Helical Elements Research Articles

Metamorphism in TDP-43 prion-like domain determines chaperone recognition

The RNA binding protein TDP-43 forms cytoplasmic inclusions via its C-terminal prion-like domain in several neurodegenerative diseases. Aberrant TDP-43 aggregation arises upon phase de-mixing and transitions from liquid to solid states, following still unknown structural conversions which are primed by oxidative stress and chaperone inhibition. Despite the well-established protective roles for molecular chaperones against protein aggregation pathologies, knowledge on the determinants of chaperone recognition in disease-related prions is scarce. Here we show that chaperones and co-chaperones primarily recognize the structured elements in TDP-43´s prion-like domain. Significantly, while HSP70 and HSP90 chaperones promote TDP-43 phase separation, co-chaperones from the three classes of the large human HSP40 family (namely DNAJA2, DNAJB1, DNAJB4 and DNAJC7) show strikingly different effects on TDP-43 de-mixing. Dismantling of the second helical element in TDP-43 prion-like domain by methionine sulfoxidation impacts phase separation and amyloid formation, abrogates chaperone recognition and alters phosphorylation by casein kinase-1δ. Our results show that metamorphism in the post-translationally modified TDP-43 prion-like domain encodes determinants that command mechanisms with major relevance in disease.

Fast Phase Recognition of Mechanical Helical Phased Array Antenna Element Based on Line-Scan Machine Vision

Fast Phase Recognition of Mechanical Helical Phased Array Antenna Element Based on Line-Scan Machine Vision

Automated 3D Design and Evaluation of RNA Nanostructures with RNAMake.

Despite growing interest in applying RNA's unique structural characteristics to solve diverse biotechnology and nanotechnology problems, there are few computational tools for targeted tertiary design. As a result, RNA 3D design is traditionally slow, resource-consuming, and dependent on expert modeling. In this chapter, we discuss our recently developed software package: RNAMake, a set of applications capable of designing RNA tertiary structures to solve various relevant nanotechnology problems and provide basic thermodynamic calculations for the generated designs. We provide in-depth examples and instructions for designing example RNA nanostructures such as minimal RNA sequences containing a single tertiary contact, generating RNAs that stabilize small-molecule ligands, and building tethers that link ribosomal subunits together. We also highlight the addition of a new Monte Carlo design algorithm and the ability to estimate the thermodynamic contribution of helical elements in RNA 3D structures.

VARIABLE RADIUS HELIX POTENTIOMETER: PRACTICAL ISSUES

Recently a new approach to constructing potentiometers with non-linear taper was proposed. Its main idea is to reach a non-linear dependence of output voltage on rotation angle using a helical resistive element with variable radius of the helix and cross-section. As it has been shown before, problem of calculation of such potentiometer has a solution for all continually differentiable tapers, but the usefulness of this construction is still unknown. In the current paper we review historical and modern types of potentiometers, including non-linear ones; materials for manufacturing such pots; possible tapers for this type of construction; potential applications. In section 1 potentiometer constructions and materials are analyzed. Most suitable constructions for implementation of variable-radius-helix approach are chosen. A generic way for manufacturing mandrel and resistive element using modern machining tools with computer numeric control. In section 2 tapers for potentiometers with several predefined mandrel shapes are calculated. A comparison between appropriate taper bounds for VRH potentiometer and a conventional multi-turn with variable wirewound pitch is carried out. In section 3 different fields of potentiometer applications are reviewed, including usage of potentiometer in new works on robotics. VHR potentiometer is proposed for use in a manual control system for vehicle cab heating controllinstead of a potentiometer with piecewise-linear taper. In section 4 conclusions are made on perspectives of this type of potentiometer, its pros and cons. Main tasks for further research are outlined.

