bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Accuracy of the Raytracing Method for Intraocular Calculation of
Lens Power in Myopic Eyes after Small Incision Extraction of the Lenticule
Authors: Wei Yinjuan , Liu Yianzhu , Li Hongyu , Song Hui
Published: September 2023

Aim To evaluate the accuracy of the raytracing method for the calculation of
intraocular lens (IOL) power in myopic eyes after small incision extraction of the
lenticule (SMILE).

Methods Retrospective study. All patients undergoing surgery for myopic SMILE
between May 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, with Scheimpflug tomography optical biometry
were eligible for inclusion. Manifest refraction was performed before and 6 months after
refractive surgery. One eye from each patient was included in the final analysis. A
theoretical model was invited to predict the accuracy of multiple methods of lens power
calculation by comparing the IOL-induced refractive error at the corneal plane (IOL-Dif)
and the SMILE-induced change of spherical equivalent (SMILE-Dif) before and after SMILE
surgery. The prediction error (PE) was calculated as the difference between
SMILE-Dif–IOL-Dif. IOL power calculations were performed using raytracing (Olsen
Raytracing, Pentacam AXL, software version 1.22r05, Wetzlar, Germany) and other formulae
with historical data (Barrett True-K, Double-K SRK/T, Masket, Modified Masket) and without
historical data (Barrett True-K no history, Haigis-L, Hill Potvin Shammas PM, Shammas-PL)
for the same IOL power and model. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed in
different anterior chamber depths, axial lengths, back-to-front corneal radius ratio,
keratometry, lens thickness, and preoperative spherical equivalents.

Results A total of 70 eyes of 70 patients were analyzed. The raytracing method had
the smallest mean absolute PE (0.26 ± 0.24 D) and median absolute PE (0.16 D), and also
had the largest percentage of eyes within a PE of ± 0.25 D (64.3%), ± 0.50 D (81.4%),
± 0.75 D (95.7%), and ± 1.00 D (100.0%). The raytracing method was significantly better
than Double-K SRK/T, Haigis, Haigis-L, and Shammas-PL formulae in postoperative refraction
prediction (all p < 0.001), but not better than the following formulae: Barrett True-K
(p = 0.314), Barrett True-K no history (p = 0.163), Masket (p = 1.0), Modified Masket
(p = 0.806), and Hill Potvin Shammas PM (p = 0.286). Subgroup analysis showed that
refractive outcomes exhibited no statistically significant differences in the raytracing
method (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion Raytracing was the most accurate method in predicting target refraction
and had a good consistency in calculating IOL power for myopic eyes after SMILE.
Knowledge and Confidence of Omani Pediatric Residents in Managing Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Al-Rawahi Maryam , Alsaffar Hussain
Published: September 2023

Introduction Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Unfortunately, medical errors are not uncommon during the management of DKA leading to significant morbidity and mortality. There are many studies conducted to assess the knowledge of junior doctors in the management of DKA in many countries including Bahrain and Iraq.

Objectives This study aims to assess the knowledge and confidence of Omani pediatric residents in the management of DKA and compare the findings with the results of previous studies from the region.

Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among all enrolled pediatric residents in the Oman Medical Specialties Board in 2021, using an online survey that consists of three parts with a total of 30 questions to gain information about demographics, knowledge, and overall confidence in the management of DKA in children. The questionnaire was adopted from the Bahraini and Iraqi studies.

Results In total, 69 pediatric residents (15M:54F) out of 84 had responded to the survey, giving a response rate of 82%. More than half of the responders were junior residents R1 and R2 (59.3%). The overall performance score of knowledge among the residents mainly ranged between 50 and 75%. However, R2 resident performance was better as their score ranged between 80 and 85%. Only 5.7% of our residents had a performance score above 90%. The overall confidence of residents in managing patients with DKA was directly proportional to their year of residency, ranging from not confident to very confident, demonstrating that most residents from R1 to R3 rated themselves as “fair” compared with 58.3% of 4th-year residents who rated themselves as confident. In comparison to similar studies in Bahrain and Iraq, our junior residents showed better knowledge in some aspects, for example, identifying the correct biochemical criteria to diagnose DKA, 88.7 vs. 65% from Bahrain and 20.7% from Iraq.

Conclusion The overall knowledge and confidence of the Omani pediatric residents were satisfying. However, there are still some gaps in knowledge to be bridged about the management of pediatric DKA. Continuous educational activities are desired. Therefore, more sessions about DKA management are to be scheduled, perhaps applying some simulation training to boost their knowledge and confidence.
A Safe and Innovative Method to Apply Venous Coupler in Oncologic Head and Neck Reconstruction
Authors: Naalla Ravikiran
Published: September 2023

Venous anastomosis with a coupler device is an effective alternative to the hand-sewn anastomosis technique. Twist in the veins following a coupler anastomosis is a troublesome complication that needs a revision of venous anastomosis. The author proposes a simple technique to reduce the incidence of this complication. This technique is particularly useful in head and neck reconstruction and for beginners in the initial part of the learning curve.
Going “beyond the GDP” in the digital economy: exploring the relationship between internet use and well-being in Spain
Authors: Suárez Álvarez Ana , Vicente María R.
Published: September 2023

