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Abstract. Spatial filtering is an important technique for reducing sky background noise in a satellite quantum key distribution downlink receiver. Atmospheric turbulence limits the extent to which spatial filtering can reduce sky noise without introducing signal losses. Using atmospheric propagation and compensation simulations, the potential benefit of adaptive optics (AO) to secure key generation (SKG) is quantified. Simulations are performed assuming optical propagation from a low-Earth-orbit satellite to a terrestrial receiver that includes AO. Higherorder AO correction is modeled assuming a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor and a continuous-face-sheet deformable mirror. The effects of atmospheric turbulence, tracking, and higher-order AO on the photon capture efficiency are simulated using statistical representations of turbulence and a time-domain wave-optics hardware emulator. SKG rates are calculated for a decoy-state protocol as a function of the receiver field of view for various strengths of turbulence, sky radiances, and pointing angles. The results show that at fields of view smaller than those discussed by others, AO technologies can enhance SKG rates in daylight and enable SKG where it would otherwise be prohibited as a consequence of background optical noise and signal loss due to propagation and turbulence effects. Keywords: quantum key distribution; adaptive optics; decoy states; quantum information; cryptography; sky radiance.Paper 151557P received Nov. 5, 2015; accepted for publication Dec. 24, 2015; published online Feb. 2, 2016; corrected Apr. 26, 2016. IntroductionThe threat quantum computing poses to public key cryptography is motivating the development of alternatives to modern key sharing techniques that rely on computational complexity for security.1,2 Presently, there is interest in developing quantum key distribution (QKD), presented by Bennett and Brassard in 1984 (BB84), as a provably secure alternative.2-5 QKD lends itself to mathematical proofs of theoretical security and offers the potential for secure generation of symmetric encryption keys in real time over optical channels.

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This study presents experimental testing on a 13 m long glass-fibre epoxy composite wind turbine blade. The results of the test were used to calibrate finite element models. A design optimisation study was then performed using a genetic algorithm. The goal of the optimisation was to minimise the material used in blade construction and, thereby, reduce the manufacturing costs. The thickness distribution of the composite materials and the internal structural layout of the blade were considered for optimisation. Constraints were placed on the objective based on the stiffness of the blade and the blade surface stresses. A variable penalty function was used with limits derived from the blade test and the structural layout of the turbine. The model shows good correspondence to the test results (blade mass within 6% and deflection within 9%) and the differences between test and model are discussed in detail. The genetic algorithm resulted in five optimal blade designs, showing a reduction in mass up to 24%. Structural modelling in combination with numerical search algorithms provide a powerful tool for designers and demonstrates that the reader can have confidence in the claimed potential savings when the reference blade models are calibrated against physical test data.

Established cell transfection via nucleofection relies on nucleofection buffers with unknown and proprietary makeup due to trade secrecy, inhibiting the possibility of using this otherwise effective method for developing cell therapy. We devised a three-step method for discovering an optimal formulation for the nucleofection of any cell-line. These steps include the selection of the best nucleofection program and known buffer type, selection of the best polymer for boosting the transfection efficiency of the best buffer, and the comparison with the optimal buffer from an established commercial vendor (Amaxa). Using this 3-step selection system, competitive nucleofection formulations were discovered for multiple cell lines, which are equal to or surpass the efficiency of the Amaxa nucleofector solution in a variety of cells and cell lines, including primary adipose stem cells, muscle cells, tumor cells, and immune cells. Through the use of scanning electron microscopy, we have revealed morphological changes, which predispose for the ability of these buffers to assist in transferring plasmid DNA into the nuclear space. Our formulation may greatly reduce the cost of electroporation study in laboratory and boosts the potential of application of electroporation-based cell therapies in clinical trials.

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The dental follicle (DF) plays an essential role in tooth eruption via regulation of bone resorption and bone formation. Bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP6) expression in the DF is coincident with bone growth in the tooth crypt. DF stem cells (DFSCs) have been shown to possess strong osteogenic capability. This study aims to determine the expression of BMP6 in DFSCs and to elucidate the role of BMP6 in the osteogenesis of DFSCs. DFSCs and their non-stem cell counterpart, DF cells (DFCs), were obtained from the DFs of rat pups. We showed that expression of BMP6 was significantly higher in the DFSCs than in the DFCs. DFSCs lost osteogenic capability during in vitro expansion, and DFSCs in late passages had reduced BMP6 expression as compared to early passages of DFSCs when they were subjected to osteogenic induction. Addition of exogenous human recombinant BMP6 (hrBMP6) to the osteogenic medium dramatically enhanced the osteogenesis of the late-passage DFSCs. Knockdown of BMP6 by short interfering RNA in the DFSCs in early passages resulted in a decrease in osteogenesis, which could be restored by addition of hrBMP6. We concluded that DFSCs need to express high levels of BMP6 to maintain their osteogenesis capability. Increased BMP6 expression seen in vivo in the DF may reflect the activation of DFSCs for osteogenic differentiation for bone growth during tooth eruption.