Improved technology of frequency-selective UHF electromagnetic shields containing helical elements

An improved technology of frequency-selective electromagnetic shields has been considered. The technology has been improved by embedding classic Archimedean helical elements made from foiled materials into the bulk of the shields for the improvement of the frequency-selective performance of the shields and pinning of these elements in the bulk of the shields by means of fusion bonding. These design features provide for the main advantage of the improved technology in comparison with counterparts, i.e., lower time consumption. The technology has been improved in the following two aspects: 1) identification of helical element parameters providing for the greatest energy loss of the UHF electromagnetic radiation interacting with the helical elements; 2) identification of the optimum helical element arrangement in the shield bulk providing for the smallest transmission and reflection coefficient of the UHF electromagnetic radiation by the shields. Technology improvement in accordance with the former of the above aspects has been achieved based on analysis of publications dealing with mathematical simulation and study of the parameters of UHF electromagnetic radiation transmission by planar helical antennas. Technology improvement in accordance with the latter aspect has been achieved based on experimental data. Test shields have been fabricated with specifically arranged embedded helical elements, and comparison has been made between the UHF electromagnetic radiation transmission and reflection coefficients of the shields. Shields fabricated in accordance with the improved technology suggested herein show good promise for the electromagnetic noise protection of electronic devices.

Insights into autoregulation of a membrane protein complex by its cytoplasmic domains

Membrane transporters mediate the passage of molecules across membranes and are essential for cellular function. While the transmembrane region of these proteins is responsible for substrate transport, often the cytoplasmic regions are required for modulating their activity. However, it can be difficult to obtain atomic-resolution descriptions of these autoregulatory domains by classical structural biology techniques, especially if they lack a single, defined structure. The betaine permease, BetP, a homotrimer, is a prominent and well-studied example of a membrane protein whose autoregulation depends on cytoplasmic N- and C-terminal segments. These domains sense and transduce changes in K+ concentration and in lipid bilayer properties caused by osmotic stress. However, structural data for these terminal domains is incomplete, which hinders a clear description of the molecular mechanism of autoregulation. Here we used microsecond-scale molecular simulations of the BetP trimer to compare reported conformations of the 45-amino-acid long C-terminal tails. The simulations provide support for the idea that the conformation derived from electron microscopy (EM) data represents a more stable global orientation of the C-terminal segment under downregulating conditions while also providing a detailed molecular description of its dynamics and highlighting specific interactions with lipids, ions, and neighboring transporter subunits. A missing piece of the molecular puzzle is the N-terminal segment, whose dynamic nature has prevented structural characterization. Using Rosetta to generate ensembles of de novo conformations in the context of the EM-derived structure robustly identifies two features of the N-terminal tail, namely 1) short helical elements and 2) an orientation that would confine potential interactions to the protomer in the counterclockwise direction (viewed from the cytoplasm). Since each C-terminal tail only contacts the protomer in the clockwise direction, these results indicate an intricate interplay between the three protomers of BetP in the downregulated protein and a multidirectionality that may facilitate autoregulation of transport.

High-Throughput Microfluidic Production of Bimetallic Nanoparticles on MXene Nanosheets and Application in Hydrogen Peroxide Detection.

Nanoparticle-functionalized transition-metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) have attracted extensive attention in electrochemical detection owing to their excellent catalytic performance. However, the mainstream synthetic routes rely on the batch method requiring strict experimental conditions, generally leading to low yield and poor size tunability of particles. Herein, we report a high-throughput and continuous microfluidic platform for preparing a functional MXene (Ti3C2Tx) with bimetallic nanoparticles (Pt-Pd NPs) at room temperature. Two 3D micromixers with helical elements were integrated into the microfluidic platform to enhance the secondary flow for promoting transport and reaction in the synthesis process. The rapid mixing and strong vortices in these 3D micromixers prevent aggregation of NPs in the synthesis process, enabling a homogeneous distribution of Pt-Pd NPs. In this study, Pt-Pd NPs loaded on the MXene nanosheets were synthesized under various hydrodynamic conditions of 1-15 mL min-1 with controlled sizes, densities, and compositions. The mean size of Pt-Pd NPs could be readily controlled within the range 2.4-9.3 nm with high production rates up to 13 mg min-1. In addition, synthetic and electrochemical parameters were separately optimized to improve the electrochemical performance of Ti3C2Tx/Pt-Pd. Finally, the optimized Ti3C2Tx/Pt-Pd was used for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection and shows excellent electrocatalytic activity. The electrode modified with Ti3C2Tx/Pt-Pd here presents a wide detection range for H2O2 from 1 to 12 000 μM with a limit of detection down to 0.3 μM and a sensitivity up to 300 μA mM-1 cm-2, superior to those prepared in the traditional batch method. The proposed microfluidic approach could greatly enhance the electrochemical performance of Ti3C2Tx/Pt-Pd, and sheds new light on the large-scale production and catalytic application of the functional nanocomposites.