In recent years, as Internet use has become more widespread, the use of “beyond-GDP” measures have become increasingly important, bringing well-being analysis into a more prominent position within scientific research topics. At the same time, our society is going through a deep process of digital transformation, which is characterized by important digital inequalities, mainly rooted in traditional socio-economic divides between and within population groups. The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between internet use and individuals’ perceived levels of well-being. Five dimensions of well-being are studied: happiness, life satisfaction, social meetings, personal connections and social life participation. The modelling strategy consists of a set of three-simultaneous equations, in which the first one explains individuals’ internet use; the second one, the intensity of usage (measured by the time spent on the internet) and the third one, focuses on the impact of such intensity on well-being. To estimate such models microdata from two rounds (2016 and 2018) of the European Social Survey (ESS) are collected for Spain. Results show that the effect of internet usage depends on the dimension of well-being considered, being negative for happiness, life satisfaction and meetings but positive as regards connections and participation. Furthermore, the relationship between individuals’ well-being and internet use depends, to a large extent, on the socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics of the individuals.
Impact of an evidence-based training for educators on bystander intervention for the prevention of violence against LGBTI+ youth
Authors: Rios-Gonzalez Oriol , Peña-Axt Juan Carlos , Legorburo-Torres Guillermo , Avgousti Andreas , Sancho Laura Natividad
Published: September 2023

Research shows that teachers and educators receive scarce scientific evidence-based training and tools to implement effective strategies to stop and prevent violence against LGBTI+ youth in educational institutions. Nonetheless, no data examines pedagogical contents and training initiatives that are providing these professionals with effective strategies and skills. This paper will cover this gap by gathering data on the impact of training workshops that were carried out in five European countries as part of a REC programme project. These workshops were designed to train educators in formal and non-formal contexts about scientific evidence-based content aimed at reaching social impact, such as bystander intervention and the dialogic model of violence prevention. As part of the training, they participated in the debate of a scientific article first hand, thus engaging with direct research. The content, organisation and instruments for data collection were co-created with relevant end-users and researchers who engaged at different meetings in an Advisory Committee. Aimed at collecting the impact of this training, 208 online pre- and post-questionnaires, and 12 semi-structured interviews were analysed. Results show that participants gain knowledge and confidence empowering themselves as active agents in the problem. Thanks to this co-creative and community science approach, participants affirmed they are thinking of applying upstander actions in their working contexts. The trust in the rigour of the content and the interest sparked towards science are also expressed.
Microfluidic approaches for producing lipid-based nanoparticles for drug delivery applications
Authors: Piunti Caterina , Cimetta Elisa
Published: September 2023

The importance of drug delivery for disease treatment is supported by a vast literature and increasing ongoing clinical studies. Several categories of nano-based drug delivery systems have been considered in recent years, among which lipid-based nanomedicines, both artificial and cell-derived, remain the most approved. The best artificial systems in terms of biocompatibility and low toxicity are liposomes, as they are composed of phospholipids and cholesterol, the main components of cell membranes. Extracellular vesicles—biological nanoparticles released from cells—while resembling liposomes in size, shape, and structure, have a more complex composition with up to hundreds of different types of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates in their membranes, as well as an internal cargo. Although nanoparticle technologies have revolutionized drug delivery by enabling passive and active targeting, increased stability, improved solubilization capacity, and reduced dose and adverse effects, the clinical translation remains challenging due to manufacturing limitations such as laborious and time-consuming procedures and high batch-to-batch variability. A sea change occurred when microfluidic strategies were employed, offering advantages in terms of precise particle handling, simplified workflows, higher sensitivity and specificity, and good reproducibility and stability over bulk methods. This review examines scientific advances in the microfluidics-mediated production of lipid-based nanoparticles for therapeutic applications. We will discuss the preparation of liposomes using both hydrodynamic focusing of microfluidic flow and mixing by herringbone and staggered baffle micromixers. Then, an overview on microfluidic approaches for producing extracellular vesicles and extracellular vesicles-mimetics for therapeutic applications will describe microfluidic extrusion, surface engineering, sonication, electroporation, nanoporation, and mixing. Finally, we will outline the challenges, opportunities, and future directions of microfluidic investigation of lipid-based nanoparticles in the clinic.
Recent advances in the SISSO method and their implementation in the SISSO++ code
Authors: Purcell Thomas A. R. , Scheffler Matthias , Ghiringhelli Luca M.
Published: September 2023

