facility are considered to increase BT towards NSTX-U levels; establish coaxial helicity injection capabilities; and add auxiliary heating and current drive. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Advancing Non-Solenoidal Startup on the Pegasus ST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reusch, J. A.; Barr, J. L.; Bodner, G. M.; Bongard, M. W.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Pachicano, J. L.; Perry, J. M.; Richner, N. J.; Rodriguez Sanchez, C.; Schlossberg, D. J.

2016-10-01

The Pegasus experiment utilizes compact, edge-localized current sources (Ainj 2 - 4 cm2, Iinj 10 kA, Vinj 1 kV) for non-solenoidal local helicity injection (LHI) startup. Recent campaigns are comparing two injector geometries that vary the differing relative contributions of DC helicity input and non-solenoidal inductive voltages. A predictive 0-D model that treats the plasma as a resistive element with time-varying inductance and enforces Ip limits from Taylor relaxation was tested with inward growth of the plasma current channel using injectors on the outboard midplane. Strong inductive drive arises from plasma shape evolution and poloidal field (PF) induction. A major unknown in the model is the resistive dissipation, and hence the electron confinement. Te (R) profile measurements in LHI show centrally-peaked Te > 100 eV while the plasma is coupled to the injectors, suggesting LHI confinement is not strongly stochastic. A second campaign utilizes new injectors in the lower divertor region. This geometry trades subtler relaxation field programming and reduced PF induction for higher HI rates. Present efforts are developing relaxation methods at high BT, with relaxation at BT , inj > 0.15 T achieved to date via higher Iinj and PF manipulation. Conceptual design studies of coaxial helicity injection (CHI) and ECH heating systems for Pegasus have been initiated to explore direct comparison of LHI to CHI with and without ECH assist. Supported by US DOE Grants DE-FG02-96ER54375, DE-SC0006928.

NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF HELICITY CONDENSATION IN THE SOLAR CORONA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, L.; Zurbuchen, T. H.; DeVore, C. R.

The helicity condensation model has been proposed by Antiochos to explain the observed smoothness of coronal loops and the observed buildup of magnetic shear at filament channels. The basic hypothesis of the model is that magnetic reconnection in the corona causes the magnetic stress injected by photospheric motions to collect only at those special locations where prominences are observed to form. In this work we present the first detailed quantitative MHD simulations of the reconnection evolution proposed by the helicity condensation model. We use the well-known ansatz of modeling the closed corona as an initially uniform field between two horizontalmore » photospheric plates. The system is driven by applying photospheric rotational flows that inject magnetic helicity into the corona. The flows are confined to a finite region on the photosphere so as to mimic the finite flux system of a bipolar active region, for example. The calculations demonstrate that, contrary to common belief, opposite helicity twists do not lead to significant reconnection in such a coronal system, whereas twists with the same sense of helicity do produce substantial reconnection. Furthermore, we find that for a given amount of helicity injected into the corona, the evolution of the magnetic shear is insensitive to whether the pattern of driving photospheric motions is fixed or quasi-random. In all cases, the shear propagates via reconnection to the boundary of the flow region while the total magnetic helicity is conserved, as predicted by the model. We discuss the implications of our results for solar observations and for future, more realistic simulations of the helicity condensation process.« less

Sequence and conformational preferences at termini of α-helices in membrane proteins: role of the helix environment.

PubMed

Shelar, Ashish; Bansal, Manju

2014-12-01

α-Helices are amongst the most common secondary structural elements seen in membrane proteins and are packed in the form of helix bundles. These α-helices encounter varying external environments (hydrophobic, hydrophilic) that may influence the sequence preferences at their N and C-termini. The role of the external environment in stabilization of the helix termini in membrane proteins is still unknown. Here we analyze α-helices in a high-resolution dataset of integral α-helical membrane proteins and establish that their sequence and conformational preferences differ from those in globular proteins. We specifically examine these preferences at the N and C-termini in helices initiating/terminating inside the membrane core as well as in linkers connecting these transmembrane helices. We find that the sequence preferences and structural motifs at capping (Ncap and Ccap) and near-helical (N' and C') positions are influenced by a combination of features including the membrane environment and the innate helix initiation and termination property of residues forming structural motifs. We also find that a large number of helix termini which do not form any particular capping motif are stabilized by formation of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions contributed from the neighboring helices in the membrane protein. We further validate the sequence preferences obtained from our analysis with data from an ultradeep sequencing study that identifies evolutionarily conserved amino acids in the rat neurotensin receptor. The results from our analysis provide insights for the secondary structure prediction, modeling and design of membrane proteins. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Great Solar Active Region NOAA 12192: Helicity Transport, Filament Formation, and Impact on the Polar Field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McMaken, Tyler C.; Petrie, Gordon J. D., E-mail: tmcmaken@gmail.com, E-mail: gpetrie@noao.edu

The solar active region (AR), NOAA 12192, appeared in 2014 October as the largest AR in 24 years. Here we examine the counterintuitive nature of two diffusion-driven processes in the region: the role of helicity buildup in the formation of a major filament, and the relationship between the effects of supergranular diffusion and meridional flow on the AR and on the polar field. Quantitatively, calculations of current helicity and magnetic twist from Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) vector magnetograms indicate that, though AR 12192 emerged with negative helicity, positive helicity from subsequent flux emergence, consistent with the hemispheric sign-preference ofmore » helicity, increased over time within large-scale, weak-field regions such as those near the polarity inversion line (PIL). Morphologically, Atmospheric Imaging Assembly observations of filament barbs, sigmoidal patterns, and bases of Fe xii stalks initially exhibited signatures of negative helicity, and the long filament that subsequently formed had a strong positive helicity consistent with the helicity buildup along the PIL. We find from full-disk HMI magnetograms that AR 12192's leading positive flux was initially closer to the equator but, owing either to the region’s magnetic surroundings or to its asymmetric flux density distribution, was transported poleward more quickly on average than its trailing negative flux, contrary to the canonical pattern of bipole flux transport. This behavior caused the AR to have a smaller effect on the polar fields than expected and enabled the formation of the very long neutral line where the filament formed.« less

Origins of the helical wrapping of phenyleneethynylene polymers about single-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Von Bargen, Christopher D; MacDermaid, Christopher M; Lee, One-Sun; Deria, Pravas; Therien, Michael J; Saven, Jeffery G

2013-10-24

The highly charged, conjugated polymer poly[p-{2,5-bis(3-propoxysulfonicacidsodiumsalt)}phenylene]ethynylene (PPES) has been shown to wrap single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), adopting a robust helical superstructure. Surprisingly, PPES adopts a helical rather than a linear conformation when adhered to SWNTs. The complexes formed by PPES and related polymers upon helical wrapping of a SWNT are investigated using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in the presence and absence of aqueous solvent. In simulations of the PPES/SWNT system in an aqueous environment, PPES spontaneously takes on a helical conformation. A potential of mean force, ΔA(ξ), is calculated as a function of ξ, the component of the end-to-end vector of the polymer chain projected on the SWNT axis; ξ is a monotonic function of the polymer's helical pitch. ΔA(ξ) provides a means to quantify the relative free energies of helical conformations of the polymer when wrapped about the SWNT. The aqueous system possesses a global minimum in ΔA(ξ) at the experimentally observed value of the helical pitch. The presence of this minimum is associated with preferred side chain conformations, where the side chains adopt conformations that provide van der Waals contact between the tubes and the aliphatic components of the side chains, while exposing the anionic sulfonates for aqueous solvation. The simulations provide a free energy estimate of a 0.2 kcal/mol/monomer preference for the helical over the linear conformation of the PPES/SWNT system in an aqueous environment.

Global well-posedness of three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations with partial viscosity under helical symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jitao; Niu, Dongjuan

2017-06-01

In this paper, we investigate the global well-posedness of three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations with horizontal viscosity under a special symmetric structure: helical symmetry. More precisely, by a revised Ladyzhenskaya-type inequality and utilizing the behavior of helical flows, we prove the global existence and uniqueness of weak and strong solutions to the three-dimensional helical flows. Our result reveals that for the issue of global well-posedness of the viscous helical flows, the horizontal viscosity plays the important role. To some extent, our work can be seen as a generalization of the result by Mahalov et al. (Arch Ration Mech Anal 112(3):193-222, 1990).

