bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
674 Cases of Late Postoperative Intraocular Lens Opacification of a Hydrophilic-Hydrophobic Acryl Intraocular Lens in Switzerland and Retrospective Opacification Risk Factor
Assessment of 212 Cases
Authors: Amon Tabea , Goldblum David , Meyer Peter , Maloca Peter M. , Garweg Justus , Pruente Christian , Sachers Frank , Signer Theo , Thumann Gabriele , Hasler Pascal W.
Published: April 2023

Purpose To report the prevalence of late postoperative opacification of a hydrophilic and hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) and to assess the risk factors in a subset of 212
eyes of patients referred to the University Eye Department in Basel, Switzerland.

Design Retrospective case series.

Methods A survey was performed at all large ophthalmological clinics in Switzerland regarding exchanged Lentis LS-502-1 lenses, and the number of affected eyes was counted. Moreover,
consecutive patients who were referred to a tertiary clinic between September 2015 and November 2016 with Lentis LS-502-1 opacification were investigated. Peri- and postoperative charts,
medical history, and topical and systemic medications were assessed.

Results A total of 674 opacified Lentis LS-502-1 lenses have been reported in Switzerland, and 212 consecutive eyes of 182 patients were included in the study. All IOLs had a similar
pattern of opacification with a yellowish, diffuse appearance, and most of them showed a small, paracentral, roundish area that was less affected or not at all. Arterial hypertension (73%),
hypercholesterolemia (34%), and diabetes (21%) were the main associated systemic diseases, and statins (34%) and betablockers (34%) were the main treatments used.

Conclusions The prevalence of IOL opacification was 9.9%. No associated systemic eye disease or medications could be detected, which was implicated in the opacification process. The
reason for opacification remains unclear, but it seems to be unrelated to the patientʼs state; therefore, it is attributed to primary calcification.
Myopia Management in Daily Routine – A Survey of European Pediatric Ophthalmologists
Authors: Eppenberger Leila Sara , Sturm Veit
Published: April 2023

Purpose Assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies currently used in routine practice for myopia management in Europe.

Methods Online survey study including 11 main questions. The questionnaire was sent to members of the European Paediatric Ophthalmology Society (EPOS). The following items and
questions were surveyed: I. Profession and workplace of the survey participants. II. Preventive measures and recommendations for myopia management, a) regarding reading distance and near
work, b) optical tools, i.e., application of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) glasses, near additions, or contact lenses, and c) the application of atropine eye drops. III.
Application of additional diagnostic tools.

Results Forty-eight individuals completed the survey. Of the respondents, 88% (n = 42) affirmed that they generally gave advice on strategies for myopia prevention and management
strategies. Almost all study participants (n = 41; 85%) recommend outdoor time as a preventive measure. The recommendation on near distance is given less frequently, with 28 (58%)
participants confirming that they do recommend a “safe” reading distance, and 15 (31%) negating this. Eight (17%) survey participants recommend using near addition glasses, while 36 (75%) do
not. Similarly, 35 (73%) respondents do not apply DIMS glasses and 8 (17%) apply them. Fourteen (29%) participants recommend myopia-reducing contact lenses while 30 (63%) do not, and 29
(60%) confirmed that they applied atropine eye drops to slow myopia progression while 14 (29%) do not prescribe these eye drops. The majority of respondents (n = 25; 86%) who prescribe
atropine eye drops use atropine 0.01% eye drops.

Conclusions Prevention and therapeutic management of childhood myopia is an essential part in the daily routine of pediatric ophthalmologists. Substantial agreement was found for the
protective role of outdoor time (85%). The only common therapeutic approach is the administration of atropine eye drops (60%).
Use of Spectacles after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Tinner Chiara , Eppenberger Leila , Golla Kathrin , Mohanna Safa , Schmid Martin K. , Thiel Michael
Published: April 2023

Purpose The goal of this study was to investigate the use of spectacles in everyday life after bilateral cataract surgery with a preoperative refractive target of emmetropia in both
eyes. In addition, we analyzed the total cost of spectacles and the patientʼs visual satisfaction at least 6 months after surgery.

Methods Patients after bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of an aspheric monofocal IOL (Tecnis 1, Johnson & Johnson) with a preoperative refractive target of emmetropia
in both eyes and a documented refractive outcome were included in this prospective observational study. In a phone interview ≥ 6 months after surgery, the following items were assessed: type
of spectacles purchased and overall cost, type of activity with and duration of spectacle wear, and satisfaction with the visual situation.

Results Seventy patients were included in this study. Depending on their postoperative refraction, patients were divided into group A (n = 27) with perfect emmetropia in both eyes
(i.e., spherical equivalent [SE] of ≥ − 0.25 D to ≤ + 0.25 D), group B (n = 21) with achieved emmetropia in one eye (i.e., SE of ≥ − 0.25 D to ≤ + 0.25 D) and a myopic refraction in the
other eye (< − 0.25 D), and group C (n = 22) with bilateral myopic results (SE of < − 0.25 D). Overall, 84% of patients had purchased new spectacles, mostly varifocals (59%) or reading
glasses (24%) at the median cost of 980 Swiss Francs (mean: CHF 912 ± 746). Despite patientsʼ initial reasoning for their lens choice to require reading glasses only, varifocal glasses were
worn for more than 50% or all of awake time by 48% of patients in group A, 43% in group B, and 68% in group C. Despite their regular spectacles use, patientsʼ visual satisfaction was very
high in all three groups.

