1,187 research outputs found
Spin Precession and Time-Reversal Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Transport of Electrons Through Mesoscopic Rings
We consider the motion of electrons through a mesoscopic ring in the presence
of spin-orbit interaction, Zeeman coupling, and magnetic flux. The coupling
between the spin and the orbital degrees of freedom results in the geometric
and the dynamical phases associated with a cyclic evolution of spin state.
Using a non-adiabatic Aharonov-Anandan phase approach, we obtain the exact
solution of the system and identify the geometric and the dynamical phases for
the energy eigenstates. Spin precession of electrons encircling the ring can
lead to various interference phenomena such as oscillating persistent current
and conductance. We investigate the transport properties of the ring connected
to current leads to explore the roles of the time-reversal symmetry and its
breaking therein with the spin degree of freedom being fully taken into
account. We derive an exact expression for the transmission probability through
the ring. We point out that the time-reversal symmetry breaking due to Zeeman
coupling can totally invalidate the picture that spin precession results in
effective, spin-dependent Aharonov-Bohm flux for interfering electrons.
Actually, such a picture is only valid in the Aharonov-Casher effect induced by
spin-orbit interaction only. Unfortunately, this point has not been realized in
prior works on the transmission probability in the presence of both SO
interaction and Zeeman coupling. We carry out numerical computation to
illustrate the joint effects of spin-orbit interaction, Zeeman coupling and
magnetic flux. By examining the resonant tunneling of electrons in the weak
coupling limit, we establish a connection between the observable time-reversal
symmetry breaking effects manifested by the persistent current and by the
transmission probability. For a ring formed by two-dimensional electron gas, weComment: 20 pages, 5 figure
Evaluation of warfarin resistance using transcription activator-like effector nucleases-mediated vitamin K epoxide reductase knockout HEK293 cells
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) gene have been successfully used for warfarin dosage prediction. However, warfarin resistance studies of naturally occurring VKOR mutants do not correlate with their clinical phenotype. This discrepancy presumably arises because the in vitro VKOR activity assay is performed under artificial conditions using the non-physiological reductant dithiothreitol
Persistent Current From the Competition Between Zeeman Coupling and Spin-Orbit Interaction
Applying the non-adiabatic Aharonov-Anandan phase approach to a mesoscopic
ring with non-interacting many electrons in the presence of the spin-orbit
interaction, Zeeman coupling and magnetic flux, we show that the time-reversal
symmetry breaking due to Zeeman coupling is intrinsically different from that
due to magnetic flux. We find that the direction of the persistent currents
induced by the Zeeman coupling changes periodically with the particle number,
while the magnetic flux determines the direction of the induced currents by its
sign alone.Comment: 5 pages, ReVTeX, including 3 figures on request,Submitted to
Phys.Rev.Let
Grounded theory research: A design framework for novice researchers
Background: Grounded theory is a well-known methodology employed in many research studies. Qualitative andquantitative data generation techniques can be used in a grounded theory study. Grounded theory sets out to discoveror construct theory from data, systematically obtained and analysed using comparative analysis. While grounded theoryis inherently flexible, it is a complex methodology. Thus, novice researchers strive to understand the discourse and thepractical application of grounded theory concepts and processes.Objective: The aim of this article is to provide a contemporary research framework suitable to inform a grounded theorystudy.Result: This article provides an overview of grounded theory illustrated through a graphic representation of the processesand methods employed in conducting research using this methodology. The framework is presented as a diagrammaticrepresentation of a research design and acts as a visual guide for the novice grounded theory researcher.Discussion: As grounded theory is not a linear process, the framework illustrates the interplay between the essentialgrounded theory methods and iterative and comparative actions involved. Each of the essential methods and processes thatunderpin grounded theory are defined in this article.Conclusion: Rather than an engagement in philosophical discussion or a debate of the different genres that can be used ingrounded theory, this article illustrates how a framework for a research study design can be used to guide and inform thenovice nurse researcher undertaking a study using grounded theory. Research findings and recommendations can contributeto policy or knowledge development, service provision and can reform thinking to initiate change in the substantive area ofinquiry
The Histone Demethylase Jhdm1a Regulates Hepatic Gluconeogenesis
Hepatic gluconeogenesis is required for maintaining blood glucose homeostasis; yet, in diabetes mellitus, this process is unrestrained and is a major contributor to fasting hyperglycemia. To date, the impacts of chromatin modifying enzymes and chromatin landscape on gluconeogenesis are poorly understood. Through catalyzing the removal of methyl groups from specific lysine residues in the histone tail, histone demethylases modulate chromatin structure and, hence, gene expression. Here we perform an RNA interference screen against the known histone demethylases and identify a histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) demethylase, Jhdm1a, as a key negative regulator of gluconeogenic gene expression. In vivo, silencing of Jhdm1a promotes liver glucose synthesis, while its exogenous expression reduces blood glucose level. Importantly, the regulation of gluconeogenesis by Jhdm1a requires its demethylation activity. Mechanistically, we find that Jhdm1a regulates the expression of a major gluconeogenic regulator, C/EBPα. This is achieved, at least in part, by its USF1-dependent association with the C/EBPα promoter and its subsequent demethylation of dimethylated H3K36 on the C/EBPα locus. Our work provides compelling evidence that links histone demethylation to transcriptional regulation of gluconeogenesis and has important implications for the treatment of diabetes