Numerical analysis on a passive chaotic micromixer with helical microchannel.

PubMed

Wang, Ruijin; Lin, Jianzhong

2006-01-01

In order to improve the mixing efficiency, the diffusion and mixing of species in the helical micro-mixer are simulated numerically. The results show that the mixing efficiency in the helical micromixer is much higher than that in the straight micro-channel and obviously higher than that in the serpentine micro-channel when Reynolds number is low. At high Reynolds number, even though the mixing efficiency in the helical micro-mixer is still much higher than that in the straight micro-channel, no obvious difference of mixing efficiency in the helical micro-mixer and serpentine micro-channel is found. The conclusions are helpful to optimize the structure of the micro-mixer.

Helicity amplitudes for QCD with massive quarks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochirov, Alexander

2018-04-01

The novel massive spinor-helicity formalism of Arkani-Hamed, Huang and Huang provides an elegant way to calculate scattering amplitudes in quantum chromodynamics for arbitrary quark spin projections. In this note we compute two families of tree-level QCD amplitudes with one massive quark pair and n - 2 gluons. The two cases include all gluons with identical helicity and one opposite-helicity gluon being color-adjacent to one of the quarks. Our results naturally incorporate the previously known amplitudes for both quark spins quantized along one of the gluonic momenta. In the all-multiplicity formulae presented here the spin quantization axes can be tuned at will, which includes the case of the definite-helicity quark states.

Magnetic helicity in emerging solar active regions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Y.; Hoeksema, J. T.; Bobra, M.

Using vector magnetic field data from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager instrument aboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory, we study magnetic helicity injection into the corona in emerging active regions (ARs) and examine the hemispheric helicity rule. In every region studied, photospheric shearing motion contributes most of the helicity accumulated in the corona. In a sample of 28 emerging ARs, 17 follow the hemisphere rule (61% ± 18% at a 95% confidence interval). Magnetic helicity and twist in 25 ARs (89% ± 11%) have the same sign. The maximum magnetic twist, which depends on the size of an AR, is inferredmore » in a sample of 23 emerging ARs with a bipolar magnetic field configuration.« less

Pyrolysis of Helical Coordination Polymers for Metal-Sulfide-Based Helices with Broadband Chiroptical Activity.

PubMed

Hirai, Kenji; Yeom, Bongjun; Sada, Kazuki

2017-06-27

Fabrication of chiroptical materials with broadband response in the visible light region is vital to fully realize their potential applications. One way to achieve broadband chiroptical activity is to fabricate chiral nanostructures from materials that exhibit broadband absorption in the visible light region. However, the compounds used for chiroptical materials have predominantly been limited to materials with narrowband spectral response. Here, we synthesize Ag 2 S-based nanohelices derived from helical coordination polymers. The right- and left-handed coordination helices used as precursors are prepared from l- and d-glutathione with Ag + and a small amount of Cu 2+ . The pyrolysis of the coordination helices yields right- and left-handed helices of Cu 0.12 Ag 1.94 S/C, which exhibit chiroptical activity spanning the entire visible light region. Finite element method simulations substantiate that the broadband chiroptical activity is attributed to synergistic broadband light absorption and light scattering. Furthermore, another series of Cu 0.10 Ag 1.90 S/C nanohelices are synthesized by choosing the l- or d-Glu-Cys as starting materials. The pitch length of nanohelicies is controlled by changing the peptides, which alters their chiroptical properties. The pyrolysis of coordination helices enables one to fabricate helical Ag 2 S-based materials that enable broadband chiroptical activity but have not been explored owing to the lack of synthetic routes.

The L49F mutation in alpha erythroid spectrin induces local disorder in the tetramer association region: Fluorescence and molecular dynamics studies of free and bound alpha spectrin

PubMed Central

Song, Yuanli; Pipalia, Nina H; Fung, L W-M

2009-01-01

The bundling of the N-terminal, partial domain helix (Helix C′) of human erythroid α-spectrin (αI) with the C-terminal, partial domain helices (Helices A′ and B′) of erythroid β-spectrin (βI) to give a spectrin pseudo structural domain (triple helical bundle A′B′C′) has long been recognized as a crucial step in forming functional spectrin tetramers in erythrocytes. We have used apparent polarity and Stern–Volmer quenching constants of Helix C′ of αI bound to Helices A′ and B′ of βI, along with previous NMR and EPR results, to propose a model for the triple helical bundle. This model was used as the input structure for molecular dynamics simulations for both wild type (WT) and αI mutant L49F. The simulation output structures show a stable helical bundle for WT, but not for L49F. In WT, four critical interactions were identified: two hydrophobic clusters and two salt bridges. However, in L49F, the region downstream of Helix C′ was unable to assume a helical conformation and one critical hydrophobic cluster was disrupted. Other molecular interactions critical to the WT helical bundle were also weakened in L49F, possibly leading to the lower tetramer levels observed in patients with this mutation-induced blood disorder. PMID:19593814

Magnetic Helicity Estimations in Models and Observations of the Solar Magnetic Field. III. Twist Number Method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guo, Y.; Pariat, E.; Moraitis, K.

We study the writhe, twist, and magnetic helicity of different magnetic flux ropes, based on models of the solar coronal magnetic field structure. These include an analytical force-free Titov–Démoulin equilibrium solution, non-force-free magnetohydrodynamic simulations, and nonlinear force-free magnetic field models. The geometrical boundary of the magnetic flux rope is determined by the quasi-separatrix layer and the bottom surface, and the axis curve of the flux rope is determined by its overall orientation. The twist is computed by the Berger–Prior formula, which is suitable for arbitrary geometry and both force-free and non-force-free models. The magnetic helicity is estimated by the twistmore » multiplied by the square of the axial magnetic flux. We compare the obtained values with those derived by a finite volume helicity estimation method. We find that the magnetic helicity obtained with the twist method agrees with the helicity carried by the purely current-carrying part of the field within uncertainties for most test cases. It is also found that the current-carrying part of the model field is relatively significant at the very location of the magnetic flux rope. This qualitatively explains the agreement between the magnetic helicity computed by the twist method and the helicity contributed purely by the current-carrying magnetic field.« less

Results of auricular helical rim reconstruction with post-auricular tube flap.

PubMed

Iljin, Aleksandra; Lewandowicz, Edward; Antoszewski, Bogusław; Zieliński, Tomasz

2016-01-01

The aim of the study was to present our experience with post-auricular tube flap (ptf) and clinical evaluation of the results following auricular helical rim reconstruction with this technique in patients after trauma. We analyzed the results in 12 patients who underwent three-staged auricular helical rim reconstruction with ptf following trauma in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery between 2005-2014. The patients were followed-up for at least 1 year. We evaluated early and long-term results after surgery including plastic surgeon's and patient's opinion. Postoperative results were satisfactory (very good) in 10 cases, both in the opinion of the plastic surgeon and patients. Transient venous congestion of the helix occurred in two cases (16.6%). This complication did not have any influence on estimation of the results after surgery. Delayed wound healing in the poles of the reconstructed helical edge, as well as non-aesthetic helical scars with imperfections of helical rim, were seen in another two patients (16.6%). 1. Post-auricular tube flap reconstructions after helical rim trauma allowed for complete restoration of contour, size and orientation of the helix and the whole operated ear, which confirms the efficiency of the applied technique. 2. Reconstructive surgery with post-auricular tube flap in patients with auricular helical rim defects contributed to postoperative satisfaction in both patients and doctors' estimations.

HELICITY CONSERVATION IN NONLINEAR MEAN-FIELD SOLAR DYNAMO

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pipin, V. V.; Sokoloff, D. D.; Zhang, H.