Conclusions Most patients who achieve perfect bilateral emmetropia after implantation of monofocal aspheric lenses buy varifocal spectacles within 6 months, and more than half of all
patients use their varifocal spectacles for more than 50% of their awakening time. The costs for such spectacles are high.
Utility of endoscopic ultrasound for assessment of locoregional recurrence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma after surgical resection
Authors: Ragheb Jonathan G. , Simons-Linares C. Roberto , Pluskota Christopher , Confer Bradley , Butler Robert , Diehl David L. , Khara Harshit S. , Johal Amitpal S. , Walsh R. Matthew , Chahal Prabhleen
Published: April 2023

Background and study aims Up to 80 % of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma develop locoregional recurrence after primary resection. However, the detection of recurrent pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (RPDAC) after pancreatic surgery can be challenging because of difficulty distinguishing locoregional recurrence from normal postoperative or post-radiation changes. We sought to evaluate the utility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), in detecting pancreatic adenocarcinoma recurrence after surgical resection and its impact on the clinical management of patients.

Patients and methods This was a retrospective study of all pancreatic cancer patients who underwent EUS post-resection at two tertiary care centers between January 2004 and June 2019.

Results Sixty-seven patients were identified. Of these, 57 (85 %) were diagnosed with RPDAC, resulting in change in clinical management of 46 (72 %) patients. EUS identified masses not seen on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or positron emission tomography in seven (14 %).
Conclusions EUS is useful in detecting RPDAC after pancreatic surgery and can lead to significant impact on clinical management.
Non-nucleophilic Grignard Synthesis of Bridged Pyridine–Oxazoline Ligands and Evaluation in Palladium-Catalysed Allylic Alkylation
Authors: O’Leary Patrick , Sutton Grace
Published: April 2023

The synthesis of eight pyridine-oxazoline ligands, five of which have never been reported previously, is described. The ligands were prepared in two efficient steps, initially preparing 2-pyridyl alkylnitriles, followed by their conversion into oxazolines ligands using chiral amino alcohols and zinc chloride. The 2-pyridyl nitriles are prepared via a novel SNAr alkylation reaction of 2-bromopyridine with alkyl nitriles using methylmagnesium chloride as a non-nucleophilic base in conjunction with an amine mediator. This methodology allows preparation of the existing gem-dimethyl motif and its elaboration beyond previously prepared ligands in fewer steps with simplicity and scalability. The toleration of variation in the nitrile, halopyridine, and amino alcohol starting materials allows for other novel bridging substitution which gives new ligands with enhanced reactivity. The library of bridging ligands was applied to the Pd-catalysed allylic alkylation of 1,3-diphenylprop-2-enyl acetate with dimethyl malonate and afforded conversions of up to 100% and enantioselectivities of up to 68%.
New Advances in Sultine Chemistry
Authors: Shu Chao , Zhu Zhiming , Deng Zhengxi , Ouyang Xinke
Published: April 2023

Sultines (lactones of sulfinic acids), as a fascinating class of sulfur heterocycles, has been found tremendous applications in the field of chemistry, pharmaceutical, and materials sciences due to the unique chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical activities. However, the chemistry of sultines long remains less developed because of their challenging to access with traditional routes. The recent years have witnessed an increasing interest in sultines preparation and new methods were reported with modern methodologies and technologies. The main objective of this Synpacts article is to summarize the latest major developments for the synthesis of sultine frameworks/ring systems, mainly covering radical relay, anion relay cyclization and radical anion relay cyclization. We wish to bring readers a comprehensive understanding about the state of play of sultines formation and make contribution for future research.

1 Introduction

2 Radical Relay Cyclization

3 Anion Relay Cyclization

4 Radical Anion Relay Cyclization

5 Conclusion
Conservation management strategy impacts inbreeding and mutation load in scimitar-horned oryx
Authors: Humble Emily , Stoffel Martin A. , Dicks Kara , Ball Alex D. , Gooley Rebecca M. , Chuven Justin , Pusey Ricardo , Remeithi Mohammed Al , Koepfli Klaus-Peter , Pukazhenthi Budhan , Senn Helen , Ogden Rob
Published: April 2023

In an age of habitat loss and overexploitation, small populations, both captive and wild, are increasingly facing the effects of isolation and inbreeding. Genetic management has therefore become a vital tool for ensuring population viability. However, little is known about how the type and intensity of intervention shape the genomic landscape of inbreeding and mutation load. We address this using whole-genome sequence data of the scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), an iconic antelope that has been subject to contrasting management strategies since it was declared extinct in the wild. We show that unmanaged populations are enriched for long runs of homozygosity (ROH) and have significantly higher inbreeding coefficients than managed populations. Additionally, despite the total number of deleterious alleles being similar across management strategies, the burden of homozygous deleterious genotypes was consistently higher in unmanaged groups. These findings emphasize the risks associated with deleterious mutations through multiple generations of inbreeding. As wildlife management strategies continue to diversify, our study reinforces the importance of maintaining genome-wide variation in vulnerable populations and has direct implications for one of the largest reintroduction attempts in the world.
Somatostatin regulates central clock function and circadian responses to light
Authors: Joye Deborah A. M. , Rohr Kayla E. , Suenkens Kimberlee , Wuorinen Alissa , Inda Thomas , Arzbecker Madeline , Mueller Emma , Huber Alec , Pancholi Harshida , Blackmore Murray G. , Carmona-Alcocer Vania , Evans Jennifer A.
Published: April 2023

