Pair Of Bands Research Articles

Topological crystalline semimetals in nonsymmorphic lattices

Numerous efforts have been devoted to reveal exotic semimetallic phases with topologically non-trivial bulk and/or surface states in materials with strong spin-orbit coupling. In particular, semimetals with nodal line Fermi surface (FS) exhibit novel properties, and searching for candidate materials becomes an interesting research direction. Here we provide a generic condition for a four-fold degenerate nodal line FS in non-symmorphic crystals with inversion and time-reversal symmetry (TRS). When there are two glide planes or screw axes perpendicular to each other, a pair of Bloch bands related by non-symmorphic symmetry become degenerate on a Brillouin Zone (BZ) boundary. There are two pairs of such bands, and they disperse in a way that the partners of two pairs are exchanged on other BZ boundaries. This enforces a nodal line FS on a BZ boundary plane protected by non-symmorphic symmetries. When TRS is broken, four-fold degenerate Dirac points or Weyl ring FS could occur depending on a direction of the magnetic field. On a certain surface double helical surface states exist, which become double Ferm arcs as TRS is broken.

Age, Growth and Spatial Distribution of the Life Stages of the Shortfin Mako, Isurus oxyrinchus (Rafinesque, 1810) Caught in the Western and Central Atlantic.

The shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a highly migratory pelagic shark that preferentially inhabits oceanic regions in practically all oceans. The wide distribution range of this species renders it susceptible to coastal and oceanic fishing operations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) consider this species to be highly vulnerable, especially due to its biological parameters, which are different from those of other sharks that occupy the same niche (e.g., Prionace glauca). Consequently, considerable declines in abundance have been detected over various parts of its range, most of which are linked to oceanic longline fishing. The species has conflicting life history parameters in studies conducted in the last 30 years, especially with regard to age and growth. The main discrepancies regard the interpretation of the periodicity of the deposition of band pairs (BPs) on vertebrae and the possibility of ontogenetic variations in growth. Shortfin mako sharks (n = 1325) were sampled by onboard observers of the Brazilian chartered pelagic longline fleet based in northeast Brazil from 2005 to 2011. Lengths were 79 to 250 and 73 to 296 cm (fork length, FL) for males and females, respectively, with a statistically significant difference in size between sexes and differences in the proportion of individuals in each size class. The onboard observers collected a subsample of vertebrae (n = 467), only 234 of which were suitable for analyses. Reliability between readings was satisfactory. However, it was not possible to validate periodicity in the formation of age bands in the sample. Thus, the von Bertalanffy growth function was used to calculate growth rates for the species through the interpretation of BPs in different scenarios: one BP per year (s1), two BPs per year (s2) and two BPs per year until five years of life (s3). Growth parameters varied for both females (Linf = 309.7[s3] to 441.6[s1]; k = 0.04[s1] to 0.13[s3]; t0 = -7.08[s1] and -3.27[s3]) and males (Linf = 291.5[s3] to 340.2[s1]; k = 0.04[s1] to 0.13[s3]; t0 = -7.08[s1] and -3.27[s3]). To advance the understanding of the use of habitat, the first analysis of the spatial distribution of the life stages of the shortfin mako sharks caught by commercial longline fishing operations in the South Atlantic was performed. The findings indicate that the portion of the population exploited by the fleets is predominantly juvenile and future actions should take the following issues into account: improvements in the efficiency of data collection procedures, the reestablishment of the onboard observer program, emergency investments in studies that can contribute to a better understanding of habitat use and life history theory.

A new species of Enderleina Jewett (Plecoptera, Perlidae) from Amazonas State, Brazil.

Enderleina Jewett, 1960 is one of the least-known Perlidae genera in northern South America, including six species. During an aquatic insect survey of the northern portion of Amazonas State, Brazil, we collected a male Enderleina with a distinct pronotum pattern and genitalic morphology. The objectives of this study are to describe a new species of Enderleina based on male morphology. The new species can be distinguished from all other Enderleina species in the male by the presence of a paired thin dark band on the mesal region of pronotum and by the structure of the penial armature.