It is believed that magnetic helicity conservation is an important constraint on large-scale astrophysical dynamos. In this paper, we study a mean-field solar dynamo model that employs two different formulations of the magnetic helicity conservation. In the first approach, the evolution of the averaged small-scale magnetic helicity is largely determined by the local induction effects due to the large-scale magnetic field, turbulent motions, and the turbulent diffusive loss of helicity. In this case, the dynamo model shows that the typical strength of the large-scale magnetic field generated by the dynamo is much smaller than the equipartition value for the magneticmore » Reynolds number 10{sup 6}. This is the so-called catastrophic quenching (CQ) phenomenon. In the literature, this is considered to be typical for various kinds of solar dynamo models, including the distributed-type and the Babcock-Leighton-type dynamos. The problem can be resolved by the second formulation, which is derived from the integral conservation of the total magnetic helicity. In this case, the dynamo model shows that magnetic helicity propagates with the dynamo wave from the bottom of the convection zone to the surface. This prevents CQ because of the local balance between the large-scale and small-scale magnetic helicities. Thus, the solar dynamo can operate in a wide range of magnetic Reynolds numbers up to 10{sup 6}.« less

Dispersion Characteristics of a Helix Loaded Waveguide.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

be employed to increase the bandwidth of gyroton amplifiers. The structure consists of helical wires contained concentrially 6. in a cylindrical...bandwidth of gyroton amplifiers. The structure consists of helical wires contained concentrially in a cylindrical conductor. The helical wires are close

Simplified Fabrication of Helical Copper Antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petro, Andrew

2006-01-01

A simplified technique has been devised for fabricating helical antennas for use in experiments on radio-frequency generation and acceleration of plasmas. These antennas are typically made of copper (for electrical conductivity) and must have a specific helical shape and precise diameter.

Magnetic Helicity and the Solar Dynamo

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Canfield, Richard C.

1997-01-01

The objective of this investigation is to open a new window into the solar dynamo, convection, and magnetic reconnection through measurement of the helicity density of magnetic fields in the photosphere and tracing of large-scale patterns of magnetic helicity in the corona.

Flow structures and sandbar dynamics in a canyon river during a controlled flood, Colorado River, Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wright, S.A.; Kaplinski, M.

2011-01-01

In canyon rivers, debris fan constrictions create rapids and downstream pools characterized by secondary flow structures that are closely linked to channel morphology. In this paper we describe detailed measurements of the three-dimensional flow structure and sandbar dynamics of two pools along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon during a controlled flood release from Glen Canyon Dam. Results indicate that the pools are characterized by large lateral recirculation zones (eddies) resulting from flow separation downstream from the channel constrictions, as well as helical flow structures in the main channel and eddy. The lateral recirculation zones are low-velocity areas conducive to fine sediment deposition, particularly in the vicinity of the separation and reattachment points and are thus the dominant flow structures controlling sandbar dynamics. The helical flow structures also affect morphology but appear secondary in importance to the lateral eddies. During the controlled flood, sandbars in the separation and reattachment zones at both sites tended to build gradually during the rising limb and peak flow. Deposition in shallow water on the sandbars was accompanied by erosion in deeper water along the sandbar slope at the interface with the main channel. Erosion occurred via rapid mass failures as well as by gradual boundary shear stress driven processes. The flow structures and morphologic links at our study sites are similar to those identified in other river environments, in particular sharply curved meanders and channel confluences where the coexistence of lateral recirculation and helical flows has been documented. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.

Influence of poly(L-lysine) on the structure of dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol/water dispersions studied by X-ray scattering.

PubMed

Förster, G; Schwieger, C; Faber, F; Weber, T; Blume, A

2007-04-01

The interaction between the negatively charged phospholipid DPPG and positively charged poly(L: -lysine) (PLL) of different lengths was studied by X-ray scattering in the SAXS and WAXS region. As a reference pure DPPG (Na salt) was investigated over a wide temperature range (-30 to 70 degrees C). The phase behavior of DPPG in aqueous and in buffer/salt dispersions showed a metastable subgel phase at low temperatures and a recrystallization upon heating before reaching the liquid-crystalline phase. The presence of additional salt stabilizes the bilayer structure and decreases the recrystallization temperature. Large changes in the SAXS region are not connected with changes in chain packing. In DPPG/PLL samples, the PLL is inserted between adjacent headgroup layers and liberates counterions which give rise to a freezing point depression. In the complex with DPPG PLL form an alpha-helical secondary structure at pH 7 and temperatures below the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition. This prevents DPPG from recrystallization and strongly increases the stacking order. The lamellar repeat distance is decreased and fixed by the helix conformation of PLL in the gel phase. PLL with n = 14 is too short to form helices and is squeezed out reversibly from the interbilayer space upon cooling by freezing of trapped water. In dispersions with longer PLLs (n > 400) at -20 degrees C a 1D crystallization of PLL alpha-helices in the aqueous layer between the headgroups takes place. A structural model is presented for the lateral periodic complex, which is similar to the known cationic lipid/DNA complex.

Recognizing asymmetry in pseudo-symmetry; structural insights into the interaction between amphipathic α-helices and X-bundle proteins.

PubMed

Haddad, John Faissal; Yang, Yidai; Yeung, Sylvain; Couture, Jean-François

2017-11-01

An α-helix bundle is a small and compact protein fold always composed of more than 2 α-helices that typically run nearly parallel or antiparallel to each other. The repertoire of arrangements of α-helix bundle is such that these domains bind to a myriad of molecular entities including DNA, RNA, proteins and small molecules. A special instance of α-helical bundle is the X-type in which the arrangement of two α-helices interact at 45° to form an X. Among those, some X-helix bundle proteins bind to the hydrophobic section of an amphipathic α-helix in a seemingly orientation and sequence specific manner. In this review, we will compare the binding mode of amphipathic α-helices to X-helix bundle and α-helical bundle proteins. From these structures, we will highlight potential regulatory paradigms that may control the specific interactions of X-helix bundle proteins to amphipathic α-helices. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biophysics in Canada, edited by Lewis Kay, John Baenziger, Albert Berghuis and Peter Tieleman. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Matching into the Helical Bunch Coalescing Channel for a High Luminosity Muon Collider

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sy, Amy; Ankenbrandt, Charles; Derbenev, Yaroslav

2015-09-01

For high luminosity in a muon collider, muon bunches that have been cooled in the six-dimensional helical cooling channel (HCC) must be merged into a single bunch and further cooled in preparation for acceleration and transport to the collider ring. The helical bunch coalescing channel has been previously simulated and provides the most natural match from helical upstream and downstream subsystems. This work focuses on the matching from the exit of the multiple bunch HCC into the start of the helical bunch coalescing channel. The simulated helical matching section simultaneously matches the helical spatial period lambda in addition to providingmore » the necessary acceleration for efficient bunch coalescing. Previous studies assumed that the acceleration of muon bunches from p=209.15 MeV/c to 286.816 MeV/c and matching of lambda from 0.5 m to 1.0 m could be accomplished with zero particle losses and zero emittance growth in the individual bunches. This study demonstrates nonzero values for both particle loss and emittance growth, and provides considerations for reducing these adverse effects to best preserve high luminosity.« less

HIT-SI Injector Voltage Measurements Using Injector Langmuir Probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aboul Hosn, Rabih; Smith, Roger; Jarboe, Thomas

2006-10-01

A pair of Langmuir probe arrays have been designed and built to measure floating potentials of the plasma at the injector mouth of the HIT-SI device. The Helicity Injected Torus using Steady Inductive Helicity Injection (HIT-SI) [1,2] is a ``bow tie'' spheromak using an electrodeless formation and sustainment concept. HIT-SI is powered by two inductive helicity injectors operated in quadrature to maintain a constant helicity injection rate. The electric probes consist of an array of four floating potential Langmuir probes measuring the voltage distribution in each injector from the shell to midpoint of the injector mouth. The probe measurements combine to determine the part of the injector loop voltage driving the n = 0 spheromak equilibrium region. Preliminary data suggest the spheromak voltage is the loop voltage minus the nearly constant injector voltage of 150-180 volts. These probe data will be used to calculate the helicity decay time of the spheromak. [1] T. R. Jarboe. Steady inductive helicity injection and its application to a high-beta spheromak. Fusion Technology, 36(1):85--91, July 1999. [2] P.E.Sieck et al., ``Demonstration of Steady Inductive Helicity Injection'', Nuc. Fusion, in press (2006).