Helical vortex theory and blade element analysis of multi‐bladed windmills

AbstractMulti‐bladed windmills usually pump water for agriculture and domestic consumption, often in remote locations. Although they have been around for over 150 years, their aerodynamic performance is still poorly understood. This paper describes the use of helical vortex theory (HVT) and blade element momentum (BEM) analysis to predict windmill thrust, torque, and extracted power. We emphasize the unusual features of windmills: low Reynolds numbers and tip speed ratios and high solidity, all related to the generation of high torque at low wind speeds. Wind tunnel tests on a model rotor with 3, 6, 12, and 24 circular‐arc, constant‐chord blades determined the thrust, torque, and extracted power over a range of tip speed ratio that extended to runaway. For comparison, BEM was implemented with a correction for finite blade number derived from HVT, as well as the classical Prandtl tip loss factor. The HVT correction predicted the rotor power coefficient to within 3% of the test data on the average. At low tip speed ratios and smaller blade numbers, HVT was consistently more accurate than the Prandtl factor. At all blade numbers, the measured rotor torque exceeded the BEM predictions at the lowest tip speed ratios indicating stall delay which became more important (and more beneficial for windmill performance) as the blade number increased. The Prandtl formulation predicted the thrust to within a mean accuracy of 13% and was more accurate than the HVT method.

Impact of Anterior Malposition and Bone Cement Augmentation on the Fixation Strength of Cephalic Intramedullary Nail Head Elements.

Background and Objectives: Intramedullary nailing of trochanteric fractures can be challenging and sometimes the clinical situation does not allow perfect implant positioning. The aim of this study was (1) to compare in human cadaveric femoral heads the biomechanical competence of two recently launched cephalic implants inserted in either an ideal (centre-centre) or less-ideal anterior off-centre position, and (2) to investigate the effect of bone cement augmentation on their fixation strength in the less-ideal position. Materials and Methods: Fourty-two paired human cadaveric femoral heads were assigned for pairwise implantation using either a TFNA helical blade or a TFNA screw as head element, implanted in either centre-centre or 7 mm anterior off-centre position. Next, seven paired specimens implanted in the off-centre position were augmented with bone cement. As a result, six study groups were created as follows: group 1 with a centre-centre positioned helical blade, paired with group 2 featuring a centre-centre screw, group 3 with an off-centre positioned helical blade, paired with group 4 featuring an off-centre screw, and group 5 with an off-centre positioned augmented helical blade, paired with group 6 featuring an off-centre augmented screw. All specimens were tested until failure under progressively increasing cyclic loading. Results: Stiffness was not significantly different among the study groups (p = 0.388). Varus deformation was significantly higher in group 4 versus group 6 (p = 0.026). Femoral head rotation was significantly higher in group 4 versus group 3 (p = 0.034), significantly lower in group 2 versus group 4 (p = 0.005), and significantly higher in group 4 versus group 6 (p = 0.007). Cycles to clinically relevant failure were 14,919 ± 4763 in group 1, 10,824 ± 5396 in group 2, 10,900 ± 3285 in group 3, 1382 ± 2701 in group 4, 25,811 ± 19,107 in group 5 and 17,817 ± 11,924 in group 6. Significantly higher number of cycles to failure were indicated for group 1 versus group 2 (p = 0.021), group 3 versus group 4 (p = 0.007), and in group 6 versus group 4 (p = 0.010). Conclusions: From a biomechanical perspective, proper centre-centre implant positioning in the femoral head is of utmost importance. In cases when this is not achievable in a clinical setting, a helical blade is more forgiving in the less ideal (anterior) malposition when compared to a screw, the latter revealing unacceptable low resistance to femoral head rotation and early failure. Cement augmentation of both off-centre implanted helical blade and screw head elements increases their resistance against failure; however, this effect might be redundant for helical blades and is highly unpredictable for screws.