Evidence for Octupole Correlations in Multiple Chiral Doublet Bands.

Two pairs of positive-and negative-parity doublet bands together with eight strong electric dipole transitions linking their yrast positive- and negative-parity bands have been identified in ^{78}Br. They are interpreted as multiple chiral doublet bands with octupole correlations, which is supported by the microscopic multidimensionally-constrained covariant density functional theory and triaxial particle rotor model calculations. This observation reports the first example of chiral geometry in octupole soft nuclei.

Radiometric Inter-Calibration between Himawari-8 AHI and S-NPP VIIRS for the Solar Reflective Bands

The Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) on-board Himawari-8, which was launched on 7 October 2014, is the first geostationary instrument housed with a solar diffuser to provide accurate onboard calibrated data for the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) bands. In this study, the Ray-matching and collocated Deep Convective Cloud (DCC) methods, both of which are based on incidently collocated homogeneous pairs between AHI and Suomi NPP (S-NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), are used to evaluate the calibration difference between these two instruments. While the Ray-matching method is used to examine the reflectance difference over the all-sky collocations with similar viewing and illumination geometries, the near lambertian collocated DCC pxiels are used to examine the difference for the median or high reflectance scenes. Strong linear relationships between AHI and VIIRS can be found at all the paired AHI and VIIRS bands. Results of both methods indicate that AHI radiometric calibration accuracy agrees well with VIIRS data within 5% for B1-4 and B6 at mid and high reflectance scenes, while AHI B5 is generally brighter than VIIRS by ~6%–8%. No apparent East-West viewing angle dependent calibration difference can be found at all the VNIR bands. Compared to the Ray-matching method, the collocated DCC method provides less uncertainty of inter-calibration results at near-infrared (NIR) bands. As AHI has similar optics and calibration designs to the GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), which is currently scheduled to launch in fall 2016, the on-orbit AHI data provides a unique opportunity to develop, test and examine the cal/val tools developed for ABI.

Modulation instability in a triangular three-core coupler with a negative-index material channel

A theoretical investigation of the modulation instability (MI) in the three core triangular oppositely directed coupler with negative index material channel is presented. This class of couplers have an effective feedback mechanism due to the opposite directionality of the phase velocities in the negative and positive index channels. It is found that the MI in the nonlinear three core triangular oppositely directed coupler is significantly influenced by the ratio of the forward- to backward-propagating wave power and nonlinearity. Also, in the case of the normal dispersion regime a threshold-like behavior is observed, whereas this behavior is not identified in the anomalous dispersion regime. For the asymmetric case (), two pairs of instability bands are observed for both the nonlinear NIM and PIM channels, while a single pair of instability bands is noted for the symmetric case (h = 1). In the normal dispersion regime, the defocusing nonlinearity is found to suppress the MI by reducing both the gain and width of the instability band, whereas the MI is enhanced in the anomalous dispersion regime due to the defocusing nonlinearity. Thus we report new ways to generate and manipulate the MI and solitons in three-core triangular oppositely directed couplers with a particular emphasis on a negative-index material (NIM) channel.

Cathodoluminescence study of Mg activation in non-polar and semi-polar faces of undoped/Mg-doped GaN core–shell nanorods

Spectrally and spatially resolved cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements were carried out at 80 K on undoped/Mg-doped GaN core–shell nanorods grown by selective area growth metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy in order to investigate locally the optical activity of the Mg dopants. A study of the luminescence emission distribution over the different regions of the nanorods is presented. We have investigated the CL fingerprints of the Mg incorporation into the non-polar lateral prismatic facets and the semi-polar facets of the pyramidal tips. The amount of Mg incorporation/activation was varied by using several Mg/Ga flow ratios and post-growth annealing treatment. For lower Mg/Ga flow ratios, the annealed nanorods clearly display a donor–acceptor pair band emission peaking at 3.26–3.27 eV and up to 4 LO phonon replicas, which can be considered as a reliable indicator of effective p-type Mg doping in the nanorod shell. For higher Mg/Ga flow ratios, a substantial enhancement of the yellow luminescence emission as well as several emission subbands are observed, which suggests an increase of disorder and the presence of defects as a consequence of the excess Mg doping.