Biomimetic Hierarchical Assembly of Helical Supraparticles from Chiral Nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Yunlong; Marson, Ryan L.; van Anders, Greg; ...

2016-02-22

Chiroptical materials found in butterflies, beetles, stomatopod crustaceans, and other creatures are attributed to biocomposites with helical motifs and multiscale hierarchical organization. These structurally sophisticated materials self-assemble from primitive nanoscale building blocks, a process that is simpler and more energy efficient than many top-down methods currently used to produce similarly sized three-dimensional materials. In this paper, we report that molecular-scale chirality of a CdTe nanoparticle surface can be translated to nanoscale helical assemblies, leading to chiroptical activity in the visible electromagnetic range. Chiral CdTe nanoparticles coated with cysteine self-organize around Te cores to produce helical supraparticles. D-/L-Form of the aminomore » acid determines the dominant left/right helicity of the supraparticles. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations with a helical pair-potential confirm the assembly mechanism and the origin of its enantioselectivity, providing a framework for engineering three-dimensional chiral materials by self-assembly. Finally, the helical supraparticles further self-organize into lamellar crystals with liquid crystalline order, demonstrating the possibility of hierarchical organization and with multiple structural motifs and length scales determined by molecular-scale asymmetry of nanoparticle interactions.« less

Self-assembly of hard helices: a rich and unconventional polymorphism.

PubMed

Kolli, Hima Bindu; Frezza, Elisa; Cinacchi, Giorgio; Ferrarini, Alberta; Giacometti, Achille; Hudson, Toby S; De Michele, Cristiano; Sciortino, Francesco

2014-11-07

Hard helices can be regarded as a paradigmatic elementary model for a number of natural and synthetic soft matter systems, all featuring the helix as their basic structural unit, from natural polynucleotides and polypeptides to synthetic helical polymers, and from bacterial flagella to colloidal helices. Here we present an extensive investigation of the phase diagram of hard helices using a variety of methods. Isobaric Monte Carlo numerical simulations are used to trace the phase diagram; on going from the low-density isotropic to the high-density compact phases a rich polymorphism is observed, exhibiting a special chiral screw-like nematic phase and a number of chiral and/or polar smectic phases. We present full characterization of the latter, showing that they have unconventional features, ascribable to the helical shape of the constituent particles. Equal area construction is used to locate the isotropic-to-nematic phase transition, and the results are compared with those stemming from an Onsager-like theory. Density functional theory is also used to study the nematic-to-screw-nematic phase transition; within the simplifying assumption of perfectly parallel helices, we compare different levels of approximation, that is second- and third-virial expansions and a Parsons-Lee correction.

Free-fall dynamics of a pair of rigidly linked disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Taehyun; Chang, Jaehyeock; Kim, Daegyoum

2018-03-01

We investigate experimentally the free-fall motion of a pair of identical disks rigidly connected to each other. The three-dimensional coordinates of the pair of falling disks were constructed to quantitatively describe its trajectory, and the flow structure formed by the disk pair was identified by using dye visualization. The rigidly linked disk pair exhibits a novel falling pattern that creates a helical path with a conical configuration in which the lower disk rotates in a wider radius than the upper disk with respect to a vertical axis. The helical motion occurs consistently for the range of disk separation examined in this study. The dye visualization reveals that a strong, noticeable helical vortex core is generated from the outer tip of the lower disk during the helical motion. With an increasing length ratio, which is the ratio of the disk separation to the diameter of the disks, the nutation angle and the rate of change in the precession angle that characterize the combined helical and conical kinematics decrease linearly, whereas the pitch of the helical path increases linearly. Although all disk pairs undergo this helical motion, the horizontal-drift patterns of the disk pair depend on the length ratio.

Dipole Alignment in Rotating MHD Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shebalin, John V.; Fu, Terry; Morin, Lee

2012-01-01

We present numerical results from long-term CPU and GPU simulations of rotating, homogeneous, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence, and discuss their connection to the spherically bounded case. We compare our numerical results with a statistical theory of geodynamo action that has evolved from the absolute equilibrium ensemble theory of ideal MHD turbulence, which is based on the ideal MHD invariants are energy, cross helicity and magnetic helicity. However, for rotating MHD turbulence, the cross helicity is no longer an exact invariant, although rms cross helicity becomes quasistationary during an ideal MHD simulation. This and the anisotropy imposed by rotation suggests an ansatz in which an effective, nonzero value of cross helicity is assigned to axisymmetric modes and zero cross helicity to non-axisymmetric modes. This hybrid statistics predicts a large-scale quasistationary magnetic field due to broken ergodicity , as well as dipole vector alignment with the rotation axis, both of which are observed numerically. We find that only a relatively small value of effective cross helicity leads to the prediction of a dipole moment vector that is closely aligned (less than 10 degrees) with the rotation axis. We also discuss the effect of initial conditions, dissipation and grid size on the numerical simulations and statistical theory.

Space vehicle electromechanical system and helical antenna winding fixture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Judd, Stephen; Dallmann, Nicholas; Guenther, David

A space vehicle electromechanical system may employ an architecture that enables convenient and practical testing, reset, and retesting of solar panel and antenna deployment on the ground. A helical antenna winding fixture may facilitate winding and binding of the helical antenna.

Magnetic helical micromachines.

PubMed

Peyer, Kathrin E; Tottori, Soichiro; Qiu, Famin; Zhang, Li; Nelson, Bradley J

2013-01-02

Helical microrobots have the potential to be used in a variety of application areas, such as in medical procedures, cell biology, or lab-on-a-chip. They are powered and steered wirelessly using low-strength rotating magnetic fields. The helical shape of the device allows propulsion through numerous types of materials and fluids, from tissue to different types of bodily fluids. Helical propulsion is suitable for pipe flow conditions or for 3D swimming in open fluidic environments. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pulling helices inside bacteria: imperfect helices and rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutenberg, Andrew; Allard, Jun

2009-03-01

We study steady-state configurations of intrinsically-straight elastic filaments constrained within rod-shaped bacteria that have applied forces distributed along their length. Perfect steady-state helices result from axial or azimuthal forces applied at filament ends, however azimuthal forces are required for the small pitches observed for MreB filaments within bacteria. Helix-like configurations can result from distributed forces, including co-existence between rings and imperfect helices. Levels of expression and/or bundling of the polymeric protein could mediate this co-existence.

Pulling Helices inside Bacteria: Imperfect Helices and Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allard, Jun F.; Rutenberg, Andrew D.

2009-04-01

We study steady-state configurations of intrinsically-straight elastic filaments constrained within rod-shaped bacteria that have applied forces distributed along their length. Perfect steady-state helices result from axial or azimuthal forces applied at filament ends, however azimuthal forces are required for the small pitches observed for MreB filaments within bacteria. Helix-like configurations can result from distributed forces, including coexistence between rings and imperfect helices. Levels of expression and/or bundling of the polymeric protein could mediate this coexistence.

Note on the helicity decomposition of spin and orbital optical currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aiello, Andrea; Berry, M. V.

2015-06-01

In the helicity representation, the Poynting vector (current) for a monochromatic optical field, when calculated using either the electric or the magnetic field, separates into right-handed and left-handed contributions, with no cross-helicity contributions. Cross-helicity terms do appear in the orbital and spin contributions to the current. But when the electric and magnetic formulas are averaged (‘electric-magnetic democracy’), these terms cancel, restoring the separation into right-handed and left-handed currents for orbital and spin separately.

Non-lignified helical cell wall thickenings in root cortical cells of Aspleniaceae (Polypodiales): histology and taxonomical significance

PubMed Central

Leroux, O.; Bagniewska-Zadworna, A.; Rambe, S. K.; Knox, J. P.; Marcus, S. E.; Bellefroid, E.; Stubbe, D.; Chabbert, B.; Habrant, A.; Claeys, M.; Viane, R. L. L.