Experimental analysis of forced convection heat transfer of Hybrid Nanofluids in a vertical annulus with cosine heat flux

In this paper, the effect of hybrid Nanofluids on heat transfer of flow around a vertical rod with cosine heat flux is investigated. TiO2 and Al2O3 Nanoparticles are added to deionized water to produce hybrid Nanofluids. Experiments are conducted for both turbulence and laminar flow regimes. The test rig is an annulus in which a pitch-variable helical element applies a cosine heat flux to its inner tube. Results reveal that the increase in concentrations would reduce maximum rod temperature significantly. This is near l20% for 1.5%Al2O3 compared to water. The effect of pressure was also studied. The data obtained at pressures of 1, 2, 5, and 10 bar shows that pressure does not affect heat transfer performance. The thermal enhancement of Nanofluid decreases as the Reynolds number increases.

Four Cholesterol-Recognition Motifs in the Pore-Forming and Translocation Domains of Adenylate Cyclase Toxin Are Essential for Invasion of Eukaryotic Cells and Lysis of Erythrocytes.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin (ACT or CyaA) is one of the important virulence factors secreted by Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium causative of whooping cough. ACT debilitates host defenses by production of unregulated levels of cAMP into the cell cytosol upon delivery of its N-terminal domain with adenylate cyclase activity (AC domain) and by forming pores in the plasma membrane of macrophages. Binding of soluble toxin monomers to the plasma membrane of target cells and conversion into membrane-integrated proteins are the first and last step for these toxin activities; however, the molecular determinants in the protein or the target membrane that govern this conversion to an active toxin form are fully unknown. It was previously reported that cytotoxic and cytolytic activities of ACT depend on membrane cholesterol. Here we show that ACT specifically interacts with membrane cholesterol, and find in two membrane-interacting ACT domains, four cholesterol-binding motifs that are essential for AC domain translocation and lytic activities. We hypothesize that direct ACT interaction with membrane cholesterol through those four cholesterol-binding motifs drives insertion and stabilizes the transmembrane topology of several helical elements that ultimately build the ACT structure for AC delivery and pore-formation, thereby explaining the cholesterol-dependence of the ACT activities. The requirement for lipid-mediated stabilization of transmembrane helices appears to be a unifying mechanism to modulate toxicity in pore-forming toxins.

On-Board Wide Broad Bandwidth Switching Linear and Planar Antenna Arrays for Industrial Use in an Era of Industrial Revolution

The paper outlines the analysis of horn antenna and arrays of microstrip antenna for onboard high data rate transmission in the X-Band ( 10 Ghz). The antenna arrays consists of eight equispaced linear array elements with beam formation and gain of 20 dB. In satellite communication, we require the transmission of waves which are circularly polarized. This is achieved by placing helical antenna elements, which has the advantage that the antenna is broadband and transmission is circularly polarized. This paper also considers method of feeding the linear array, where only a first few elements produce radiation and the pattern is highly distorted. Linear array feed from both ends will produce uniform excitation so that the entire array is excited, with low distortion of pattern.

A helical grid equivalent circuit model for an intra-layer no-insulation coil

The intra-layer no-insulation (LNI) coil, which has the advantages of self-protection and high magnetic field homogeneity, is of great potential in HTS NMR and MRI applications. Compared to the more commonly-used double-pancake coils, the transient characteristics are more complex due to additional axial current. While the present circuit model cannot accurately describe the geometry of the LNI coil and the internal characteristics of each turn of the coil, a helical grid equivalent circuit model with consideration of types of mutual inductances is proposed in this paper. In the circuit model, details of the coil are characterized with subdivided helical surface elements in each turn, and each helical surface element can be equivalent to corresponding circuit parameters. The circuit model is verified by a comparison experiment with an intra-layer insulation coil. And elaborate current distributions in each turn of the LNI coil can be obtained with this circuit model. Analysis results demonstrate that the azimuthal current and the axial current are always symmetrically distributed about the middle plane, and the radial current is always anti-symmetrically distributed about the midplane. The circuit model can be used to simulate the quench electromagnetic characteristics of the LNI coil in the future.