DSAM lifetime measurements for the chiral pair in 194Tl

Most important for the identification of chiral symmetry in atomic nuclei is to establish a pair of bands that are near-degenerate in energy, but also in B(M1) and B(E2) transition probabilities. Dedicated lifetime measurements were performed for four bands of 194Tl, including the pair of four-quasiparticle chiral bands with close near-degeneracy, considered as a prime candidate for best chiral symmetry pair. The lifetime measurements confirm the excellent near-degeneracy in this pair and indicate that a third band may be involved in the chiral symmetry scenario.

Genetic Diversity and Association of EST-SSR and SCoT Markers with Rust Traits in Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.).

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), is a well-known perennial forage species; however, rust diseases have caused a noticeable reduction in the quality and production of orchardgrass. In this study, genetic diversity was assessed and the marker-trait associations for rust were examined using 18 EST-SSR and 21 SCoT markers in 75 orchardgrass accessions. A high level of genetic diversity was detected in orchardgrass with an average genetic diversity index of 0.369. For the EST-SSR and SCoT markers, 164 and 289 total bands were obtained, of which 148 (90.24%) and 272 (94.12%) were polymorphic, respectively. Results from an AMOVA analysis showed that more genetic variance existed within populations (87.57%) than among populations (12.43%). Using a parameter marker index, the efficiencies of the EST-SSR and SCoT markers were compared to show that SCoTs have higher marker efficiency (8.07) than EST-SSRs (4.82). The results of a UPGMA cluster analysis and a STRUCTURE analysis were both correlated with the geographic distribution of the orchardgrass accessions. Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed an average r2 of 0.1627 across all band pairs, indicating a high extent of linkage disequilibrium in the material. An association analysis between the rust trait and 410 bands from the EST-SSR and SCoT markers using TASSEL software revealed 20 band panels were associated with the rust trait in both 2011 and 2012. The 20 bands obtained from association analysis could be used in breeding programs for lineage selection to prevent great losses of orchardgrass caused by rust, and provide valuable information for further association mapping using this collection of orchardgrass.

Detection of HER2 Gene Polymorphism in Breast Cancer: PCR Optimization Study.

Cancers are the most deadly diseases in the world and their incidences continue to increase over time. Particularly, breast cancer in females places 1st rank among other types of cancers in term of cancer cases (23%) and death incidence (14%). Recent findings support the correlation between Ile655Val SNP in the HER2 gene with breast cancer risk. Moreover, the Ile655Val HER2 gene polymorphism could be a predictive factor in a neoadjuvant therapy setting. Precise detection of the Ile655Val HER2 gene SNP in early breast cancer patients will be beneficial in designing the most suitable treatment and in increasing the efficacy of anticancer drugs. Here we develop a rapid and inexpensive method for Ile655Val SNP detection in the HER2 gene based on allele-specific PCR technology. Two forward primers and one common reverse primer were designed to anneal specifically either on the HER2 gene fragment containing the GG genotype or to the HER2 gene fragment containing the AA genotype where one of these primers had been added with poly-GC at 5’ upstream. Moreover, to increase discrimination level, mismatch bases at the SNP site and the 3rd base of each forward primers from 3’end were added. To test the performance of the designed primers in discriminating a polymorphism and its annealing temperature, breast cancer specimen-derived genomic DNA (with GG genotype) and pGEM_HER2/AA (with AA genotype) were used as templates in the PCR reaction. The optimal annealing temperature for SNP detection was at 51.5°C as showed by the appearance of a 150 base pair (bp) band as AA genotype (pGEM_HER2/AA template), 116bp band as GG genotype (genomic DNA template), and both types of bands as AG genotype (mix of pGEM_HER2/AA and genomic DNA template). Allelic types of breast cancer patients were also determined using this optimized method compared to sanger sequencing. The 100% accordance was shown for all types of genotypes in both methods. The allele-specific PCR in this study may have application in determining polymorphisms of the breast cancers-originated Ile655Val HER2 gene.