2011-01-01

Background and Aims Extraxylary helical cell wall thickenings in vascular plants are not well documented, except for those in orchid velamen tissues which have been studied extensively. Reports on their occurrence in ferns exist, but detailed information is missing. The aim of this study is to focus on the broad patterns of structure and composition and to study the taxonomic occurrence of helical cell wall thickenings in the fern family Aspleniaceae. Methods Structural and compositional aspects of roots have been examined by means of light, electron, epifluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy. To assess the taxonomical distribution of helical cell wall thickenings a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on rbcL sequences of 64 taxa was performed. Key Results The helical cell wall thickenings of all examined species showed considerable uniformity of design. The pattern consists of helical, regularly bifurcating and anastomosing strands. Compositionally, the cell wall thickenings were found to be rich in homogalacturonan, cellulose, mannan and xyloglucan. Thioacidolysis confirmed our negative phloroglucinol staining tests, demonstrating the absence of lignins in the root cortex. All taxa with helical cell wall thickenings formed a monophyletic group supported by a 100 % bootstrap value and composed of mainly epiphytic species. Conclusions This is the first report of non-lignified pectin-rich secondary cell walls in ferns. Based on our molecular analysis, we reject the hypothesis of parallel evolution of helical cell wall thickenings in Aspleniaceae. Helical cell wall thickenings can mechanically stabilize the cortex tissue, allowing maximal uptake of water and nutrients during rainfall events. In addition, it can also act as a boundary layer increasing the diffusive pathway towards the atmosphere, preventing desiccation of the stele of epiphytic growing species. PMID:21118842

Scale Dependence of Magnetic Helicity in the Solar Wind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandenburg, Axel; Subramanian, Kandaswamy; Balogh, Andre; Goldstein, Melvyn L.

2011-01-01

We determine the magnetic helicity, along with the magnetic energy, at high latitudes using data from the Ulysses mission. The data set spans the time period from 1993 to 1996. The basic assumption of the analysis is that the solar wind is homogeneous. Because the solar wind speed is high, we follow the approach first pioneered by Matthaeus et al. by which, under the assumption of spatial homogeneity, one can use Fourier transforms of the magnetic field time series to construct one-dimensional spectra of the magnetic energy and magnetic helicity under the assumption that the Taylor frozen-in-flow hypothesis is valid. That is a well-satisfied assumption for the data used in this study. The magnetic helicity derives from the skew-symmetric terms of the three-dimensional magnetic correlation tensor, while the symmetric terms of the tensor are used to determine the magnetic energy spectrum. Our results show a sign change of magnetic helicity at wavenumber k approximately equal to 2AU(sup -1) (or frequency nu approximately equal to 2 microHz) at distances below 2.8AU and at k approximately equal to 30AU(sup -1) (or nu approximately equal to 25 microHz) at larger distances. At small scales the magnetic helicity is positive at northern heliographic latitudes and negative at southern latitudes. The positive magnetic helicity at small scales is argued to be the result of turbulent diffusion reversing the sign relative to what is seen at small scales at the solar surface. Furthermore, the magnetic helicity declines toward solar minimum in 1996. The magnetic helicity flux integrated separately over one hemisphere amounts to about 10(sup 45) Mx(sup 2) cycle(sup -1) at large scales and to a three times lower value at smaller scales.

Contribution of proline to the pre-structuring tendency of transient helical secondary structure elements in intrinsically disordered proteins.

PubMed

Lee, Chewook; Kalmar, Lajos; Xue, Bin; Tompa, Peter; Daughdrill, Gary W; Uversky, Vladimir N; Han, Kyou-Hoon

2014-03-01

IDPs function without relying on three-dimensional structures. No clear rationale for such a behavior is available yet. PreSMos are transient secondary structures observed in the target-free IDPs and serve as the target-binding "active" motifs in IDPs. Prolines are frequently found in the flanking regions of PreSMos. Contribution of prolines to the conformational stability of the helical PreSMos in IDPs is investigated. MD simulations are performed for several IDP segments containing a helical PreSMo and the flanking prolines. To measure the influence of flanking-prolines on the structural content of a helical PreSMo calculations were done for wild type as well as for mutant segments with Pro→Asp, His, Lys, or Ala. The change in the helicity due to removal of a proline was measured both for the PreSMo region and for the flanking regions. The α-helical content in ~70% of the helical PreSMos at the early stage of simulation decreases due to replacement of an N-terminal flanking proline by other residues whereas the helix content in nearly all PreSMos increases when the same replacements occur at the C-terminal flanking region. The helix destabilizing/terminating role of the C-terminal flanking prolines is more pronounced than the helix promoting effect of the N-terminal flanking prolines. This work represents a novel example demonstrating that a proline is encoded in an IDP with a defined purpose. The helical PreSMos presage their target-bound conformations. As they most likely mediate IDP-target binding via conformational selection their helical content can be an important feature for IDP function. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decay of helical and nonhelical magnetic knots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Candelaresi, Simon; Brandenburg, Axel

2011-07-01

We present calculations of the relaxation of magnetic field structures that have the shape of particular knots and links. A set of helical magnetic flux configurations is considered, which we call n-foil knots of which the trefoil knot is the most primitive member. We also consider two nonhelical knots; namely, the Borromean rings as well as a single interlocked flux rope that also serves as the logo of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Pune, India. The field decay characteristics of both configurations is investigated and compared with previous calculations of helical and nonhelical triple-ring configurations. Unlike earlier nonhelical configurations, the present ones cannot trivially be reduced via flux annihilation to a single ring. For the n-foil knots the decay is described by power laws that range form t-2/3 to t-1/3, which can be as slow as the t-1/3 behavior for helical triple-ring structures that were seen in earlier work. The two nonhelical configurations decay like t-1, which is somewhat slower than the previously obtained t-3/2 behavior in the decay of interlocked rings with zero magnetic helicity. We attribute the difference to the creation of local structures that contain magnetic helicity which inhibits the field decay due to the existence of a lower bound imposed by the realizability condition. We show that net magnetic helicity can be produced resistively as a result of a slight imbalance between mutually canceling helical pieces as they are being driven apart. We speculate that higher order topological invariants beyond magnetic helicity may also be responsible for slowing down the decay of the two more complicated nonhelical structures mentioned above.

Spiroplasma swim by a processive change in body helicity.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaevitz, Joshua

2006-03-01

Microscopic organisms must rely on very different strategies than their macroscopic counterparts to swim through liquid. To date, the best understood method for prokaryotic swimming employs the rotation of flagella. I will present data that Spiroplasma, tiny helical bacteria that infect plants and insects, use a very different approach. By measuring cell kinematics during free swimming, we find that propulsion is generated by the propagation of kink pairs down the length of the cell body. A processive change in the helicity of the body creates these waves and enables directional movement. Unlike the motion of other helical swimmers such as Spirochetes, Spiroplasma swimming velocity increases with increasing viscosity. In addition, cell morphological parameters such as helical pitch and cell length influence swimming velocity.

Interaction of anesthetic molecules with α-helix and polyproline II extended helix of long-chain poly-L-lysine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cieślik-Boczula, Katarzyna; Rospenk, Maria

2018-01-01

The effect of halothane, enflurane, sevoflurane, and isoflurane molecules, as volatile anesthetics, on the α-helices and polyproline II extended helices (PPII) of long-chain poly-L-lysine (PLL) were studied using Fourier-transform infrared and vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy. Uncharged and charged α-helices, as well as charged extended PPII helices, were subjected to anesthetic actions in solvents with different pD values or methanol to water ratios. A crucial factor responsible for hindering the anesthetic-PLL interactions is shown to be the ionization of amino groups of the PLL side chains. The α-helix to β-sheet transition was triggered only for the uncharged α-helical structures of PLL by the nonpolar anesthetics under study.

Taming instability of magnetic field in chiral medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuchin, Kirill

2018-01-01

Magnetic field is unstable in a medium with time-independent chiral conductivity. Owing to the chiral anomaly, the electromagnetic field and the medium exchange helicity which results in time-evolution of the chiral conductivity. Using the fastest growing momentum and helicity state of the vector potential as an ansatz, the time-evolution of the chiral conductivity and magnetic field is solved analytically. The solution for the hot and cold equations of state shows that the magnetic field does not develop an instability due to helicity conservation. Moreover, as a function of time, it develops a peak only if a significant part of the initial helicity is stored in the medium. The initial helicity determines the height and position of the peak.