Circularly polarized Yagi array with small size and symmetric pattern by using counter‐wound helix

A circularly polarized Yagi array with a compact structure, small size, and symmetric pattern is reported in this paper. It consists of four 3-segment counter-wound helices, one driven element, one director, and two reflectors, for a moderate gain and front-to-back ratio. Similar to conventional Yagi with linear polarization, all helical elements have different but close resonant frequencies. The driven element has a resonant frequency higher than that of the reflectors but lower than that of the director. Owing to the uniform pattern of the counter-wound helical element, a very symmetric pattern with circular polarization at the endfire direction is achieved. A prototype of the 4-element array is fabricated and tested. Measured results show that an impedance bandwidth with |S11| < −10 dB from 1.345 to 1.42 GHz (5.42%) and a 3-dB AR band from 1.34 to 1.43 GHz (6.5%) are obtained, showing an overlapped bandwidth of 5.42%. A realized gain up to 7.03 dBi and an offset angle within 3° are also realized. The overall size of the array is as small as 0.66λ0 × 0.107λ0 × 0.40λ0, showing possibility of further being formed to large scanning or multi-beam arrays.

Study of fluid flow movement of biodiesel production with helical static mixing reactor using computational fluid dynamics(CFD)

The simulation was carried out using the computional fluid dynamics method to find out and read the flow pattern in the reactor. Simulations were implemented in nine reactors, which every reactor have 12 helical type static mixer elements. The elements in every static mixer are twisted 180°, and between elements are glued at an angle of 90°. Also performed two scenarios on the modification of the torsion angle of the elements, namely 225° and 270° . Based on the flow velocity and viscosity, the static mixer with 270° torsion angle has a good mixing pattern compared to the torsion angle of 225° and 180° . The viscosity was descresed by 5.4% and the velocity was increased by 3.05%. The concentration of fatty acid methyl ester using static mixer 270° (as much as 97.50%) was higher than the 225° torsion angle (as much as 97.46%) and the 180° torsion angle (as much as 97.41%).

Water Distribution on Protein Surface of the Lyophilized Proteins With Different Topography Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Water play an important role in many structural and physicochemical properties of lyophilized proteins. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to study the explicit water distributions on four structurally diversed proteins: insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), immunoglobin G1 (IgG1), human serum albumin (HSA), and collagen. The MD simulations were combined with the literature data on water vapor sorption isotherms. To account for the heterogeneity of protein surface, the water molecules were classified into different groups according to the binding strengths. A mechanistic mathematical model was built to describe the type-II vapor sorption isotherms and successfully applied to all four model protein systems. Although commonly used Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) theory has a good fitting to the experimental vapor sorption isotherms, the basic “monolayer” concept is not consistent with reality – covering too limited protein surface. Experimentally, several physicochemical properties did show a break point near the BET “monolayer” level. This study demonstrates that the water content threshold or BET “monolayer” is consistent with the onset of water cluster (n≥3) formation. Based on water distributions at different amino acid sidechains as well as the backbones, a simple formula was derived based on primary sequence and fractions of ordered secondary structures (i.e. alpha helix and beta sheet) to predict the BET “monolayer”. We find that proteins with helical structural elements are more stable upon changes in water content compared to other protein architectures.

Mixing Enhancement of Non-Newtonian Shear-Thinning Fluid for a Kenics Micromixer.

In this work, a numerical investigation was analyzed to exhibit the mixing behaviors of non-Newtonian shear-thinning fluids in Kenics micromixers. The numerical analysis was performed using the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) tool to solve 3D Navier-Stokes equations with the species transport equations. The efficiency of mixing is estimated by the calculation of the mixing index for different cases of Reynolds number. The geometry of micro Kenics collected with a series of six helical elements twisted 180° and arranged alternately to achieve the higher level of chaotic mixing, inside a pipe with a Y-inlet. Under a wide range of Reynolds numbers between 0.1 to 500 and the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions with power-law indices among 1 to 0.49, the micro-Kenics proves high mixing Performances at low and high Reynolds number. Moreover the pressure losses of the shear-thinning fluids for different Reynolds numbers was validated and represented.