Accurate and explainable artificial-intelligence (AI) models are promising tools for accelerating the discovery of new materials. Recently, symbolic regression has become an increasingly popular tool for explainable AI because it yields models that are relatively simple analytical descriptions of target properties. Due to its deterministic nature, the sure-independence screening and sparsifying operator (SISSO) method is a particularly promising approach for this application. Here, we describe the new advancements of the SISSO algorithm, as implemented into SISSO++, a C++ code with Python bindings. We introduce a new representation of the mathematical expressions found by SISSO. This is a first step toward introducing “grammar” rules into the feature creation step. Importantly, by introducing a controlled nonlinear optimization to the feature creation step, we expand the range of possible descriptors found by the methodology. Finally, we introduce refinements to the solver algorithms for both regression and classification, which drastically increase the reliability and efficiency of SISSO. For all these improvements to the basic SISSO algorithm, we not only illustrate their potential impact but also fully detail how they operate both mathematically and computationally.
Steady and unsteady characteristics of circular arc airfoils for water pumping windmills
Authors: John I. H. , Wood D. H.
Published: September 2023

Accurate airfoil lift and drag data at low Reynolds number, Re, and high angles of attack, α, are needed to analyze the performance of small wind turbines, particularly their starting. In the current study, the steady and unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of circular arc airfoils (CAAs) with and without spars, as used in water-pumping windmills, were examined in a wind tunnel of 1 m2 cross section at Re<106. The tunnel was configured as an open jet and a closed section. The effects of varying geometrical characteristics on the CAA performance were investigated using a combination of thickness, camber, aspect ratio, and airfoil chord-to-tunnel height ratio. Using force transducers, the aerodynamic forces acting on the airfoils were measured directly for both increasing and decreasing α. The decreasing α measurements produce a higher lift–drag ratio than the increasing measurements, mostly in the post-stall region. In addition, “second stall,” was observed at large α in both the open and closed tunnels depending on the Re and tunnel blockage, but was much more prominent in the closed tunnel due to its wall constraining the wake and preventing the flow from switching from one regime to another. It was shown that the performance of all tested airfoils was sensitive to low Re under steady and unsteady conditions. The latter measurements for an airfoil oscillated at reduced frequencies, k≤0.06, are the first for CAAs. Results from this investigation provide a comprehensive airfoil dataset for the accurate blade element theory modeling of CAAs aerodynamic and starting performances.
Impact of graphene state on the orientation of III–nitride
Authors: Park Jeong-Hwan , Hu Nan , Park Mun-Do , Wang Jia , Yang Xu , Lee Dong-Seon , Amano Hiroshi , Pristovsek Markus
Published: September 2023

We attempted to grow (10–13) semi-polar GaN on graphene to confirm the possibility of a remote epitaxy of semi-polar GaN. Single crystalline (10–13) GaN was obtained on an optimized template using optimized growth conditions. However, (10–13), (0002), and other GaN orientations were found under the same growth conditions on a graphene-coated template. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy revealed that multi-domain GaN and (0002) GaN occurred in areas with a damaged graphene interfacial layer and intact graphene, respectively. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that graphene could survive under the growth conditions used here. Using cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy, we propose a simple approach to distinguish damaged graphene. Although the remote epitaxy of semi-polar GaN has not been demonstrated despite the usage of an optimized template and growth conditions, our results confirm the importance of the interfacial state in determining the crystallinity of the overgrown layer.
Directional planar antennae in polariton condensates
Authors: Aristov Denis , Baryshev Stepan , Töpfer Julian D. , Sigurðsson Helgi , Lagoudakis Pavlos G.
Published: September 2023

We report on the realization of all-optical planar microlensing for exciton–polariton condensates in semiconductor microcavities. We utilize spatial light modulators to structure a nonresonant pumping beam into a plano–concave lens-shape focused onto the microcavity plane. When pumped above condensation threshold, the system effectively becomes a directional polariton antenna, generating an intense focused beam of coherent polaritons away from the pump region. The effects of pump intensity, which regulates the interplay between gain and blueshift of polaritons, as well as the geometry of the lens-shaped pump are studied, and a strategy to optimize the focusing of the condensate is proposed. Our work underpins the feasibility to guide nonlinear light in microcavities using nonresonant excitation schemes, offering perspectives on optically reprogramable on-chip polariton circuitry.
A versatile 16-pole ion trap setup for investigating photophysics of biomolecular ions
Authors: Salvi M. , Uma N. N. , Dinesan Hemanth , Roy Abheek , Kumar S. Sunil
Published: September 2023

A linear 16-pole ion trap-based experimental setup has been designed, implemented, and characterized to investigate the photophysics of biomolecules in the gas phase. Electrospray ionization is employed to generate the ions in the gas phase at atmospheric pressure. The voltage configuration on the ion funnel, the ion optic device in the first vacuum interface, is used to control the energy of the ions. A home-built quadrupole mass-filter is utilized for the mass-selection of the ions of interest. A 16-pole ion trap designed and built in-house is implemented for ion trapping. The instrument’s versatility and capability are showcased by demonstrating the fragmentation patterns of protonated and deprotonated tryptophan, as well as describing the photodetachment decay of deprotonated indole.
Shock-to-detonation transition behavior of functionally graded energetic materials
Authors: Olsen Daniel , Zhou Min
Published: September 2023