Multilayer DNA origami packed on hexagonal and hybrid lattices.

PubMed

Ke, Yonggang; Voigt, Niels V; Gothelf, Kurt V; Shih, William M

2012-01-25

"Scaffolded DNA origami" has been proven to be a powerful and efficient approach to construct two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects with great complexity. Multilayer DNA origami has been demonstrated with helices packing along either honeycomb-lattice geometry or square-lattice geometry. Here we report successful folding of multilayer DNA origami with helices arranged on a close-packed hexagonal lattice. This arrangement yields a higher density of helical packing and therefore higher resolution of spatial addressing than has been shown previously. We also demonstrate hybrid multilayer DNA origami with honeycomb-lattice, square-lattice, and hexagonal-lattice packing of helices all in one design. The availability of hexagonal close-packing of helices extends our ability to build complex structures using DNA nanotechnology. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Matter-induced magnetic moment and neutrino helicity rotation in external fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ternov, Alexei I.

2016-11-01

The induced magnetic moment that arises due to the propagation of neutrinos in a dispersive medium can affect the dynamics of the neutrino spin in an external electromagnetic field. In particular, it can cause a helicity flip of a massive neutrino in a magnetic field. In some astrophysical media, this helicity transition mechanism could be more effective than a similar process caused by the anomalous magnetic moment of the neutrino. If the neutrino energy is sufficiently high, the two helicity transition mechanisms mentioned above can compensate each other. Then a helicity flip in an external field will not occur. Calculations are carried out using both the methods of relativistic quantum mechanics and the quasiclassical Bargmann-Michel-Telegdi equation.

Enhanced performance of core-shell structured polyaniline at helical carbon nanotube hybrids for ammonia gas sensor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tian, Xin; Wang, Qiang; Chen, Xiangnan

2014-11-17

A core-shell structured hybrid of polyaniline at helical carbon nanotubes was synthesized using in situ polymerization, which the helical carbon nanotubes were uniformly surrounded by a layer of polyaniline nanorods array. More interestingly, repeatable responses were experimentally observed that the sensitivity to ammonia gas of the as-prepared helical shaped core-shell hybrid displays an enhancement of more than two times compared to those of only polyaniline or helical carbon nanotubes sensors because of the peculiar structures with high surface area. This kind of hybrid comprising nanorod arrays of conductive polymers covering carbon nanotubes and related structures provide a potential in sensorsmore » of trace gas detection for environmental monitoring and safety forecasting.« less

Evolution of hydromagnetic turbulence from the electroweak phase transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brandenburg, Axel; Kahniashvili, Tina; Mandal, Sayan; Pol, Alberto Roper; Tevzadze, Alexander G.; Vachaspati, Tanmay

2017-12-01

We present new simulations of decaying hydromagnetic turbulence for a relativistic equation of state relevant to the early Universe. We compare helical and nonhelical cases either with kinetically or magnetically dominated initial fields. Both kinetic and magnetic initial helicities lead to maximally helical magnetic fields after some time, but with different temporal decay laws. Both are relevant to the early Universe, although no mechanisms have yet been identified that produce magnetic helicity with strengths comparable to the big bang nucleosynthesis limit at scales comparable to the Hubble horizon at the electroweak phase transition. Nonhelical magnetically dominated fields could still produce picoGauss magnetic fields under most optimistic conditions. Only helical magnetic fields can potentially have nanoGauss strengths at scales up to 30 kpc today.

Orientational preferences of neighboring helices can drive ER insertion of a marginally hydrophobic transmembrane helix

PubMed Central

Öjemalm, Karin; Halling, Katrin K.; Nilsson, IngMarie; von Heijne, Gunnar

2013-01-01

Summary α-helical integral membrane proteins critically depend on the correct insertion of their transmembrane α-helices into the lipid bilayer for proper folding, yet a surprisingly large fraction of the transmembrane α-helices in multispanning integral membrane proteins are not sufficiently hydrophobic to insert into the target membrane by themselves. How can such marginally hydrophobic segments nevertheless form transmembrane helices in the folded structure? Here, we show that a transmembrane helix with a strong orientational preference (Ncyt-Clum or Nlum-Ccyt) can both increase and decrease the hydrophobicity threshold for membrane insertion of a neighboring, marginally hydrophobic helix. This effect helps explain the ‘missing hydrophobicity’ in polytopic membrane proteins. PMID:22281052

Propagation dynamics of Helical Hermite-Gaussian beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López-Mariscal, Carlos; Gutiérrez-Vega, Julio C.

2007-09-01

We investigate theoretically and experimentally the propagation characteristics of the Helical Hermite-Gauss beams corresponding to the helical Ince-Gauss beams in the limit of infinite ellipticity. Particular attention is paid to the transverse irradiance structure, the orbital angular momentum density, and the vortex distribution.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andreev, A L; Andreeva, T B; Kompanets, I N

We have studied the method for suppressing speckle noise in patterns produced by a laser based on a fast-response electro-optical cell with a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) in which helicoid is absent, i.e., compensated for. The character of smectic layer deformation in an electric field is considered along with the mechanism of spatially inhomogeneous phase modulation of a laser beam passing through the cell which is accompanied by the destruction of phase relations in the beam. Advantages of a helix-free FLC cell are pointed out as compared to helical crystal cells studied previously. (liquid crystal devices)

Implementation of dispersion-free slow acoustic wave propagation and phase engineering with helical-structured metamaterials

PubMed Central

Zhu, Xuefeng; Li, Kun; Zhang, Peng; Zhu, Jie; Zhang, Jintao; Tian, Chao; Liu, Shengchun

2016-01-01

The ability to slow down wave propagation in materials has attracted significant research interest. A successful solution will give rise to manageable enhanced wave–matter interaction, freewheeling phase engineering and spatial compression of wave signals. The existing methods are typically associated with constructing dispersive materials or structures with local resonators, thus resulting in unavoidable distortion of waveforms. Here we show that, with helical-structured acoustic metamaterials, it is now possible to implement dispersion-free sound deceleration. The helical-structured metamaterials present a non-dispersive high effective refractive index that is tunable through adjusting the helicity of structures, while the wavefront revolution plays a dominant role in reducing the group velocity. Finally, we numerically and experimentally demonstrate that the helical-structured metamaterials with designed inhomogeneous unit cells can turn a normally incident plane wave into a self-accelerating beam on the prescribed parabolic trajectory. The helical-structured metamaterials will have profound impact to applications in explorations of slow wave physics. PMID:27198887

Peptide tessellation yields micrometre-scale collagen triple helices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanrikulu, I. Caglar; Forticaux, Audrey; Jin, Song; Raines, Ronald T.

2016-11-01

Sticky-ended DNA duplexes can associate spontaneously into long double helices; however, such self-assembly is much less developed with proteins. Collagen is the most prevalent component of the extracellular matrix and a common clinical biomaterial. As for natural DNA, the ~103-residue triple helices (~300 nm) of natural collagen are recalcitrant to chemical synthesis. Here we show how the self-assembly of short collagen-mimetic peptides (CMPs) can enable the fabrication of synthetic collagen triple helices that are nearly a micrometre in length. Inspired by the mathematics of tessellations, we derive rules for the design of single CMPs that self-assemble into long triple helices with perfect symmetry. Sticky ends thus created are uniform across the assembly and drive its growth. Enacting this design yields individual triple helices that, in length, match or exceed those in natural collagen and are remarkably thermostable, despite the absence of higher-order association. The symmetric assembly of CMPs provides an enabling platform for the development of advanced materials for medicine and nanotechnology.