High-capacity quantum secure direct communication based on quantum hyperdense coding with hyperentanglement
We present a quantum hyperdense coding protocol with hyperentanglement in
polarization and spatial-mode degrees of freedom of photons first and then give
the details for a quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) protocol based on
this quantum hyperdense coding protocol. This QSDC protocol has the advantage
of having a higher capacity than the quantum communication protocols with a
qubit system. Compared with the QSDC protocol based on superdense coding with
-dimensional systems, this QSDC protocol is more feasible as the preparation
of a high-dimension quantum system is more difficult than that of a two-level
quantum system at present.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figur
Total Neoadjuvant Therapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis of Oncological and Operative Outcomes
Background: Total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer refers to the administration of chemoradiotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery. Recent studies have shown improved pathological complete response and disease-free survival with this approach. However, survival benefits remain unproven. Our objective is to present a metaanalysis of oncological outcomes of total neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. Patients and methods: A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholars. Studies comparing total neoadjuvant therapy with standard neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were included. Data extracted from the individual studies were pooled and a metaanalysis performed. The outcomes of interest are the rate of complete pathological response, nodal response, resection margin, anal preservation, anastomotic leak, local recurrence, distant recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Results: There were 15 comparative studies with 2437 patients in the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group and 2284 in the total neoadjuvant therapy group. The pooled complete pathological response was 22.3% in the total neoadjuvant therapy group, compared with 14.2% in the standard neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group (p < 0.001). Even though there was no difference in local recurrence rate, there was a significantly lower rate of distant recurrence (OR 0.81, p = 0.02), and better 3-year disease-free survival (70.6% vs. 65.3%, respectively, p < 0.001) and overall survival (84.9% vs. 82.3%, respectively, p = 0.006), favoring the total neoadjuvant therapy group. Due to significant heterogeneity in the study protocols, there remains uncertainty on the ideal chemotherapy/radiotherapy sequence. Conclusions: This study provides supporting evidence on the favorable immediate and intermediate oncological outcomes with the use of total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
Time-Dependent Partition-Free Approach in Resonant Tunneling Systems
An extended Keldysh formalism, well suited to properly take into account the
initial correlations, is used in order to deal with the time-dependent current
response of a resonant tunneling system. We use a \textit{partition-free}
approach by Cini in which the whole system is in equilibrium before an external
bias is switched on. No fictitious partitions are used. Besides the
steady-state responses one can also calculate physical dynamical responses. In
the noninteracting case we clarify under what circumstances a steady-state
current develops and compare our result with the one obtained in the
partitioned scheme. We prove a Theorem of asymptotic Equivalence between the
two schemes for arbitrary time-dependent disturbances. We also show that the
steady-state current is independent of the history of the external perturbation
(Memory Loss Theorem). In the so called wide-band limit an analytic result for
the time-dependent current is obtained. In the interacting case we propose an
exact non-equilibrium Green function approach based on Time Dependent Density
Functional Theory. The equations are no more difficult than an ordinary Mean
Field treatment. We show how the scattering-state scheme by Lang follows from
our formulation. An exact formula for the steady-state current of an arbitrary
interacting resonant tunneling system is obtained. As an example the
time-dependent current response is calculated in the Random Phase
Approximation.Comment: final version, 18 pages, 9 figure
In vivo study of the bioavailability and metabolic profile of (poly)phenols after sous-vide artichoke consumption
Artichokes are a rich source of (poly)phenols, mainly caffeoylquinic acids, but little is known about their bioavailability from this source. This study investigated the absorption, metabolism and excretion of (poly)phenols after sous-vide artichoke consumption (5776 µmol of (poly)phenols) by healthy volunteers. Seventy-six (poly)phenol metabolites were identified by UHPLC-MS/MS using authentic standards, including acyl-quinic acids plus C6–C3, C6–C1, C6–C2, C6–C1–N, C6–C0 metabolites, and their phase-II conjugates. The major metabolites were 3ʹ-methoxy-4ʹ-hydroxycinnamic acid, 3ʹ-methoxycinnamic acid-4ʹ-sulfate, and 4ʹ-hydroxycinnamic acid-3ʹ-sulfate, which appeared early in plasma (Tmax 6 h). The 24 h urinary recovery averaged 8.9% (molar basis) of the (poly)phenols consumed. Hepatic beta-oxidation of 3ʹ,4ʹ-dihydroxycinnamic acid and methylated conjugates occurred, but was limited (<0.04%). 3ʹ-Methylation exceeded 4ʹ-methylation and interindividual variability was high, especially for gut microbial metabolites (up to 168-fold)
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