A full-thickness macular hole is conventionally regarded as a vitreoretinal-interface disorder of later life caused by anomalous perifoveal posterior vitreous detachment, tangential traction, and failure of foveal tissue compliance. This model explains idiopathic macular holes. Secondary macular holes could occur secondary to trauma, retinal detachment and high myopia, but less is known about the nature of macular holes associated with inherited retinal dystrophies and vitreoretinopathies, in which the fovea, retinal pigment epithelium, basement membranes, or vitreous cortex may be genetically abnormal before traction is applied. We examine evidence on macular holes in inherited retinal disease, with emphasis on genotype, molecular pathology, optical coherence tomography phenotype and surgical strategy. Three mechanistic groups are clinically useful: (i) disorders of basement membrane and vitreoretinal-interface; (ii) disorders characterized by intrinsic neurosensory retinal weakness; and (iii) retinal pigment epithelium-driven outer-retinal disruption. Surgical closure is often possible, particularly when a tractional component is present and outer-retinal structure is preserved. Visual recovery, however, is limited by photoreceptor integrity, retinal pigment epithelium survival, chronicity and the extent of pre-existing degeneration. In select disorders, especially Alport syndrome, standard internal limiting membrane peeling may be impossible or inappropriate, and alternative scaffold techniques such as amniotic membrane graft may be beneficial. Genetic diagnosis helps to inform mechanism, prognosis, operative planning, counselling and eligibility for emerging gene-directed therapies. This framework may help clinicians interpret optical coherence tomography findings and consider disease-specific surgical risks;. however, the evidence base is dominated by case reports and small case series and varies substantially across diagnoses. Accordingly, the proposed classification and management considerations should be viewed as hypothesis-generating and clinically-pragmatic rather than guideline-level recommendations.
Abrasive flow machining (AFM) is an effective finishing process for complex internal surfaces, particularly cavities, intersecting holes, and micro-channels that are difficult to access using conventional tools. However, when low-viscosity abrasive media is used (here defined, relative to conventional putty-like viscoelastic AFM carriers (with apparent viscosities of 103-105 mPa·s), as a water-based slurry with an apparent viscosity below 300 mPa·s over the operating shear-rate range), unfavorable flow conditions during the initial polishing stage can induce local over-polishing, erosion depressions, stepped patterns, and cavitation pits, resulting in non-uniform surface quality. The relationship between these flow behaviors and polishing defects remains insufficiently understood. To address this issue, this study investigates the AFM process applied to turbine blade film cooling holes through combined experimental and numerical approaches. The observed defects include erosion depressions, stepped surface patterns, and cavitation pits. The effects of abrasive injection pressure, flow velocity, hole geometry, abrasive viscosity, and particle size on defect formation are systematically examined. The results show that the initial abrasive filling level strongly affects defect distribution by altering the evolution of shear fields and void regions within the hole. Experimentally, at high Reynolds numbers (Re > 2 × 104), intensified local shear and cavitation promote defect formation, while a moderate inclination angle (45-60°) and a higher aspect ratio (>8) are favorable for polishing uniformity. Complementary numerical simulations further indicate that smaller abrasive particles (<5 μm) and a moderate abrasive viscosity (~60 mPa·s) are predicted to improve polishing uniformity. This study clarifies the fluid-dynamic origin of polishing defects in film cooling holes and provides process guidance for suppressing local over-polishing, cavitation, and uneven material removal.