Molecular Structure of a Helical ribbon in a Peptide Self-Assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Wonmuk; Marini, Davide; Kamm, Roger D.; Zhang, Shuguang

2002-03-01

We have studied the molecular structure of nanometer scale helical ribbons observed during self-assembly of the peptide KFE8 (amino acid sequence: FKFEFKFE) (NanoLetters (2002, in press)). By analyzing the hydrogen bonding patterns between neighboring peptide backbones, we constructed a number of possible β-sheets. Using all possible combinations of these, we built helical ribbons with dimensions close to those found experimentally and performed molecular dynamics simulations to identify the most stable structure. Solvation effects were implemented by the analytic continuum electrostatics (ACE) model developed by Schaefer and Karplus (J. Phys. Chem. 100, 1578 (1996)). By applying electrostatic double layer theory, we incorporated the effect of pH by scaling the amount of charge on the sidechains. Our results suggest that the helical ribbon is comprised of a double β-sheet where the inner and the outer helices have distinct hydrogen bonding patterns. Our approach has general applicability to the study of helices formed by the self-assembly of β-sheet forming peptides with various amino acid sequences.

Helical edge states and fractional quantum Hall effect in a graphene electron-hole bilayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez-Yamagishi, Javier D.; Luo, Jason Y.; Young, Andrea F.; Hunt, Benjamin M.; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Ashoori, Raymond C.; Jarillo-Herrero, Pablo

2017-02-01

Helical 1D electronic systems are a promising route towards realizing circuits of topological quantum states that exhibit non-Abelian statistics. Here, we demonstrate a versatile platform to realize 1D systems made by combining quantum Hall (QH) edge states of opposite chiralities in a graphene electron-hole bilayer at moderate magnetic fields. Using this approach, we engineer helical 1D edge conductors where the counterpropagating modes are localized in separate electron and hole layers by a tunable electric field. These helical conductors exhibit strong non-local transport signals and suppressed backscattering due to the opposite spin polarizations of the counterpropagating modes. Unlike other approaches used for realizing helical states, the graphene electron-hole bilayer can be used to build new 1D systems incorporating fractional edge states. Indeed, we are able to tune the bilayer devices into a regime hosting fractional and integer edge states of opposite chiralities, paving the way towards 1D helical conductors with fractional quantum statistics.

Flexible helical-axis stellarator

DOEpatents

Harris, Jeffrey H.; Hender, Timothy C.; Carreras, Benjamin A.; Cantrell, Jack L.; Morris, Robert N.

1988-01-01

An 1=1 helical winding which spirals about a conventional planar, circular central conductor of a helical-axis stellarator adds a significant degree of flexibility by making it possible to control the rotational transform profile and shear of the magnetic fields confining the plasma in a helical-axis stellarator. The toroidal central conductor links a plurality of toroidal field coils which are separately disposed to follow a helical path around the central conductor in phase with the helical path of the 1=1 winding. This coil configuration produces bean-shaped magnetic flux surfaces which rotate around the central circular conductor in the same manner as the toroidal field generating coils. The additional 1=1 winding provides flexible control of the magnetic field generated by the central conductor to prevent the formation of low-order resonances in the rotational transform profile which can produce break-up of the equilibrium magnetic surfaces. Further, this additional winding can deepen the magnetic well which together with the flexible control provides increased stability.

Fabrication and experimentation of FRP helical spring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ekanthappa, J.; Shiva Shankar, G. S.; Amith, B. M.; Gagan, M.

2016-09-01

In present scenario, the automobile industry sector is showing increased interest in reducing the unsprung weight of the automobile & hence increasing the fuel Efficiency. One of the feasible sub systems of a vehicle where weight reduction may be attempted is vehicle- suspension system. Usage of composite material is a proven way to lower the component weight without any compromise in strength. The composite materials are having high specific strength, more elastic strain energy storage capacity in comparison with those of steel. Therefore, helical coil spring made of steel is replaceable by composite cylindrical helical coil spring. This research aims at preparing a re-usable mandrel (mould) of Mild steel, developing a setup for fabrication, fabrication of FRP helical spring using continuous glass fibers and Epoxy Resin (Polymer). Experimentation has been conducted on fabricated FRP helical spring to determine its strength parameters & for failure analysis. It is found that spring stiffness (K) of Glass/Epoxy helical-spring is greater than steel-coil spring with reduced weight.

Computation of Relative Magnetic Helicity in Spherical Coordinates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moraitis, Kostas; Pariat, Étienne; Savcheva, Antonia; Valori, Gherardo

2018-06-01

Magnetic helicity is a quantity of great importance in solar studies because it is conserved in ideal magnetohydrodynamics. While many methods for computing magnetic helicity in Cartesian finite volumes exist, in spherical coordinates, the natural coordinate system for solar applications, helicity is only treated approximately. We present here a method for properly computing the relative magnetic helicity in spherical geometry. The volumes considered are finite, of shell or wedge shape, and the three-dimensional magnetic field is considered to be fully known throughout the studied domain. Testing of the method with well-known, semi-analytic, force-free magnetic-field models reveals that it has excellent accuracy. Further application to a set of nonlinear force-free reconstructions of the magnetic field of solar active regions and comparison with an approximate method used in the past indicates that the proposed method can be significantly more accurate, thus making our method a promising tool in helicity studies that employ spherical geometry. Additionally, we determine and discuss the applicability range of the approximate method.

Induced liquid-crystalline ordering in solutions of stiff and flexible amphiphilic macromolecules: Effect of mixture composition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Glagolev, Mikhail K.; Vasilevskaya, Valentina V., E-mail: vvvas@polly.phys.msu.ru; Khokhlov, Alexei R.

Impact of mixture composition on self-organization in concentrated solutions of stiff helical and flexible macromolecules was studied by means of molecular dynamics simulation. The macromolecules were composed of identical amphiphilic monomer units but a fraction f of macromolecules had stiff helical backbones and the remaining chains were flexible. In poor solvents the compacted flexible macromolecules coexist with bundles or filament clusters from few intertwined stiff helical macromolecules. The increase of relative content f of helical macromolecules leads to increase of the length of helical clusters, to alignment of clusters with each other, and then to liquid-crystalline-like ordering along a singlemore » direction. The formation of filament clusters causes segregation of helical and flexible macromolecules and the alignment of the filaments induces effective liquid-like ordering of flexible macromolecules. A visual analysis and calculation of order parameter relaying the anisotropy of diffraction allow concluding that transition from disordered to liquid-crystalline state proceeds sharply at relatively low content of stiff components.« less

Generalized soldering of {+-}2 helicity states in D=2+1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dalmazi, D.; Mendonca, Elias L.

2009-07-15

The direct sum of a couple of Maxwell-Chern-Simons gauge theories of opposite helicities {+-}1 does not lead to a Proca theory in D=2+1, although both theories share the same spectrum. However, it is known that by adding an interference term between both helicities we can join the complementary pieces together and obtain the physically expected result. A generalized soldering procedure can be defined to generate the missing interference term. Here, we show that the same procedure can be applied to join together {+-}2 helicity states in a full off-shell manner. In particular, by using second-order (in derivatives) self-dual models ofmore » helicities {+-}2 (spin-2 analogues of Maxwell-Chern-Simmons models) the Fierz-Pauli theory is obtained after soldering. Remarkably, if we replace the second-order models by third-order self-dual models (linearized topologically massive gravity) of opposite helicities, after soldering, we end up exactly with the new massive gravity theory of Bergshoeff, Hohm, and Townsend in its linearized approximation.« less

Double Helical Gear Performance Results in High Speed Gear Trains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert F.; Ehinger, Ryan; Sinusas, Eric; Kilmain, Charles

2009-01-01

The operation of high speed gearing systems in the transmissions of tiltrotor aircraft has an effect on overall propulsion system efficiency. Recent work has focused on many aspects of high-speed helical gear trains as would be used in tiltrotor aircraft such as operational characteristics, comparison of analytical predictions to experimental data and the affect of superfinishing on transmission performance. Baseline tests of an aerospace quality system have been conducted in the NASA Glenn High-Speed Helical Gear Train Test Facility and have been described in earlier studies. These earlier tests had utilized single helical gears. The results that will be described in this study are those attained using double helical gears. This type of gear mesh can be configured in this facility to either pump the air-oil environment from the center gap between the meshing gears to the outside of tooth ends or in the reverse direction. Tests were conducted with both inward and outward air-oil pumping directions. Results are compared to the earlier baseline results of single helical gears.