A Framework for Iris Biometrics Protection: A Marriage Between Watermarking and Visual Cryptography

This paper presents a novel security architecture for protecting the integrity of iris images and templates using watermarking and visual cryptography (VC). The proposed scheme offers a complete protection framework for the iris biometrics which consists of two stages: the first stage is for iris image protection, while the second is for the iris template. First, for protecting the iris image, a watermark text which carries personal information is embedded in the middle band frequency region of the iris image using a novel watermarking algorithm that randomly interchanges multiple middle band pairs of the discrete cosine transform. Second, for iris template protection, the binary iris template is divided into two shares using VC, where one share is stored in the database and the other is kept with the user on a smart card. In addition, the SHA-2 hash function is utilized to maintain the integrity of the stored iris template in both the database and smart card. The experimental and comparison results on the CASIA V4 and UBIRIS V1 iris databases demonstrate that the proposed framework preserves the privacy of the iris images and templates and retains robustness to malicious attacks, while it does not have a discernible effect on the recognition performance.

Origin of folded bands in metamaterial crystals

Recently it has been found numerically that the spectra of metamaterial crystals may contain pairs of bands which disappear inside the Brillouin zone. We observe that the wave equations for such systems are essentially non-Hermitian, but PT-symmetric. We show that the real-frequency spectra correspond to PT-symmetric solutions of the wave equation. At those momenta in the Brillouin zone where apparently no solutions exist, there appear pairs of complex-frequency solutions with spontaneously broken PT symmetry.

Electron pairing in the presence of incipient bands in iron-based superconductors

Recent experiments on certain Fe-based superconductors have hinted at a role for paired electrons in "incipient" bands that are close to, but do not cross the Fermi level. Related theoretical works disagree on whether or not strong-coupling superconductivity is required to explain such effects, and whether a critical interaction strength exists. In this work, we consider various versions of the model problem of pairing of electrons in the presence of an incipient band, within a simple multiband weak-coupling BCS approximation. We categorize the problem into two cases: case(I) where superconductivity arises from the "incipient band pairing" alone, and case(II) where it is induced on an incipient band by pairing due to Fermi-surface based interactions. Negative conclusions regarding the importance of incipient bands have been drawn so far largely based on case(I), but we show explicitly that models under case(II) are qualitatively different, and can explain the non-exponential suppression of Tc, as well as robust large gaps on an incipient band. In the latter situation, large gaps on the incipient band do not require a critical interaction strength. We also model the interplay between phonon and spin fluctuation driven superconductivity and describe the bootstrap of electron-phonon superconductivity by spin fluctuations coupling the incipient and the regular bands. Finally, we discuss the effect of the dimensionality of the incipient band on our results. We argue that pairing on incipient bands may be significant and important in several Fe-based materials, including LiFeAs, FeSe intercalates and FeSe monolayers on strontium titanate, and indeed may contribute to high critical temperatures in some cases.

Laminar Distribution of Phase-Amplitude Coupling of Spontaneous Current Sources and Sinks.

Although resting-state functional connectivity is a commonly used neuroimaging paradigm, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Thalamo-cortical and cortico-cortical circuits generate oscillations at different frequencies during spontaneous activity. However, it remains unclear how the various rhythms interact and whether their interactions are lamina-specific. Here we investigated intra- and inter-laminar spontaneous phase-amplitude coupling (PAC). We recorded local-field potentials using laminar probes inserted in the forelimb representation of rat area S1. We then computed time-series of frequency-band- and lamina-specific current source density (CSD), and PACs of CSD for all possible pairs of the classical frequency bands in the range of 1–150 Hz. We observed both intra- and inter-laminar spontaneous PAC. Of 18 possible combinations, 12 showed PAC, with the highest measures of interaction obtained for the pairs of the theta/gamma and delta/gamma bands. Intra- and inter-laminar PACs involving layers 2/3–5a were higher than those involving layer 6. Current sinks (sources) in the delta band were associated with increased (decreased) amplitudes of high-frequency signals in the beta to fast gamma bands throughout layers 2/3–6. Spontaneous sinks (sources) of the theta and alpha bands in layers 2/3–4 were on average linked to dipoles completed by sources (sinks) in layer 6, associated with high (low) amplitudes of the beta to fast-gamma bands in the entire cortical column. Our findings show that during spontaneous activity, delta, theta, and alpha oscillations are associated with periodic excitability, which for the theta and alpha bands is lamina-dependent. They further emphasize the differences between the function of layer 6 and that of the superficial layers, and the role of layer 6 in controlling activity in those layers. Our study links theories on the involvement of PAC in resting-state functional connectivity with previous work that revealed lamina-specific anatomical thalamo-cortico-cortical connections.