The behavior of energetic materials is significantly influenced by the spatial distributions of microstructure heterogeneities and voids. We pursue the concept of Functionally Graded Energetic Materials whose microstructure features (e.g., grain size, grain volume fraction, void size, and void volume fraction) change spatially such that they may allow the behavior of the materials to be tailored. We explore using gradients in the density of voids to alter the detonation behavior of a polymer-bonded explosive (PBX) echoing PBX9501 with HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) grains and Estane binder. Five cases, two graded void distributions from 1% to 10% and 10% to 1% by volume along the length of the sample, and three uniform distributions matching the lowest (1%), average (5.5%), and highest (10%) void densities are considered. An Arrhenius reaction burn model is used to account for the chemical kinetics of HMX. Different detonation behaviors are obtained from the same graded sample when impact loading is from 1% void end and from the 10% void end as well as from the uniform cases. The SDT (shock to detonation transition) behaviors are analyzed in terms of the run distance, the time duration and shock velocity changes over the SDT process. The computational results are presented in the context of available experimental data for PBX9501 with which agreement is obtained through a parametric study. Overall, it is shown that gradients in microstructures of PBX can lead to SDT behaviors different or not obtainable from microstructures without gradients, thereby offering a mechanism for designing and tailoring new materials.
Density functional applications of jellium with a local gap model correlation energy functional
Authors: Jana Subrata , Constantin Lucian A. , Samal Prasanjit
Published: September 2023

We develop a realistic density functional approximation for the local gap, which is based on a semilocal indicator that shows good screening properties. The local band model has remarkable density scaling behaviors and works properly for the helium isoelectronic series for the atoms of the Periodic Table, as well as for the non-relativistic noble atom series (up to 2022 e−). Due to these desirable properties, we implement the local gap model in the jellium-with-gap correlation energy, developing the local-density-approximation-with-gap correlation functional (named LDAg) that correctly gives correlation energies of atoms comparable with the LDA ones but shows an improvement for ionization potential of atoms and molecules. Thus, LDAg seems to be an interesting and useful tool in density functional theory.
Spin–flip dynamics in core-excited states in the basis of irreducible spherical tensor operators
Authors: Romig Thies , Kochetov Vladislav , Bokarev Sergey I.
Published: September 2023

Recent experimental advances in ultrafast science have put different processes occurring on the electronic timescale below a few femtoseconds in focus. In the present theoretical work, we demonstrate how the transformation and propagation of the density matrix in the basis of irreducible spherical tensors can be conveniently used to study sub-few fs spin–flip dynamics in core-excited transition metal compounds. With the help of the Wigner–Eckart theorem, such a transformation separates the essential dynamical information from the geometric factors governed by the angular momentum algebra. We show that an additional reduction can be performed by the physically motivated truncation of the spherical tensor basis. In particular, depending on the degree of coherence, the ultrafast dynamics can be considered semi-quantitative in the notably reduced spherical basis when only the total populations of the basis states of the given spin are of interest. Such truncation should be especially beneficial when the number of high-spin basis states is vast, as it reduces computational costs.
Theory of all-coupling angulon for molecules rotating in many-body environment
Authors: Liu Yi-Yan , Cui Yu , Zhang Xiao-Zhe , Yang Ran-Bo , Li Zhi-Qing , Wang Zi-Wu
Published: September 2023

The formation of angulon, stemming from the rotor (molecule or impurity), rotating in the quantum many-body field, adds a new member to the quasi-particles’ family and has aroused intense interest in multiple research fields. However, the analysis of the coupling strength between the rotor and its hosting environment remains a challenging task, both in theory and experiment. Here, we develop the all-coupling theory of the angulon by introducing a unitary transformation, where the renormalization of the rotational constants for different molecules in the helium nanodroplets is reproduced, getting excellent agreement with the experimental data collected during the past decades. Moreover, the strength of molecule-helium coupling and the effective radius of the solvation shell co-rotating along with the molecular rotor could be estimated qualitatively. This model not only provides significant enlightenment for analyzing the rotational spectroscopy of molecules in the phononic environment, but also provides a new method to study the transfer of the phonon angular momentum in the angulon frame.
The Zap Energy approach to commercial fusion
Authors: Levitt B. , Meier E. T. , Umstattd R. , Barhydt J. R. , Datta I. A. M. , Liekhus-Schmaltz C. , Sutherland D. A. , Nelson B. A.
Published: September 2023

Zap Energy is a private fusion energy company developing the sheared-flow-stabilized (SFS) Z-pinch concept for commercial energy production. Spun out from the University of Washington, these experimental and computational efforts have resulted in devices with quasi-steady DD fusion yields above 109 per pulse. These devices support scaling toward energy breakeven on existing devices as well as beyond to commercially relevant engineering fusion gains. This article discusses the strategy behind Zap's development path, which is derived directly from the engineering and scientific elegance of the confinement method. Without need for external confinement or heating technologies, the SFS Z pinch relies on plasma self-organization. This compact magnetic confinement technology could, in turn, provide the basis for a cost-effective fusion power plant, vastly reduced in complexity from its competitors.
Two-dimensional reconstruction of filament temperatures and densities with the thermal helium beam at ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Wendler D. , Birkenmeier G. , Griener M. , Dux R. , Fischer R. , Stieglitz D. , Wolfrum E. , Stroth U. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: September 2023