With the release of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA gravitational-wave catalog (GWTC-4), we are starting to gain a detailed view of the population of merging binary black holes. The formation channels of these black holes is not clearly understood, but different formation mechanisms may lead to subpopulations with different properties visible in gravitational-wave data. Adopting a phenomenological approach, we find GWTC-4.0 data supports the presence of at least three subpopulations, each associated with a different range of black hole mass and with sharp transition boundaries between them. Each subpopulation is characterized by different distributions for either the mass ratios, the black-hole spin magnitudes or both. Subpopulation A with primary mass m_{1}≤27.7_{-3.4}^{+4.1}M_{⊙} (90% credibility), is characterized by a nearly flat mass ratio distribution q=m_{2}/m_{1}, and by small spin magnitudes (χ≤0.5_{-0.1}^{+0.1}). Subpopulation B, with 27.7_{-3.4}^{+4.1}M_{⊙}≤m_{1}≤40.2_{-3.2}^{+4.7}M_{⊙}, has a much sharper preference for mass ratio q≈1. Subpopulation C, with m_{1}≥40.2_{-3.2}^{+4.7}M_{⊙}, has support for large spin magnitudes, and tentative support for mass ratios q≈0.5. We interpret these transitions as evidence for multiple subpopulations, each potentially associated with a different formation pathways. We suggest putative formation scenarios for each subpopulation, and explore chemically homogeneous evolution, population III stars and dynamical formation channels as an explanation for subpopulation B. Our findings for subpopulation C are largely consistent with recent claims of hierarchical mergers but with some curious differences in properties.
To evaluate stage-specific morphofunctional relationships in idiopathic macular holes (IMHs) and determine whether stage 2‑specific features could be explained by hole size alone. Retrospective observational study. A total of 105 eyes with IMHs and available 3-month postoperative follow-up data. Eyes were stratified by Gass stage into stage 2 and stage 3 to 4 groups and by International Vitreomacular Traction Study size criteria into small and medium-to-large groups. Associations between preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters and best-corrected visual acuity were assessed using interaction, stratified, and multivariable regression analyses. Associations between preoperative morphological parameters and best-corrected visual acuity before surgery and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Preoperative interactions with stage were significant for minimum linear diameter, minimum area/foveal avascular zone ratio, and minimum area. Stage 3 to 4 showed consistent morphofunctional associations, whereas stage 2 showed less consistent associations not fully explained by hole size. In multivariable analyses, predictors were more stable in stage 3 to 4 than in stage 2. Size-based classification showed less consistent patterns than stage-based stratification. Stage 2 IMHs showed less consistent morphofunctional relationships than stage 3 to 4, and these differences were not fully explained by measured OCT-based size parameters alone. These findings support stage-aware interpretation of OCT-derived biomarkers and may inform future prognostic studies in IMHs. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
Analyses of hundreds of collisions find black holes pair up in at least three ways.
To review the phenomenon of delayed and spontaneous closure of full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) following apparent primary surgical failure, and to synthesize reported timelines, visual outcomes, and proposed mechanisms. A scoping review was conducted using PubMed and Embase (January 1990-June 2024). Case reports, case series and observational studies were eligible if they described MH that remained open after surgery but subsequently closed spontaneously. Data on baseline characteristics, surgical technique, postoperative features, time to closure and visual outcomes were extracted. Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria, of which 13 provided patient-level data. Across all cases, the mean time to closure was 536 days (median 150, IQR 90-480, range 27-2555), although this distribution was skewed by rare very late closures up to 7 years. Excluding cases closing beyond one year, the mean time to closure was 124 days (median 120, IQR 70-150, range 27-270), indicating that most delayed closures occur within 3-6 months. Visual Acuity (VA) showed a mean improvement of -0.32 logMAR (median -0.35, IQR -0.50 to -0.15, range -1.10 to +0.80). Restricting to cases closing within one year yielded a mean improvement of -0.35 logMAR (median -0.50, IQR -0.65 to -0.20), corresponding to approximately three to four lines of VA gain. Delayed spontaneous closure of FTMHs after apparent primary surgical failure is uncommon but clinically relevant. It has most often been observed within the first 6-12 months and is frequently accompanied by some visual acuity improvement although outcomes vary widely.
