CMB polarization data is usually analyzed using E and B modes because they are scalar quantities under rotations along the lines of sight and have distinct physical origins. We explore the ...possibility of using the Stokes parameters Q and U for complementary analysis and consistency checks in the context of searches for non-Gaussianity. We show that the Minkowski Functionals (MFs) of Q, U are invariant under local rotations along the lines of sight even though Q, U are spin-2 variables, for full sky analysis. The invariance does not hold for incomplete sky. For local type primordial non-Gaussianity, when we compare the non-Gaussian deviations of MFs for Q, U to what is obtained for E mode or temperature fluctuations, we find that the amplitude is about an order of magnitude lower and the shapes of the deviations are different. This finding can be useful in distinguishing local type non-Gaussianity from other origins of non-Gaussianity in the observed data. Lastly, we analyze the sensitivity of the amplitudes of the MFs for Q, U and the number density of singularities of the total polarization intensity to the tensor-to-scalar ratio, r, and find that all of them decrease as r increases.
Alanine-rich tetrapeptides like A
K dominantly exist as polyproline II helices in dilute aqueous solutions. However, during self-assembly, based on the free energy calculation in implicit solvent for ...various peptide conformations, only the peptides in the β-strand conformation can be packed closely. This necessitates the conformational transition to the β-strand commonly observed during peptide self-assembly such as in amyloid fibril formation. In fact, the closest interpeptide distance of 4.8 Å is consistent with the interstrand distance determined from the X-ray diffraction pattern of many amyloid fibrils. The position of free energy minimum obtained from implicit solvent calculation matches exactly with the explicit solvent simulation through umbrella sampling when the peptide conformations are restrained, demonstrating the applicability of the former for rapid screening of peptide configurations favorable for self-assembly. The barrier in the free energy profile in the presence of water arises out of the entropic restriction on the interstitial water molecules while satisfying the hydrogen bonding of both the peptides by forming water mediated hydrogen bond bridge. Further, the high energy barrier observed for the β-strand suggests that peptides initially tend to self-assemble in the polyproline II structure to mitigate the desolvation energy cost; the transition to the β-strand would happen only in the later stage after crossing the barrier. The umbrella sampling simulations with peptides allowed to change conformations, relative to each other, confirm the dynamic conformational transition during the course of the self-assembly supporting the "dock and lock" mechanism suggested for amyloid fibrillar growth.
We apply the Minkowski tensor statistics to two-dimensional slices of the three-dimensional matter density field. The Minkowski tensors are a set of functions that are sensitive to directionally ...dependent signals in the data and, furthermore, can be used to quantify the mean shape of density fields. We begin by reviewing the definition of Minkowski tensors and introducing a method of calculating them from a discretely sampled field. Focusing on the statistic -a 2 × 2 matrix-we calculate its value for both the entire excursion set and individual connected regions and holes within the set. To study the morphology of structures within the excursion set, we calculate the eigenvalues λ1, λ2 for the matrix of each distinct connected region and hole and measure their mean shape using the ratio . We compare both and β for a Gaussian field and a smoothed density field generated from the latest Horizon Run 4 cosmological simulation to study the effect of gravitational collapse on these functions. The global statistic is essentially independent of gravitational collapse, as the process maintains statistical isotropy. However, β is modified significantly, with overdensities becoming relatively more circular compared to underdensities at low redshifts. When applying the statistics to a redshift-space distorted density field, the matrix is no longer proportional to the identity matrix, and measurements of its diagonal elements can be used to probe the large-scale velocity field.
Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) involves the deployment of the lead deep inside the septum. Penetration of the septum by the lead depends on the texture of the septum, rapidity of rotations, ...operator experience, and implantation tools.
The aim of our study was to assess the behavior of the lumenless lead during rapid rotations and the physiological property of the interventricular septum(IVS) during LBBP.
Patients undergoing LBBP between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively included in the study.
Among 255 attempted patients, 20 (7.9%) had procedural failure(no LBB capture-four, inability to penetrate septum-seven, and dislodgements after sheath removal-nine). Septal penetration achieved in 248/255 patients (97.2%). Lead movement inside the IVS was assessed by lead traverse time. Based on the behavior of the IVS (n = 255), three different responses were noted. Type-I response(normal/firm septum) in 93.7% (n = 239) characterized by constant and progressive movement of lead. Neither perforation nor further change in premature-ventricular-complex morphology beyond M-beat were observed despite additional few unintentional rotations indicating the protective mechanism of LV-endocardium. Type-II response(soft/cheesy septum) in 3.5% (n = 9) characterized by hyper-movement of lead without resistance due to altered texture of septum and poor LV subendocardial barrier resulting in perforation. No patients in this group had LV dysfunction or associated coronary artery disease. In type-III response, seen in 2.8% (n = 7), lead could not be penetrated due to scar in IVS.
Three different patterns of responses were observed during LBBP. The most distinct type-ll response was associated with soft/cheesy septum with hyper-movement of the lead predisposing for future dislodgments in patients without structural heart disease.
Short surfactant-like amphiphilic peptide, A
K, resembling a surfactant with a hydrophobic tail (A
) and a polar headgroup (K), is experimentally determined to form a membrane. Although the peptides ...are known to exist as β-strands, the exact packing architecture stabilizing the membrane is unknown. Earlier simulation studies have reported successful packing configurations through trial and error. In this work, we present a systematic protocol to identify the best peptide configurations for different packing patterns. The influence of stacking peptides in square and hexagonal packing geometry with the neighboring peptides in parallel and antiparallel orientations was explored. The best peptide configurations were determined from the free energy of bringing 2-4 peptides together as a bundle that can be stacked into a membrane. The stability of the assembled bilayer membrane was further investigated through molecular dynamics simulation. The role of peptide tilting, interpeptide distance, the nature and the extent of interactions, and the conformational degrees of freedom on the stability of the membrane is discussed. The consistency with the experimental findings suggests hexagonal antiparallel as the most relevant molecular architecture.
Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) has received much interest for making various bone substitutes since its physicochemical properties can be easily tailored by tuning its phase composition. Due to ...high temperature processing, it is hard to prepare BCP with nanoscale characteristics. In the present study, we have made an attempt to optimize the heat treatment parameters for the synthesis of BCP with nanoscale characteristics from eggshell derived hydroxyapatite (HA) through rapid thermal processing (RTP). To accomplish this, eggshell derived HA was prepared by wet precipitation method and subjected to RTP at 750°C and 1150°C for 3 and 10 minutes. For comparison we have also studied conventional calcination at 750°C and 1150°C for 3 hours. XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, HRTEM, and BET analyses were used to understand the effect of RTP and conventional calcination on eggshell derived HA. Our results indicate that eggshell derived HA on RTP at 1150°C for 3 minutes and 10 minutes can offer nanoscale BCP with good dissolution, bioactivity, cytocompatibility, and mesoporous nature. Hence, RTP can be a potential method to prepare BCP with nanoscale features for biomedical applications.
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