In the scrape-off layer (SOL) of fusion plasmas, radial particle and energy transport is mainly carried by plasma filaments. The plasma parameters of such filaments can be measured by the thermal helium beam diagnostic (THB). By means of an extended collisional radiative model (CRM) used for the evaluation of the diagnostic data, the light intensity response of neutral helium transitions from filaments is studied, which depends on the parameters of the filament and the background. The electron density of the filament is found to be the dominant parameter impacting the line intensities. By applying a numerical reconstruction algorithm based on the CRM, electron temperatures and densities as well as the sizes of experimentally measured filaments are obtained. This method allows for the first time measurements of the temporal decay rates of filament density and temperature in the co-moving frame of the filament and its radial propagation velocity.
Algebraic and numerical studies on the roles of momentum conservation and self-adjointness in moment-based neoclassical particle fluxes
Authors: Honda M.
Published: September 2023

Linearized collision operators are model operators that approximate the nonlinear Landau collision operator, but cannot capture all the features of the Landau operator. Various linearized collision operators have been proposed, including the one that ensures the self-adjointness of the operator and another that maintains the friction–flow relations derived from the exact linearized collision operator. To elucidate the basis for choosing an appropriate model operator that derives the matrix elements used to express the friction forces, the roles of momentum conservation and the self-adjointness of the collision operator in the neoclassical particle flux are investigated theoretically, algebraically, and numerically within the framework of the moment method. Linear algebraic calculations confirm that ambipolarity only requires the property of momentum conservation, while the self-adjointness is additionally necessary to ensure the independence of poloidal flow and particle flux from the radial electric field, which must be established in an axisymmetric system. This fact is also numerically validated by the one-dimensional fluid-based transport code TASK/TX, extended to handle impurity species, and the moment-method-based neoclassical transport code Matrix Inversion. In tokamak experiments, where a parallel electric field is typically present, it induces the inward Ware flux, where even electrons can have the same or larger particle flux as main ions and impurities. The Ware flux can significantly contribute to the total neoclassical particle flux, highlighting the importance of considering the electron flux when modeling neoclassical impurity fluxes.
Lattice site occupation effect on the electronic structure and physical properties of quaternary CoMnCrAl Heusler alloy
Authors: Uvarov V. N. , Kudryavtsev Y. V. , Rudenko E. M. , Uvarov N. V. , Perekos A. E. , Melnik M. P. , Tarenkov V. Y.
Published: September 2023

Theoretical and experimental approaches have been employed for studying the lattice site occupation effect on the electronic structure and some physical properties of CoMnCrAl Heusler alloy (HA). Among possible variants of the ordered stoichiometric CoMnCrAl HA lattice site occupation by Co, Mn, Cr, and Al atoms, the first-principle calculations have been performed for three nonequivalent ones (marked by us as type 1, type 2, and type 3, respectively). CoMnCrAl HA with atomic order of the first type is half-metallic ferromagnet (FM) with resulting magnetic moment of mtot1=0.9999 μB/f.u. and spin-polarization degree of Fermi electrons P1=100%, for atomic orders of second and third types, mtot and P are equal to mtot2=1.0186 μB/f.u., P2=89% and mtot3=6.8673 μB/f.u., P3=77%, respectively. Changes in the order type on the way T1→T2→T3 cause a decrease in the spatial electron density, weakening of the covalent chemical interatomic bonds, lead to a decrease in the cohesion energy Ecoh and hence to loss of the thermodynamic stability of the CoMnCrAl alloy. Despite various high-temperature heat treatments, only B2- and A2-types of atomic order have been obtained in bulk and film CoMnCrAl alloy samples. Experimentally, it was found that bulk B2-type ordered CoMnCrAl alloy demonstrates significantly lower magnetization [M(300K)=0.442 μB/f.u.] and spin-polarization degree of Fermi electrons [P≈30%] than theoretically predicted. More disordered crystalline CoMnCrAl films with A2-type of atomic order practically are non-FM at T=300 K with P=0.
Enhancement of second-harmonic field and nonlinear dispersion via a composite of elliptical cylinder nanoparticles
Authors: Balaei Mohsen , Naseri Tayebeh
Published: September 2023

This work is a numerical description of the interaction between optical pulses and plasmonic oscillations in nanoparticle composites. We present a numerical demonstration of enhanced second-harmonic generation (SHG) in plasmonic nanoparticles caused by collective resonances. The SHG and dispersion associated with core–shell nanoparticles are studied based on the Drude model. The shape of nanoparticles and the SHG enhancement factor are closely intertwined. It is shown that shape effects can be applied to enhance the SHG from plasmonic nanoshells and also the absorption and dispersion of a nonlinear dielectric function of the recommended structure are evaluated. At metal–dielectric interfaces, it has been demonstrated that the association of plasmonic nanostructures with nonlinear dielectric systems provides useful platforms for boosting frequency conversion processes. In addition, examining the effect of various geometrical parameters on the slow-light factor reveals a reduction in the slow-light spectrum, laying the groundwork for optical pulse storage and retrieval in optical communication applications in the future. This core–shell nanoparticle structure is attractive for a wide range of applications, including optical communication devices, due to the mentioned unique optical properties.
Response of true limpet Patella aspera (Patellogastropoda) pediveliger larvae to a range of settlement cues
Authors: Castejón Diego , García Loreto , Nogueira Natacha , Andrade Carlos A. P.
Published: September 2023