Daily and annual changes in light are processed by central clock circuits that control the timing of behavior and physiology. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the anterior hypothalamus processes daily photic inputs and encodes changes in day length (i.e., photoperiod), but the SCN circuits that regulate circadian and photoperiodic responses to light remain unclear. Somatostatin (SST) expression in the hypothalamus is modulated by photoperiod, but the role of SST in SCN responses to light has not been examined. Our results indicate that SST signaling regulates daily rhythms in behavior and SCN function in a manner influenced by sex. First, we use cell-fate mapping to provide evidence that SST in the SCN is regulated by light via de novo 
Sst
activation. Next, we demonstrate that

Sst  
-/-

 mice display enhanced circadian responses to light, with increased behavioral plasticity to photoperiod, jetlag, and constant light conditions. Notably, lack of

Sst  
-/-

 eliminated sex differences in photic responses due to increased plasticity in males, suggesting that SST interacts with clock circuits that process light differently in each sex.

Sst  
-/-

 mice also displayed an increase in the number of retinorecipient neurons in the SCN core, which express a type of SST receptor capable of resetting the molecular clock. Last, we show that lack of SST signaling modulates central clock function by influencing SCN photoperiodic encoding, network after-effects, and intercellular synchrony in a sex-specific manner. Collectively, these results provide insight into peptide signaling mechanisms that regulate central clock function and its response to light.
Morphological transformations of vesicles with confined flexible filaments
Authors: Shi Chao , Zou Guijin , Wu Zeming , Wang Meng , Zhang Xinyun , Gao Huajian , Yi Xin
Published: April 2023

A fundamental understanding of cell shaping with confined flexible filaments, including microtubules, actin filaments, and engineered nanotubes, has been limited by the complex interplay between the cell membrane and encapsulated filaments. Here, combining theoretical modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the packing of an open or closed filament inside a vesicle. Depending on the relative stiffness and size of the filament to the vesicle as well as the osmotic pressure, the vesicle could evolve from an axisymmetric configuration to a general configuration with a maximum of three reflection planes, and the filament could bend in or out of plane or even coil up. A plethora of system morphologies are determined. Morphological phase diagrams predicting conditions of shape and symmetry transitions are established. Organization of actin filaments or bundles, microtubules, and nanotube rings inside vesicles, liposomes, or cells are discussed. Our results provide a theoretical basis to understand cell shaping and cellular stability and to help guide the development and design of artificial cells and biohybrid microrobots.
Comparative connectomics reveals noncanonical wiring for color vision in human foveal retina
Authors: Kim Yeon Jin , Packer Orin , Pollreisz Andreas , Martin Paul R. , Grünert Ulrike , Dacey Dennis M.
Published: April 2023

The Old World macaque monkey and New World common marmoset provide fundamental models for human visual processing, yet the human ancestral lineage diverged from these monkey lineages over 25 Mya. We therefore asked whether fine-scale synaptic wiring in the nervous system is preserved across these three primate families, despite long periods of independent evolution. We applied connectomic electron microscopy to the specialized foveal retina where circuits for highest acuity and color vision reside. Synaptic motifs arising from the cone photoreceptor type sensitive to short (S) wavelengths and associated with “blue–yellow” (S-ON and S-OFF) color-coding circuitry were reconstructed. We found that distinctive circuitry arises from S cones for each of the three species. The S cones contacted neighboring L and M (long- and middle-wavelength sensitive) cones in humans, but such contacts were rare or absent in macaques and marmosets. We discovered a major S-OFF pathway in the human retina and established its absence in marmosets. Further, the S-ON and S-OFF chromatic pathways make excitatory-type synaptic contacts with L and M cone types in humans, but not in macaques or marmosets. Our results predict that early-stage chromatic signals are distinct in the human retina and imply that solving the human connectome at the nanoscale level of synaptic wiring will be critical for fully understanding the neural basis of human color vision.
A feasible operational parameter window for enhancement of welding speed in friction stir welding of 2195-T8 Al–Li alloy
Authors: Wang Z. L. , Wang B. B. , Zhang Z. , Xue P. , Liu F. C. , Ni D. R. , Xiao B. L. , Ma Z. Y.
Published: April 2023