The origin of electronic band structure anomaly in topological crystalline insulator group-IV tellurides

AbstractGroup-IV tellurides have exhibited exotic band structures. Specifically, despite the fact that Sn sits between Ge and Pb in the same column of the periodic table, cubic SnTe is a topological crystalline insulator with band inversion, but both isovalent GeTe and PbTe are trivial semiconductors with normal band order. By performing first-principles band structure calculations, we unravel the origin of this abnormal behaviour by using symmetry analysis and the atomic orbital energy levels and atomic sizes of these elements. In group-IV tellurides, the s lone pair band of the group-IV element is allowed by symmetry to couple with the anion valence p band at the L-point, and such s–p coupling leads to the occurrence of bandgap at the L-point. We find that such s–p coupling is so strong in SnTe that it inverts the band order near the bandgap; however, it is not strong enough in both GeTe and PbTe, so they remain normal semiconductors. The reason for this is the incomplete screening of the core of the relatively tight-binding Ge 4s orbital by its 3d orbitals and the large atomic size and strong relativistic effect in Pb, respectively. Interestingly, we also find that the rhombohedral distortion removes the inversion symmetry and the reduced s–p coupling transforms the α-SnTe back to a normal semiconductor. Our study demonstrates that, in addition to spin–orbital coupling, strain and interface dipole fields, inter-orbital coupling is another effective way to engineer the topological insulators.

Infrared study of defects in nitrogen-doped electron irradiated silicon

Nitrogen is a key dopant in Czochralski silicon widely used to control properties of Si wafers for applications in the microelectronics industry. Most of these properties are affected by defects and their processes. Here we employ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to investigate the existence of radiation induced N-related defects in Si. Besides well-known signals of substitutional (Ns) at 653 cm−1, interstitial (Ni) at 691 cm−1, N2 at 766 cm−1, N–O complexes at 801, 996 and 1026 cm−1 and N2O at 973 and 996 cm−1 we determined some additional signals. The pair of bands at 646 and 663 cm−1 has been tentatively correlated with the Ns V pair in agreement with previous theoretical calculations. Similarly the pair of bands at 725 and 778 cm−1 has been tentatively correlated with the N2 V complex and another pair of bands at 930 and 953 cm−1 may be related with the N2SiI complex. Additionally, oxygen-vacancy defects such as the vacancy-oxygen pair (A-center or VO) are common in electron irradiated Si and can impact the material and electronic properties of Si. We investigate and compare the effect of N doping on oxygen-vacancy defects in electron irradiated Si. It is determined that nitrogen reduces the production of VO defects.

Vibrational assignments and conformer stability determination of cyclobutyldichlorosilane by variable temperature Raman spectra in krypton solution