Context Settlement and metamorphosis are key processes influencing the natural recruitment and aquaculture production of aquatic organisms. Recruitment requirements in limpets (Patellogastropoda) are mostly unknown, because of the lack of reliable settlement inducers. Aims This study tested the reliability of different cues as settlement inducers for competent larvae of the economically valuable Patella aspera. Methods Natural crustose coralline algae (CCA) and biofilms of the benthic diatom Navicula salinicola were tested as positive controls. The following four pharmacological agents were tested as chemical inducers in a wide range of concentrations: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (ACH), 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and potassium chloride (KCl). Settlers were identified by the velum loss and teleoconch development. Key results CCA were strong settlement cues in all the assays. Contrary to previous hypotheses, GABA was a weak inducer with a peak effect at 10−5 M. Neither the diatom biofilms nor the other pharmacological agents (ACH, IBMX and KCl) promoted the settlement response. All pharmacological agents at high concentrations influenced larval behaviour. Conclusions CCA were reliable positive controls and settlement inducers for the production of post-larvae. With regard to pharmacological agents, P. aspera showed restrictive settlement requirements that should be considered for ecological and aquaculture studies in other limpet species. Implications This method allows the study of the settlement biology of limpets. It provides a positive control and integrates animal monitoring and comparative response to other cues.
Changing climate and reorganized species interactions modify community responses to climate variability
Authors: Wang Junna , Grimm Nancy B. , Lawler Sharon P. , Dong Xiaoli
Published: September 2023

While an array of ecological mechanisms has been shown to stabilize natural community dynamics, how the effectiveness of these mechanisms—including both their direction (stabilizing vs. destabilizing) and strength—shifts under a changing climate remains unknown. Using a 35-y dataset (1985 to 2019) from a desert stream in central Arizona (USA), we found that as annual mean air temperature rose 1°C and annual mean precipitation reduced by 40% over the last two decades, macroinvertebrate communities experienced dramatic changes, from relatively stable states during the first 15 y of this study to wildly fluctuating states highly sensitive to climate variability in the last 10 y. Asynchronous species responses to climatic variability, the primary mechanism historically undergirding community stability, greatly weakened. The emerging climate regime—specifically, concurrent warming and prolonged multiyear drought—resulted in community-wide synchronous responses and reduced taxa richness. Diversity loss and new establishment of competitors reorganized species interactions. Unlike manipulative experiments that often suggest stabilizing roles of species interactions, we found that reorganized species interactions switched from stabilizing to destabilizing influences, further amplifying community fluctuations. Our study provides evidence of climate change-induced modifications of mechanisms underpinning long-term community stability, resulting in an overall destabilizing effect.
Compression drives diverse transcriptomic and phenotypic adaptations in melanoma
Authors: Zhang Xingjian , Shi Xin , Zhang Dingyao , Gong Xiangyu , Wen Zhang , Demandel Israel , Zhang Junqi , Rossello-Martinez Alejandro , Chan Trevor J. , Mak Michael
Published: September 2023

Physical forces are prominent during tumor progression. However, it is still unclear how they impact and drive the diverse phenotypes found in cancer. Here, we apply an integrative approach to investigate the impact of compression on melanoma cells. We apply bioinformatics to screen for the most significant compression-induced transcriptomic changes and investigate phenotypic responses. We show that compression-induced transcriptomic changes are associated with both improvement and worsening of patient prognoses. Phenotypically, volumetric compression inhibits cell proliferation and cell migration. It also induces organelle stress and intracellular oxidative stress and increases pigmentation in malignant melanoma cells and normal human melanocytes. Finally, cells that have undergone compression become more resistant to cisplatin treatment. Our findings indicate that volumetric compression is a double-edged sword for melanoma progression and drives tumor evolution.
Enhancing impacts of mesoscale eddies on Southern Ocean temperature variability and extremes
Authors: He Qingyou , Zhan Weikang , Cai Shuqun , Du Yan , Chen Zhiwu , Tang Shilin , Zhan Haigang
Published: September 2023