The improvement of the welding speed becomes extraordinarily difficult for the friction stir welding (FSW) of Al–Li alloys with medium thickness (5–10 mm). In this study, 2195-T8 Al alloy plates with a thickness of 6 mm were subjected to FSW under different welding speeds of 200–800 mm/min with the objective of seeking an optimised welding parameter. The tensile strength of ∼422 MPa at a relatively high welding speed of 400 mm/min with a tool rotational speed of 800 rpm was obtained, which reached a comparable level to those of the joints with low welding speeds. The combination of moderate tool rotational speed and moderate welding speed was a feasible optimising direction for FSW of Al–Li alloy with medium thickness.
Depleting CD103+ resident memory T cells in vivo reveals immunostimulatory functions in oral mucosa
Authors: Stolley J. Michael , Scott Milcah C. , Joag Vineet , Dale Alexander J. , Johnston Timothy S. , Saavedra Flavia , Gavil Noah V. , Lotfi-Emran Sahar , Soerens Andrew G. , Weyu Eyob , Pierson Mark J. , Herzberg Mark C. , Zhang Nu , Vezys Vaiva , Masopust David
Published: April 2023

The oral mucosa is a frontline for microbial exposure and juxtaposes several unique tissues and mechanical structures. Based on parabiotic surgery of mice receiving systemic viral infections or co-housing with microbially diverse pet shop mice, we report that the oral mucosa harbors CD8+ CD103+ resident memory T cells (TRM), which locally survey tissues without recirculating. Oral antigen re-encounter during the effector phase of immune responses potentiated TRM establishment within tongue, gums, palate, and cheek. Upon reactivation, oral TRM triggered changes in somatosensory and innate immune gene expression. We developed in vivo methods for depleting CD103+ TRM while sparing CD103neg TRM and recirculating cells. This revealed that CD103+ TRM were responsible for inducing local gene expression changes. Oral TRM putatively protected against local viral infection. This study provides methods for generating, assessing, and in vivo depleting oral TRM, documents their distribution throughout the oral mucosa, and provides evidence that TRM confer protection and trigger responses in oral physiology and innate immunity.
Optimization of temperature stability and sensitivity of the giant magnetoimpedance effect in meander shaped Co-based amorphous ribbon using DC-biased current for sensor application
Authors: Pan Lizi , Ma Lei , Wu Huiliang , Li Xiaolei , Ye Yuchen , Wang Jianbo , Liu Qingfang
Published: April 2023

The influence of DC-biased current (I
DC) on the longitudinal giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect in Co-based amorphous ribbon with a meander structure, taken from room temperature to 120 °C, has been investigated. The results show that I
DC increases the temperature stability of the impedance of amorphous ribbon at 20 MHz. By deriving the expression of the transverse permeability according to a magnetization rotation model, we attributed the improved temperature stability to the combined effect of temperature and bias field H
DC generated by I
DC on the transverse permeability. It is also shown that I
DC not only effectively inhibits the weakening of the GMI ratio at high temperature, but also significantly improves the GMI sensitivity. This will help to achieve sensitive low magnetic field measurement under large temperature fluctuation.
Association of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte and surfactant in solution: equilibrium and nonequilibrium features
Authors: Guzmán Eduardo , Maestro Armando , Ortega Francisco , Rubio Ramón G
Published: April 2023

The association of polyelectrolytes and surfactants bearing charges of opposite signs has been for long time considered under an equilibrium framework. However, this is far to provide a true description of the physico-chemical rules of the association process when kinetically arrested nonequilibrium states are formed. This is the result of specific interaction pathways between the polyelectrolyte chains and the surfactant molecules determined by the mixing procedure and the mixture composition. In fact, the specific characteristics of the method used for the mixture can induce local inhomogeneities in the mixture composition which can govern the properties of the obtained supramolecular aggregates, driving to the systems to a situation far from the true equilibrium. This topical review tries to provide to the reader a general perspective of the role of the nonequilibrium aspects in the control of the polyelectrolyte-surfactant association process, and how these impact on the obtained supramolecular nanoassemblies, and their properties.
High-performance electrode of ZIF-67 metal-organic framework (MOF) loaded laser-induced graphene (LIG) composite for all-solid-state supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Han Shuai , Li Nian , Song Yanping , Chen Liqing , Liu Cui , Zhang Shudong , Wang Zhenyang
Published: April 2023

This work demonstrates a facile and efficient methodology to synthesize a composite material of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and laser-induced graphene (LIG). This ZIF-67 loaded LIG composite (ZIF-67/LIG) has been adequately characterized for its morphology and structure, and its electrochemical performance has been specifically examined. As supercapacitors (SCs) electrode material, the ZIF-67/LIG composite exhibits superb electrochemical performance, owing to the inherent high porosity, abundant active sites, large specific surface area of ZIF-67, and the excellent conductive three-dimensional hierarchical porous network structure provided by LIG. In three-electrode system, ZIF-67/LIG composite electrode displays outstanding areal specific capacitance (C
A) of 135.6 mF cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2 with 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte, which is far greater than that of pristine LIG (7.7 mF cm−2). Furthermore, the ZIF-67/LIG composite has been fabricated into an all-solid-state planar micro-supercapacitor (MSC). This ZIF-67/LIG MSC exhibits an impressive C
A of 38.1 mF cm−2 at a current density of 0.20 mA cm−2, a good cycling stability of 80.3% capacitance retention after 3000 cycles, and a high energy density of 5.29 μWh cm−2 at a power density of 0.1 mW cm−2. All electrochemical results clearly manifest that as-prepared ZIF-67/LIG composite can be a candidate in energy storage field with exciting possibilities.
Improved crystallinity and surface morphology of a-plane AlN grown on high temperature annealed AlN/sapphire template by pulsed-flow mode metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Cai Tingsong , Guo Yanan , Liu Zhibin , Zhang Ruijie , Wang Dadi , Liu Naixin , Yi Xiaoyan , Li Jinmin , Wang Junxi , Yan Jianchang
Published: April 2023