Double Helical Gear Performance Results in High Speed Gear Trains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert F.; Ehinger, Ryan; Sinusas, Eric; Kilmain, Charles

2010-01-01

The operation of high speed gearing systems in the transmissions of tiltrotor aircraft has an effect on overall propulsion system efficiency. Recent work has focused on many aspects of high-speed helical gear trains as would be used in tiltrotor aircraft such as operational characteristics, comparison of analytical predictions to experimental data and the affect of superfinishing on transmission performance. Baseline tests of an aerospace quality system have been conducted in the NASA Glenn High-Speed Helical Gear Train Test Facility and have been described in earlier studies. These earlier tests had utilized single helical gears. The results that will be described in this study are those attained using double helical gears. This type of gear mesh can be configured in this facility to either pump the air-oil environment from the center gap between the meshing gears to the outside of tooth ends or in the reverse direction. Tests were conducted with both inward and outward air-oil pumping directions. Results are compared to the earlier baseline results of single helical gears.

Anodic aluminium oxide membranes used for the growth of carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

López, Vicente; Morant, Carmen; Márquez, Francisco; Zamora, Félix; Elizalde, Eduardo

2009-11-01

The suitability of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes as template supported on Si substrates for obtaining organized iron catalyst for carbon nanotube (CNT) growth has been investigated. The iron catalyst was confined in the holes of the AAO membrane. CVD synthesis with ethylene as carbon source led to a variety of carbon structures (nanotubes, helices, bamboo-like, etc). In absence of AAO membrane the catalyst was homogeneously distributed on the Si surface producing a high density of micron-length CNTs.

Pair production of J/ψ mesons in the kt-factorization approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranov, S. P.

2011-09-01

In the framework of kt-factorization approach, we consider the production of J/ψ pairs at the LHC conditions. We give predictions on the differential cross sections and discuss the source and the size of theoretical uncertainties. We also present a comparison with collinear parton model showing a dramatic difference in the J/ψ transverse momentum spectrum and J/ψ-J/ψ azimuthal correlations. Finally, we give predictions on the polarization observables in the helicity and Collins-Soper systems.

Helicity in the atmospheric boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurgansky, Michael; Koprov, Boris; Koprov, Victor; Chkhetiani, Otto

2017-04-01

An overview is presented of recent direct field measurements at the Tsimlyansk Scientific Station of A.M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics in Moscow of turbulent helicity (and potential vorticity) using four acoustic anemometers positioned, within the atmospheric surface-adjacent boundary layer, in the vertices of a rectangular tetrahedron, with an approximate 5 m distance between the anemometers and a 5.5 m elevation of the tetrahedron base above the ground surface (Koprov, Koprov, Kurgansky and Chkhetiani. Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics, 2015, Vol.51, 565-575). The same ideology was applied in a later field experiment in Tsimlyansk with the tetrahedron's size of 0.7 m and variable elevation over the ground from 3.5 to 25 m. It is illustrated with examples of the statistical distribution of instantaneous (both positive and negative) turbulent helicity values. A theory is proposed that explains the measured mean turbulent helicity sign, including the sign of contribution to helicity from the horizontal and vertical velocity & vorticity components, respectively, and the sign of helicity buoyant production term. By considering a superposition of the classic Ekman spiral solution and a jet-like wind profile that mimics a shallow breeze circulation over a non-uniformly heated Earth surface, a possible explanation is provided, why the measured mean turbulent helicity sign is negative. The pronounced breeze circulation over the Tsimlyansk polygon which is located nearby the Tsimlyansk Reservoir was, indeed, observed during the measurements period. Whereas, essentially positive helicity is injected into the boundary layer from the free atmosphere in the Northern Hemisphere.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using helical blade to optimize glenoid fixation and bone preservation: preliminary results in thirty five patients with minimum two year follow-up.

PubMed

Zilber, Sebastien; Camana, Eleonora; Lapner, Peter; Haritinian, Emil; Nove Josserand, Laurent

2018-03-26

Glenoid loosening is a common cause of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) failure, and grafting of the glenoid is often required for revision due to bone loss due to the central peg in most glenoid baseplates. Helical blades have been used in the hip to optimize bone fixation in proximal femoral fracture. This study presents the initial results of specifically designed helical blade in the shoulder to optimize glenoid bone fixation and preservation as part of RTSA. Thirty-five patients underwent RTSA with glenoid helical blade fixation. An uncemented glenoid baseplate was used with a central helical blade partially coated with hydroxyapatite and two or three screws. Outcome analysis was performed pre-operatively and at two years. All patients were satisfied with the results and significant improvement was observed in functional outcome scores between baseline and final follow-up. There was a single intra-operative undisplaced glenoid fracture which did not compromise the baseplate fixation. There was no radiographic evidence of loosening or radiolucencies around the helical blade. The helical blade provides a satisfactory primary fixation. Because of its length (21 mm), care should be taken in cases of pre-existing bone loss or sclerotic bone to avoid glenoid fracture or anterior cortical perforation. Helical blade has the potential to facilitate glenoid implant revision by preserving the glenoid bone stock.

Impact of helical boundary conditions in MHD modeling of RFP and tokamak plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonfiglio, D.; Cappello, S.; Escande, D. F.; Piovesan, P.; Veranda, M.; Chacón, L.

2012-10-01

Helical boundary conditions imposed by the active control system of the RFX-mod device provide a handle to govern the plasma dynamics in both RFP and Ohmic tokamak discharges [1]. By applying an edge radial magnetic field with proper helicity, it is possible to increase the persistence of the spontaneous helical RFP states at high current,and to stimulate them also at low current or high density. Helical BCs even allow to access helical states with different helicity than the spontaneous one [2]. In Ohmic tokamak operation at q(a)<2, the presence of the 2/1 RWM reduces the sawtoothing activity of the 1/1 internal kink, which takes a stationary snake-like character instead. Many of these features are qualitatively reproduced in 3D nonlinear MHD modeling. We study the impact of helical BCs on the MHD dynamics in both RFP and tokamak with two successfully benchmarked numerical tools, SpeCyl and PIXIE3D [3]. We recover the bifurcation from a sawtooth to a snake solution when imposing a 2/1 BC in the tokamak case and we interpret this as a toroidal/nonlinear coupling effect. We show that the bifurcation is more easily stimulated with a 1/1 BC.[4pt] [1] P. Piovesan, invited talk this meeting[0pt] [2] M. Veranda et al EPS-ICPP Conference (2012) P4.004[0pt] [3] D. Bonfiglio et al Phys. Plasmas (2010)

An asymptotic theory of supersonic propeller noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Envia, Edmane

1992-01-01

A theory for predicting the noise field of supersonic propellers with realistic blade geometries is presented. The theory, which utilizes a large-blade-count approximation, provides an efficient formula for predicting the radiation of sound from all three sources of propeller noise. Comparisons with a full numerical integration indicate that the levels predicted by this formula are quite accurate. Calculations also show that, for high speed propellers, the noise radiated by the Lighthill quadrupole source is rather substantial when compared with the noise radiated by the blade thickness and loading sources. Results from a preliminary application of the theory indicate that the peak noise level generated by a supersonic propeller initially increases with increasing tip helical Mach number, but is eventually reaches a plateau and does not increase further. The predicted trend shows qualitative agreement with the experimental observations.

Noncovalent Interactions in the Asymmetric Synthesis of Rigid, Conjugated Helical Structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miyasaka, Makoto; Pink, Maren; Rajca, Suchada

Tetrakis({beta}-trithiophene) 1 folds into a helical conformation (RRR) that facilitates double ring annelation, with high diastereoselectivity and modest enantioselectivity, to provide bis[7]helicene 2 (MRM). This rigid, helically locked structure has enhanced chiroptical properties similar to the corresponding [15]helicene.

On a Cyclic Variation of the Hemispheric Helicity Rule

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pevtsov, A. A.; Hagyard, M. J.; Blehm, Z.; Smith, J. E.; Canfield, R. C.; Sakurai, T.

2003-01-01

We report the result of a study magnetic helicity in solar active regions during 1980-2000.Using the vector magnetograms four different instruments we calculated the force-free parameter alpha as in Pevtsov et al.(1995). We use alpha as the proxy for current helicity density.