As a major sink of anthropogenic heat and carbon, the Southern Ocean experienced pronounced warming with increasing extreme temperature events over the past decades. Mesoscale eddies that strongly influence the uptake, redistribution, and storage of heat in the ocean are expected to play important roles in these changes, yet observational evidence remains limited. Here, we employ a comprehensive analysis of over 500,000 historical hydrographic profile measurements combined with satellite-based eddy observations to show enhanced thermal eddy imprints in the Southern Ocean. Our observations reveal that anticyclonic (cyclonic) eddies are responsible for nearly half of the subsurface high (low)-temperature extremes detected, although only 10% of the profiles are located in eddy interiors. Over the past decade (2006 to 2019), both mean and extreme temperature anomalies within eddies in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current increased significantly, promoting the rise in subsurface ocean temperature variability. This enhanced role of eddies is likely a result of enhanced eddy pumping due to the increase in eddy intensity and ocean stratification caused by ocean warming. Our analysis underscores the crucial role of eddies in amplifying ocean temperature variability and extremes, with their effects expected to be even more pronounced as global warming persists.
Location-biased activation of the proton-sensor GPR65 is uncoupled from receptor trafficking
Authors: Morales Rodríguez Loyda M. , Crilly Stephanie E. , Rowe Jacob B. , Isom Daniel G. , Puthenveedu Manojkumar A.
Published: September 2023

The canonical view of G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) function is that receptor trafficking is tightly coupled to signaling. GPCRs remain on the plasma membrane (PM) at the cell surface until they are activated, after which they are desensitized and internalized into endosomal compartments. This canonical view presents an interesting context for proton-sensing GPCRs because they are more likely to be activated in acidic endosomal compartments than at the PM. Here, we show that the trafficking of the prototypical proton-sensor GPR65 is fully uncoupled from signaling, unlike that of other known mammalian GPCRs. GPR65 internalizes and localizes to early and late endosomes, from where they signal at steady state, irrespective of extracellular pH. Acidic extracellular environments stimulate receptor signaling at the PM in a dose-dependent manner, although endosomal GPR65 is still required for a full signaling response. Receptor mutants that were incapable of activating cAMP trafficked normally, internalize and localize to endosomal compartments. Our results show that GPR65 is constitutively active in endosomes, and suggest a model where changes in extracellular pH reprograms the spatial pattern of receptor signaling and biases the location of signaling to the cell surface.
The human cell count and size distribution
Authors: Hatton Ian A. , Galbraith Eric D. , Merleau Nono S. C. , Miettinen Teemu P. , Smith Benjamin McDonald , Shander Jeffery A.
Published: September 2023

Cell size and cell count are adaptively regulated and intimately linked to growth and function. Yet, despite their widespread relevance, the relation between cell size and count has never been formally examined over the whole human body. Here, we compile a comprehensive dataset of cell size and count over all major cell types, with data drawn from >1,500 published sources. We consider the body of a representative male (70 kg), which allows further estimates of a female (60 kg) and 10-y-old child (32 kg). We build a hierarchical interface for the cellular organization of the body, giving easy access to data, methods, and sources (
https://humancelltreemap.mis.mpg.de/
). In total, we estimate total body counts of ≈36 trillion cells in the male, ≈28 trillion in the female, and ≈17 trillion in the child. These data reveal a surprising inverse relation between cell size and count, implying a trade-off between these variables, such that all cells within a given logarithmic size class contribute an equal fraction to the body’s total cellular biomass. We also find that the coefficient of variation is approximately independent of mean cell size, implying the existence of cell-size regulation across cell types. Our data serve to establish a holistic quantitative framework for the cells of the human body, and highlight large-scale patterns in cell biology.
The smallest functional antibody fragment: Ultralong CDR H3 antibody knob regions potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Huang Ruiqi , Warner Jenkins Gabrielle , Kim Yunjeong , Stanfield Robyn L. , Singh Amrinder , Martinez-Yamout Maria , Kroon Gerard J. , Torres Jonathan L. , Jackson Abigail M. , Kelley Abigail , Shaabani Namir , Zeng Baisen , Bacica Michael , Chen Wen , Warner Christopher , Radoicic Jasmina , Joh Joongho , Dinali Perera Krishani , Sang Huldah , Kim Tae , Yao Jianxiu , Zhao Fangzhu , Sok Devin , Burton Dennis R. , Allen Jeff , Harriman William , Mwangi Waithaka , Chung Donghoon , Teijaro John R. , Ward Andrew B. , Dyson H. Jane , Wright Peter E. , Wilson Ian A. , Chang Kyeong-Ok , McGregor Duncan , Smider Vaughn V.
Published: September 2023

Cows produce antibodies with a disulfide-bonded antigen-binding domain embedded within ultralong heavy chain third complementarity determining regions. This “knob” domain is analogous to natural cysteine-rich peptides such as knottins in that it is small and stable but can accommodate diverse loops and disulfide bonding patterns. We immunized cattle with SARS-CoV-2 spike and found ultralong CDR H3 antibodies that could neutralize several viral variants at picomolar IC
50
potencies in vitro and could protect from disease in vivo. The independent CDR H3 peptide knobs were expressed and maintained the properties of the parent antibodies. The knob interaction with SARS-CoV-2 spike was revealed by electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry and established ultralong CDR H3-derived knobs as the smallest known recombinant independent antigen-binding fragment. Unlike other vertebrate antibody fragments, these knobs are not reliant on the immunoglobulin domain and have potential as a new class of therapeutics.
SETD2 safeguards the genome against isochromosome formation
Authors: Mason Frank M. , Kounlavong Emily S. , Tebeje Anteneh T. , Dahiya Rashmi , Guess Tiffany , Khan Abid , Vlach Logan , Norris Stephen R. , Lovejoy Courtney A. , Dere Ruhee , Strahl Brian D. , Ohi Ryoma , Ly Peter , Walker Cheryl Lyn , Rathmell W. Kimryn
Published: September 2023