Preparing high quality non-polar aluminum nitride (AlN) templates is the key to improving the performance of non-polar deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. In this study, we investigated the effect of buffer layer on the crystallinity and surface morphology of a-plane AlN films regrown by pulsed-flow mode (PM) metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Three buffer layers were compared including low-temperature AlN buffer layer grown by MOVPE (MO-buffer), sputtered AlN buffer layer (SP-buffer), and high-temperature annealed sputtered AlN buffer layer (HTA-buffer). It is found that the (11-20) plane x-ray rocking curve-full width at half maximum (XRC-FWHM) values of a-plane AlN films are significantly reduced after the regrowth process. Thanks to the high crystalline quality of HTA-buffer, AlN regrown on HTA-buffer exhibits the smallest (11-20) plane XRC-FWHM values of 1260/1440 arcsec along the [0001]/[1-100] direction. The mosaic tilt and basal plane stacking fault density are estimated to be 0.41° and 1.76

×

106 cm−1, respectively. The surface shows a uniform stripe-like pattern with the lowest root mean square value of 0.82 nm. Furthermore, the a-plane AlN epilayer regrown on HTA-buffer displays a weak in-plane stress anisotropy and high optical transmittance in the ultraviolet-visible region. Our work suggests that combining the PM regrowth with HTA-AlN buffer layer is a promising route to prepare high-quality a-plane AlN templates for efficient non-polar deep-ultraviolet light emitters.
Enhancing the reactivity, electronic, linear and non-linear optical properties of C45H15-like carbon nanocone doped with titanium dioxide, boron, and nitrogen: DFT and TD-DFT study
Authors: Aloumko Barnabas , Foadin Crevain Souop Tala , Ousmanou Marius Bouba , Tchangnwa Nya Fridolin , Ejuh Geh Wilson
Published: April 2023

The density functional theory (DFT) levels B3LYP, B3PW91 and CAM-B3LYP/6–31+G(d) were used to systematically evaluate the reactivity, electronic, linear and non-linear optical (NLO) properties of the titanium dioxide, boron and nitrogen-doping C45H15-like carbon nanocone. Due to this doping, the |HOMO-LUMO| energy gap of the initial carbon nanocone (CO) has narrowed considerably and some values of the |HOMO-LUMO| gap energy of the derivatives formed are lower than 1 eV. This result shows that some of the derivatives may be used as suitable semiconductor materials and others as highly demanded-superconducting materials in the electronics industry. In addition, all these studied derivatives showed a red-shifted absorption maximum, however only the obtained derivative by substituting both five carbon atoms with five nitrogen atoms and ten carbon atoms with ten boron atoms (N5B10) exhibits the highest absorption capacity in the visible range, implying that the latter could be a promising candidate in photovoltaic devices. Finally, the first-order hyperpolarizability values of all the formed derivatives are largely superior to that of the pure carbon nanocone (CO) and also to that of the reference compound para-nitroaniline (p-NA), which leads us to say that these formed derivatives may be suitable candidates for NLO applications. Also, according to our investigations, the boron and nitrogen atom arrangements established within our studied carbon nanocone predict exothermic reactions in contrast to the data collected in the literature that predict endothermic reactions. Furthermore, with respect to dopant enhancements to our studied carbon nanocone, it should be noted that the simultaneous manipulation of the boron and nitrogen heteroatoms with a higher probability of boron presence than nitrogen offers new opportunities to improve the overall C5n
2H5n carbon nanocone properties with n ≥ 3.
Double Fano sensing mechanism of waveguide coupled surface plasma
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Jiankun , Ding Zhixin , Li Meijie , Zhao Meng
Published: April 2023

Based on the optical properties of waveguide-coupled surface plasmon resonance, a sensor of surface plasmon coupled waveguide resonance with double discrete states generated by the upper and lower waveguide structures combined with prisms and Au films, respectively, is proposed. In this paper, the sensing structure is studied numerically and analytically, and the transmission characteristics of surface equipartition excitations are analyzed and elaborated in-depth in combination with the reflection angle spectrum, as well as the generation and evolution mechanism of dual Fano resonance at different incidence angles at fixed wavelengths. The structural model of Fano resonance sensing based on angle modulation is established, and the sensing characteristics are analyzed to produce electromagnetic field enhancement at low-angle Fano. The mathematical model between structural parameters and spectral performance is established using back propagation (BP) neural network, and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to find the input structural parameters corresponding to the optimal performance, The results show that the quality factor of resonance (FOM) and sensitivity is significantly improved; When it is used in the field of biosensing, the response curves of Fano with different angles of high and low to concentration are quite different, thus realizing high precision detection of different concentrations of solutions and reflecting excellent sensing performance.
Entanglement based six-state quantum cryptography protocol: exact proof of security
Authors: Kulik S P , Molotkov S N
Published: April 2023