The infrared spectrum (3100–300cm−1) in the gas phase and Raman spectrum (3100–150cm−1) of the liquid of cyclobutyldichlorosilane (c-C4H7SiHCl2) have been recorded. Variable temperature (−143°C to −123°C) studies of the Raman spectra (3100–300cm−1) dissolved in liquid krypton have been carried out. From these data, the experimental stabilities of the conformer have been determined to be Eq-g>Ax-t>Eq-t>Ax-g. The enthalpy difference between Eq-g and Ax-t has been determined from band pairs to be 85±10cm−1 (1.01±0.11kJmol−1) with the Eq-g conformer the more stable form. The enthalpy difference between Eq-g and Eq-t is 116±43cm−1 (1.39±0.52kJmol−1) and the enthalpy difference between Eq-g and Ax-g has been determined to be 138±42cm−1 (1.66±0.51kJmol−1) with the Eq-g conformer as the more stable form. The percentage of the equatorial gauche conformer is estimated to be 47% at ambient temperature. To support the spectroscopic study, ab initio calculations by the Møller–Plesset perturbation method to second order MP2(full) and density functional theory calculations by the B3LYP method have been carried out. The infrared intensities, Raman activities, vibrational frequencies and band contours have been predicted from MP2(full)/6-31G(d) calculations and these theoretical values are compared to the experimental ones when available. The conformational stabilities have been predicted from theoretical calculations with basis sets up to 6-311+G(2d,2p) from both MP2(full) and density functional theory calculations by the B3LYP method. The results are discussed and compared to the corresponding properties of some related molecules.

Search for octupole correlations inNd147

Properties of excited states in $^{147}$Nd have been studied with multispectra and $\gamma \gamma$ coincidence measurements. Twenty-four new $\gamma$-lines and three new levels have been introduced into the level scheme of $^{147}$Nd. Lifetimes of eight excited levels in $^{147}$Nd, populated in the $\beta$ decay of $^{147}$Pr, have been measured using the advanced time-delayed $\beta\gamma\gamma$(t) method. Reduced transition probabilities have been determined for 30 $\gamma$-transitions in $^{147}$Nd. Potential energy surfaces on the ($\beta_{2}$,$\beta_{3}$) plane calculated for $^{147}$Nd using the Strutinsky method predict two single quasiparticle configurations with nonzero octupole deformation, with K=1/2 and K=5/2. We do not observe parity doublet bands with K=5/2. For pair of opposite parity bands that could form the K=1/2 parity doublet we were able only to determine lower limit of the dipole moment, $|D_0|\geq$0.02 e$\cdot fm$.

Analysis of bomb radiocarbon data for common thresher sharks, Alopias vulpinus, in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean with revised growth curves

Bomb radiocarbon dating was used to determine the periodicity of band pair formation in the vertebral centra of three common thresher sharks (Alopias vulpinus). The traditional interpretation of band pairs were accurate (i.e. annual) up to approximately 14 years of age. In older individuals, band pair counts underestimated age. A new maximum validated age was estimated to be 38 years (an increase of 18 years over the band count estimates). Previously reported length at age estimates for common thresher sharks up to 14 years were used in conjunction with the two older validated estimates to develop a revised growth curve for the species, which was described using the Schnute general model (sexes combined). Updated estimates of age at maturity remained the same for males (8 years) and increased by one year to 13 years for females. The primary finding was the increase in longevity for this species from a band pair count estimate of 24 years to a bomb radiocarbon validated estimate of 38 years, indicating this species lives much longer than previously thought.

Age and growth estimates of the Kwangtung skate Dipturus kwangtungensis in the waters of northern Taiwan

The age and growth of Kwangtung skate, Dipturus kwangtungensis, in the waters off northern Taiwan were estimated from 422 specimens collected between July 2006 and July 2008 at the Tashi fishing market in north-eastern Taiwan. The sexes-combined relationship between total length (TL) and centrum diameter (D) was estimated as follows: TL = 14.11D0.888 (N = 411, r2 = 0.94, P < 0.001). Growth band pairs (comprised of translucent and opaque bands) in vertebrae were determined to form once annually, based on the centrum edge analysis. Up to 14 band pairs were found for both sexes. The von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF), two-parameter VBGF, the Robertson function, and the Gompertz function were used to fit the observed length-at-age data. The Akaike information criterion corrected indicated that the Gompertz function best fit the observed length at age data. Sex-specific growth functions were not significantly different; the sexes-combined growth parameters were estimated as follows: asymptotic length (L∞) = 96.7 cm TL, growth coefficient (kG) = 0.144 year−1 and constant (t0) = 5.45 year (N = 364, P < 0.01).