Isochromosomes are mirror-imaged chromosomes with simultaneous duplication and deletion of genetic material which may contain two centromeres to create isodicentric chromosomes. Although isochromosomes commonly occur in cancer and developmental disorders and promote genome instability, mechanisms that prevent isochromosomes are not well understood. We show here that the tumor suppressor and methyltransferase SETD2 is essential to prevent these errors. Using cellular and cytogenetic approaches, we demonstrate that loss of SETD2 or its epigenetic mark, histone H3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3), results in the formation of isochromosomes as well as isodicentric and acentric chromosomes. These defects arise during DNA replication and are likely due to faulty homologous recombination by RAD52. These data provide a mechanism for isochromosome generation and demonstrate that SETD2 and H3K36me3 are essential to prevent the formation of this common mutable chromatin structure known to initiate a cascade of genomic instability in cancer.
BRWD3 promotes KDM5 degradation to maintain H3K4 methylation levels
Authors: Han Dongsheng , Schaffner Samantha H. , Davies Jonathan P. , Benton Mary Lauren , Plate Lars , Nordman Jared T.
Published: September 2023

Histone modifications are critical for regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. Dysregulation of histone modifications likely contributes to disease states and cancer. Depletion of the chromatin-binding protein BRWD3 (Bromodomain and WD repeat-containing protein 3), a known substrate-specificity factor of the Cul4-DDB1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, results in increased H3K4me1 (H3 lysine 4 monomethylation) levels. The underlying mechanism linking BRWD3 and H3K4 methylation, however, has yet to be defined. Here, we show that depleting BRWD3 not only causes an increase in H3K4me1 levels but also causes a decrease in H3K4me3 (H3 lysine 4 trimethylation) levels, indicating that BRWD3 influences H3K4 methylation more broadly. Using immunoprecipitation coupled to quantitative mass spectrometry, we identified an interaction between BRWD3 and the H3K4-specific lysine demethylase 5 (KDM5/Lid), an enzyme that removes tri- and dimethyl marks from H3K4. Moreover, analysis of ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing) data revealed that BRWD3 and KDM5 are significantly colocalized throughout the genome and H3K4me3 are highly enriched at BRWD3 binding sites. We show that BRWD3 promotes K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation of KDM5 and that KDM5 degradation is dependent on both BRWD3 and Cul4. Critically, depleting KDM5 fully restores altered H3K4me3 levels and partially restores H3K4me1 levels upon BRWD3 depletion. Together, our results demonstrate that BRWD3 regulates KDM5 activity to balance H3K4 methylation levels.
Linguistic and discursive properties of hate speech and speech facilitating the expression of
hatred
Authors: Määttä Simo K.
Published: September 2023

Examples of posts from three Finnish (236 posts) and one French (410 posts) discussion threads are analyzed with
regard to lexicon, grammar, speech acts, and topoi. The aim is to illustrate the different means used to express hatred or speech
pertaining to ideological and thematic spaces in which the expression of hatred may be legitimized. The examples represent
everyday discourse, which is an influential arena for the materialization of ideologies. Given the lack of linguistic and
discursive tools used exclusively to express or legitimize hatred, doing research on hate speech always entails taking a specific
ideological stance: neither linguistics nor pragmatics or discourse studies can provide a definition of hate speech that is valid
in all contexts. Triangulating different methodological and theoretical perspectives is necessary to produce convincing research
results.
High responsivity photodetectors based on graphene/WSe2 heterostructure by photogating effect
Authors: Li 李 Shuping 淑萍 , Lei 雷 Ting 挺 , Yan 严 Zhongxing 仲兴 , Wang 王 Yan 燕 , Zhang 张 Like 黎可 , Tu 涂 Huayao 华垚 , Shi 时 Wenhua 文华 , Zeng 曾 Zhongming 中明
Published: September 2023

Graphene, with its zero-bandgap electronic structure, is a highly promising ultra-broadband light absorbing material. However, the performance of graphene-based photodetectors is limited by weak absorption efficiency and rapid recombination of photoexcited carriers, leading to poor photodetection performance. Here, inspired by the photogating effect, we demonstrated a highly sensitive photodetector based on graphene/WSe2 vertical heterostructure where the WSe2 layer acts as both the light absorption layer and the localized grating layer. The graphene conductive channel is induced to produce more carriers by capacitive coupling. Due to the strong light absorption and high external quantum efficiency of multilayer WSe2, as well as the high carrier mobility of graphene, a high photocurrent is generated in the vertical heterostructure. As a result, the photodetector exhibits ultra-high responsivity of 3.85 × 104 A/W and external quantum efficiency of 1.3 × 107%. This finding demonstrates that photogating structures can effectively enhance the sensitivity of graphene-based photodetectors and may have great potential applications in future optoelectronic devices.