A novel quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol is proposed, which uses six states of three states in two bases. The protocol provides a greater range of key distribution compared to known QKD protocols. The protocol has an accurate proof of secrecy based on fundamental entropy uncertainty relations, the use of which is possible with the entanglement version of the protocol. The implementation of the protocol does not require adjustment of the polarization state at the output of the communication line, since the receiving side does not use active polarization-sensitive elements—phase modulators, which virtually excludes active probing of the active elements of the system.
Pressure induced insulator to metal transition in quantum spin liquid candidate NaYbS2
Authors: Jia 贾 Yating 雅婷 , Gong 龚 Chunsheng 春生 , Li 李 Zhiwen 芷文 , Liu 刘 Yixuan 以轩 , Zhao 赵 Jianfa 建发 , Wang 王 Zhe 哲 , Lei 雷 Hechang 和畅 , Yu 于 Runze 润泽 , Jin 靳 Changqing 常青
Published: April 2023

Pressure induced insulator to metal transition followed by the appearance of superconductivity has been observed recently in inorganic quantum spin liquid candidate NaYbSe2. In this paper, we study the properties of isostructural compound NaYbS2 under pressure. It is found that the resistance of NaYbS2 single crystal exhibits an insulating state below 82.9 GPa, but with a drop of more than six orders of magnitude at room temperature. Then a minimum of resistance is observed at about 100.1 GPa and it moves to lower temperature with further compression. Finally, a metallic state in the whole temperature range is observed at about 130.3 GPa accompanied by a non-Fermi liquid behavior below 100 K. The insulator to metal transition, non-monotonic resistance feature and non-Fermi liquid behavior of NaYbS2 under pressure are similar to those of NaYbSe2, suggesting that these phenomena might be the universal properties in NaLnCh
2 (Ln = rare earth, Ch = O, S, Se) system.
Refractive index measurement of hydrogen isotopologue mixture and applicability for homogeneity of hydrogen solid at cryogenic temperature in fusion fuel system
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Iwamoto Akifumi , Shigemori Keisuke , Hara Masanori , Yamanoi Kohei
Published: April 2023

Deuterium (D)-Tritium (T) nuclear fusion reaction has potential as an energy source in the future. In both magnetic confinement and inertial confinement fusion reactors, solid D–T will generally be supplied as fusion fuel. The efficiency of the nuclear fusion reaction depends on the quality of solid D–T fuel, which is related to the composition, homogeneity, helium-3 (3He) content, and so on. However, there is no technique for in-situ examination of solid D–T fuel. In this study, we consider a simple and precise method for the characterization of solid hydrogen isotopologues at cryogenic temperature using refractive index measurement, and evaluate the distribution of hydrogen isotopologue composition and homogeneity. To evaluate without the effect of tritium decay, the homogeneity of the hydrogen (H2)-deuterium (D2) mixture is measured at first. By the in-situ refractive index measurement at cryogenic temperature, the homogeneity of solid H2–D2 mixture is roughly quantified. The phase diagram of the H2–D2 mixture shows a solid solution type. D2-rich crystal first appears from the liquid phase as a primary crystal. The composition of D2 in liquid phase ias homogeneous, whereas it reduces by obeying the liquidus line in the phase diagram with the crystallization. On the other hand, the composition of the H2–D2 mixture in solid phase is inhomogeneous because the mobility of H2 and D2 in solid phase was too slow to be homogeneous and solid. The compositions of H2–D2 mixture in liquid and solid phases could be evaluated by the in-situ refractive index measurement in time. Consequently, the refractive index measurement shows great potential as an inspection method of solid D–T fuel in fusion reactors.
The antimicrobial efficacy of copper, cobalt, zinc and silver nanoparticles: alone and in combination
Authors: Raja Farah N S , Worthington Tony , Martin Richard A
Published: April 2023

With the advent of nanotechnology, there has been an extensive interest in the antimicrobial potential of metals. The rapid and widespread development of antimicrobial-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacteria has prompted recent research into developing novel or alternative antimicrobial agents. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of metallic copper, cobalt, silver and zinc nanoparticles was assessed against Escherichia coli (NCTC 10538), S. aureus (ATCC 6538) along with three clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis (A37, A57 and A91) and three clinical isolates of E. coli (Strains 1, 2 and 3) recovered from bone marrow transplant patients and patients with cystitis respectively. Antimicrobial sensitivity assays, including agar diffusion and broth macro-dilution to determine minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) and time-kill/synergy assays, were used to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of the agents. The panel of test microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant strains, demonstrated a broad range of sensitivity to the metals investigated. MICs of the type culture strains were in the range of 0.625–5.0 mg ml−1. While copper and cobalt exhibited no difference in sensitivity between Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, silver and zinc showed strain specificity. A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the bacterial density of E. coli and S. aureus was demonstrated by silver, copper and zinc in as little as two hours. Furthermore, combining metal nanoparticles reduced the time required to achieve a complete kill.
Monetary compensation for changing forest management practices to increase water availability in Georgia, United States
Authors: Bawa Ranjit , Colson Gregory , Dwivedi Puneet
Published: April 2023