Biomechanical analysis of recently released cephalomedullary nails for trochanteric femoral fracture fixation in a human cadaveric model.

Recently, two novel concepts for intramedullary nailing of trochanteric fractures using a helical blade or interlocking dualscrews have demonstrated advantages as compared to standard single-screw systems. However, these two concepts have not been subjected to a direct biomechanical comparison so far. The aims of this study were to investigate in a human cadaveric model with low bone quality (1) the biomechanical competence of nailing with the use of a helical blade versus interlocking screws, and (2) the effect of cement augmentation on the fixation strength of the helical blade. Twelve osteoporotic and osteopenic human cadaveric femoral pairs were assigned for pairwise implantation using either a short TFN-ADVANCED Proximal Femoral Nailing System (TFNA) with a helical blade head element or a short TRIGEN INTERTAN Intertrochanteric Antegrade Nail (InterTAN) with interlocking screws. Six osteoporotic femora, implanted with TFNA, were augmented with bone cement. Four groups were created: group 1 (TFNA) paired with group 2 (InterTAN), both consisting of osteopenic specimens, and group 3 (TFNA augmented) paired with group 4 (InterTAN), both consisting of osteoporotic specimens. An unstable trochanteric AO/OTA 31-A2.2 fracture was simulated and all specimens were tested until failure under progressively increasing cyclic loading. Stiffness in group 3 was significantly higher versus group 4, p = 0.03. Varus (°)and femoral head rotation around the femoral neck axis (°) after 10,000 cycles were 1.9 ± 1.0/0.3 ± 0.2 in group 1, 2.2 ± 0.7/0.7 ± 0.4 in group 2, 1.5 ± 1.3/0.3 ± 0.2 in group 3 and 3.5 ± 2.8/0.9 ± 0.6 in group 4, being significantly different between groups 3 and 4, p = 0.04. Cycles to failure and failure load (N) at 5° varus or10° femoral head rotation around the neck axisin groups 1-4 were 21,428 ± 6020/1571.4 ± 301.0, 20,611 ± 7453/1530.6 ± 372.7, 21,739 ± 4248/1587.0 ± 212.4 and 18,622 ± 6733/1431.1 ± 336.7, being significantly different between groups 3 and 4, p = 0.04. Nailing of trochanteric femoral fractures with use of helical blades is comparable to interlocking dualscrews fixation in femoral head fragments with low bone quality. Bone cement augmentation of helical blades provides significantly greater fixation strength compared to interlocking screws constructs.

Near-field electromagnetic coupling between helices

A fresh approach to the design of metamaterials formed from closely spaced helices is developed based on the retrieved values of electric and magnetic coupling coefficients between adjacent helices. A coupling retrieval method has been implemented to obtain numerical and experimental values for both electric- and magnetic-coupling coefficients between helical elements. Couplings between both right- and left-handed helices in side-by-side and axial arrangements are evaluated providing both positive and negative electric-, as well as magnetic-coupling components. The dependence of coupling strength on separation distance, relative axial rotation, helical pitch and the geometrical arrangement of the helices has been quantified both numerically and experimentally and a geometry giving zero net-coupling between very close helices is illustrated.

A Unified Theory for 3D Gear and Thread Metrology

We propose a unified theory for the metrological treatment of helical machine elements such as cylindrical and conical gears, worms, and screw threads. The main idea is to introduce a universal 3D geometry model for threaded components that provides for distinct parameterization using a unique set of geometry parameters and that offers and a functional description of the transverse profile. Using modern 3D coordinate measuring technology, a holistic evaluation algorithm yields the actual geometry as the result of a high dimensional best-fit procedure and form deviations as corresponding residuals. All determinants and evaluation parameters can then be calculated from the set of actual geometry parameters. By applying certain constraints to the model to be fitted, the novel method can be reduced to the established 2D methods and hence meets demands for the comparison of the two procedures. The results of the novel approach have proven to be very stable and they enable the evaluation of areal measurements with no loss of information.