Forests provide many ecological services, including carbon sequestration, biofuel provision, and recreation, yet the influence of forests on water resources is still often debated. While increased forest cover is generally associated with greater water quality, the value-added component of enhanced water services associated with reduced forest cover is less understood. At the same time, ensuring adequate water supplies remain a common goal of many natural resource managers due to growing concerns over freshwater security. This study derives a baseline of willingness-to-accept estimates to supply water flows by investigating the behavior of tree farm owners in Georgia, United States. Little is known about landowner preferences among incentives related to the adoption of different silvicultural practices to increase downstream water yields. A discrete choice experiment was designed to ascertain monetary compensation amounts required to alter established planting densities and thinning intensities likely to result in increased water yields. Results show that landowners may adopt such forest management strategies if appropriately compensated. Specifically, landowners on average, desired approximately $0.06 to $0.19 more per acre per year for every unit decrease in planting density. These are significant findings given that existing relevant stakeholders on the ‘consumer’ side may be ready and willing to fund such practices. We hope our study can contribute towards establishing market-based incentives for private forest landowners to encourage the conservation and improvement of forested watersheds in Georgia and beyond.
Entanglement generation through Markovian feed-back in open two-qubit systems
Authors: Benatti Fabio , Gebbia Francesca , Pisoni Stefano
Published: April 2023

We discuss the generation and the long-time persistence of entanglement in open two-qubit systems whose reduced dissipative dynamics is not a priori engineered but is instead subjected to filtering and Markovian feedback. In particular, we analytically study (1) whether the latter operations may enhance the environment capability of generating entanglement at short times and (2) whether the generated entanglement survives in the long-time regime. We show that, in the case of particularly symmetric Gorini–Kossakowski–Sudarshan–Lindblad it is possible to fully control the convex set of stationary states of the two-qubit reduced dynamics, therefore the asymptotic behaviour of any initial two-qubit state. We then study the impact of a suitable class of feed-back operations on the considered dynamics.
Understanding the chemistry of 2D rhodium trihalide solid solutions: tuning of optical properties and nanocrystal deposition
Authors: Froeschke Samuel , Schroth Karl-Georg , Steiner Udo , Popov Alexey , Schiemenz Sandra , Wolf Daniel , Giebeler Lars , Gräßler Nico , Büchner Bernd , Schmidt Peer , Hampel Silke
Published: April 2023

In the search for novel 2D materials with potentially valuable properties, such as a tunable band gap for optoelectronic or catalytic applications, solid solutions hold the potential to significantly expand the inventory of available 2D nanomaterials. In this study, we present for the first time the synthesis of such 2D rhodium trihalide solid solutions: RhBr
x
Cl3−x
and RhBr
x
I3−x
. We use thermodynamic simulations and simultaneous thermal analysis to predict conditions for their rational synthesis and to investigate suitable chemical vapor transport (CVT) parameters for these solid solutions. The evolution of the lattice parameters was investigated by powder x-ray diffraction, showing an isostructural relationship of the synthesized compounds and only minor deviation from Vegard’s law. The optical band gap of these materials can be tuned in an energy range from 1.5 eV (RhCl3) to 1.2 eV (RhI3) by choosing the composition of the solid solution, while the samples also exhibit photoluminescence in similar energy ranges. Ultimately, the successful deposition of bulk as well as ultrathin 2D nanocrystals of RhBr
x
Cl3−x
by CVT from 925 °C to 850 °C is shown, where the composition of the deposited crystals is precisely controlled by the choice of the starting composition and the initial amount of material. The high quality of the obtained nanocrystals is confirmed by atomic force microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. For RhBr
x
I3−x
, the CVT from 900 °C to 825 °C is more difficult and has only been practically demonstrated for an exemplary case. According to the observed properties, these novel solid solutions and nanocrystals show a great potential for an application in optoelectronic devices.
Closed-loop control of a noisy qubit with reinforcement learning
Authors: Ding Yongcheng , Chen Xi , Magdalena-Benedito Rafael , Martín-Guerrero José D
Published: April 2023

The exotic nature of quantum mechanics differentiates machine learning applications in the quantum realm from classical ones. Stream learning is a powerful approach that can be applied to extract knowledge continuously from quantum systems in a wide range of tasks. In this paper, we propose a deep reinforcement learning method that uses streaming data from a continuously measured qubit in the presence of detuning, dephasing, and relaxation. The model receives streaming quantum information for learning and decision-making, providing instant feedback on the quantum system. We also explore the agent’s adaptability to other quantum noise patterns through transfer learning. Our protocol offers insights into closed-loop quantum control, potentially advancing the development of quantum technologies.
Lattice theory of torsion classes: Beyond 𝜏-tilting theory
Authors: Demonet Laurent , Iyama Osamu , Reading Nathan , Reiten Idun , Thomas Hugh
Published: April 2023

The aim of this paper is to establish a lattice theoretical framework to study the partially ordered set

t
o
r
s

A

\mathsf {tors} A

of torsion classes over a finite-dimensional algebra

A
A

. We show that

t
o
r
s

A

\mathsf {tors} A

is a complete lattice which enjoys very strong properties, as bialgebraicity and complete semidistributivity. Thus its Hasse quiver carries the important part of its structure, and we introduce the brick labelling of its Hasse quiver and use it to study lattice congruences of

t
o
r
s

A

\mathsf {tors} A

. In particular, we give a representation-theoretical interpretation of the so-called forcing order, and we prove that

t
o
r
s

A

\mathsf {tors} A

is completely congruence uniform. When

I
I

is a two-sided ideal of

A
A

,

t
o
r
s

(
A

/

I
)

\mathsf {tors} (A/I)

is a lattice quotient of

t
o
r
s

A

\mathsf {tors} A

which is called an algebraic quotient, and the corresponding lattice congruence is called an algebraic congruence. The second part of this paper consists in studying algebraic congruences. We characterize the arrows of the Hasse quiver of

t
o
r
s

A

\mathsf {tors} A

that are contracted by an algebraic congruence in terms of the brick labelling. In the third part, we study in detail the case of preprojective algebras

Π
\Pi

, for which

t
o
r
s

Π

\mathsf {tors} \Pi

is the Weyl group endowed with the weak order. In particular, we give a new, more representation theoretical proof of the isomorphism between

t
o
r
s

k
Q

\mathsf {tors} k Q

and the Cambrian lattice when

Q
Q

is a Dynkin quiver. We also prove that, in type

A
A

, the algebraic quotients of

t
o
r
s

Π

\mathsf {tors} \Pi

are exactly its Hasse-regular lattice quotients.
Swarming: hydrodynamic alignment with pressure
Authors: Tadmor Eitan
Published: April 2023

We study the swarming behavior of hydrodynamic alignment. Alignment reflects steering toward a weighted average heading. We consider the class of so-calledpp-alignment hydrodynamics, based on2p2p-Laplacians and weighted by a general family of symmetric communication kernels. The main new aspect here is the long-time emergence behavior for a general class of pressure tensorswithouta closure assumption, beyond the mere requirement that they form an energy dissipative process. We refer to such pressure laws as “entropic”, and prove the flocking ofpp-alignment hydrodynamics, driven by singular kernels with a general class of entropic pressure tensors. These results indicate the rigidity of alignment in driving long-time flocking behavior despite the lack of thermodynamic closure.
Construction of Blowup Solutions for the Complex Ginzburg-Landau Equation with Critical Parameters
Authors: Duong Giao Ky , Nouaili Nejla , Zaag Hatem
Published: April 2023

We construct a solution for the Complex Ginzburg-Landau (CGL) equation in a general critical case, which blows up in finite time

T
T

only at one blow-up point. We also give a sharp description of its profile. In the first part, we formally construct a blow-up solution. In the second part we give the rigorous proof. The proof relies on the reduction of the problem to a finite dimensional one, and the use of index theory to conclude. The interpretation of the parameters of the finite dimension problem in terms of the blow-up point and time allows to prove the stability of the constructed solution. We would like to mention that the asymptotic profile of our solution is different from previously known profiles for CGL or for the semilinear heat equation.
Twistors, Quartics, and del Pezzo Fibrations
Authors: Honda Nobuhiro
Published: April 2023

It has been known that twistor spaces associated to self-dual metrics on compact 4-manifolds are source of interesting examples of non-projective Moishezon threefolds. In this paper we investigate the structure of a variety of new Moishezon twistor spaces. The anti-canonical line bundle on any twistor space admits a canonical half, and we analyze the structure of twistor spaces by using the pluri-half-anti-canonical map from the twistor spaces.

Specifically, each of the present twistor spaces is bimeromorphic to a double covering of a scroll of planes over a rational normal curve, and the branch divisor of the double cover is a cut of the scroll by a quartic hypersurface. In particular, the double covering has a pencil of Del Pezzo surfaces of degree two. Correspondingly, the twistor spaces have a pencil of rational surfaces with big anti-canonical class. The base locus of the last pencil is a cycle of rational curves, and it is an anti-canonical curve on smooth members of the pencil.

These twistor spaces are naturally classified into four types according to the type of singularities of the branch divisor, or equivalently, those of the Del Pezzo surfaces in the pencil. We also show that the quartic hypersurface satisfies a strong constraint and as a result the defining polynomial of the quartic hypersurface has to be of a specific form.

Together with our previous result in Honda (“A new series of compact minitwistor spaces and Moishezon twistor spaces over them”, 2010), the present result completes a classification of Moishezon twistor spaces whose half-anti-canonical system is a pencil. Twistor spaces whose half-anti-canonical system is larger than pencil have been understood for a long time before. In the opposite direction, no example is known of a Moishezon twistor space whose half-anti-canonical system is smaller than a pencil.

Twistor spaces which have a similar structure were studied in Honda (“Double solid twistor spaces: the case of arbitrary signature”, 2008 and “Double solid twistor spaces II: General case”, 2015) and they are very special examples among the present twistor spaces.