Uncontrolled carbon monoxide (CO) release after deep-hole roof pressure-relief blasting remains a safety problem because conventional shallow drainage often fails to match the strata where blast gases are generated and retained. Here, we clarify the permeability-contrast-controlled retention mechanism and propose an integrated blasting-sealing-extraction framework that couples field diagnosis at the A503 working face, dynamic fracture modeling, confined explosion tests, adsorption-diffusion analysis, and industrial validation. The method uses the critical distance between the fracture front and the coal seam to constrain charge length and places extraction boreholes in the roof gas-enrichment zone rather than only in the coal seam. The A503 measurements showed that the sandstone roof permeability (2.1 × 10-13 m2) was about 41 times lower than that of the coal seam (8.7 × 10-12 m2), creating a low-permeability CO retention zone. Numerical simulations gave an effective blasting influence radius of approximately 6.5 m and showed that the control hole extended the connected plastic zone to about 10 m. Field mass-balance data showed that the optimized scheme increased the CO extraction rate from 4.43% to 82.21%, reduced ventilation discharge from 11.96% to 3.91%, and lowered the residual CO fraction from 83.61% to approximately 13.9%. These results show that the mechanism-guided matching of fracture control, sealing, and targeted roof-strata extraction converts postblasting CO control from delayed ventilation dilution to active capture at the enrichment zone.
Two decades after the Human Genome Project, we finally have the ability to read the complete genome of any human and (nearly) any species. These sequences provide the ideal foundation for training predictive models of the genome that will accelerate basic research, enable accurate diagnostics, and guide precision medicine.
This manuscript gives a solution to the black hole information paradox by bringing to the debate a fundamental aspect of information science: the process of measurement by a receiver. Bekenstein and Hawking established the foundations of black hole thermodynamics based on previous works of Brillouin and Szilard on information physics. In this work, we demonstrate that the relation between energy and information established in communication technology by Shannon and Landauer has not been adequately applied to black hole physics. As Landauer states, a computation process is closely akin to a measurement. Our argument is grounded on the physical concepts of measurement, signal-to-noise ratio, energy dissipation during the switching process in computation, and hysteresis loops. We give special attention to the role of noise and energy dissipation in the process of information transmission. We demonstrate that Szilard's work fails to establish a connection between information and entropy in agreement with the works of Landauer and Shannon. We also demonstrate that a quantum state cannot be directly equivalent to a unit of information. The entropy and temperature attributed to black holes are questioned, and a solution to the black hole information paradox is provided. Similarly to what happens with Maxwell's demon, the black hole information paradox is "exorcised" once we account for the process of measurement and information processing.
Halogen bonding develops when an electrophilic region associated with a covalently bonded halogen interacts attractively with a nucleophilic site on another same or different molecular entity. Here, we show that in many crystals in the Cambridge Structural Database, the intermolecular distances and directional features of F···F close contacts involve σ-hole-like regions on covalently bound fluorine. However, such interactions cannot readily be classified as classical halogen bonds, as the interacting fluorine atoms may lack a positive site (e.g., a positive σ-hole). In this context, we investigated directional F···F interactions involving HF, CH4-nFn (n = 1-4), and C6H6-nFn (n = 1-6) interacting with negative sites in the same or different partner interacting species using computational methods, which exhibit complex geometries reminiscent of σ-hole interactions. However, such interactions between sites of like polarity are more appropriately described as σ-hole-centered anti-electrostatic interaction motifs, driven in part by dispersion, rather than being recognized as conventional σ-hole-centered halogen bonds. This interpretation is supported by molecular electrostatic surface potential and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory analyses.
Two-dimensional coalescence of holes (regions with thickness less than the surrounding film) in free-standing Smectic A films was studied. Investigations were made on two types of domains: circular holes and holes with a thin sheet of the external film between holes. Direct evidence was found that before start of coalescence a long, thin sheet of external film can exists between holes. This sheet determines the early mechanism of coalescence. It is shown that the existence of the sheet essentially elongates the linear temporal dependence of the size of the bridge connecting the two holes rb(t) ~ t. Later when the thin sheet disappears the crossover to the conventional dependence rb(t) ~ (t)1/2 was observed. Our results can explain numerous data on two-dimensional and quasi-two-dimensional coalescence at the early and later stages of coalescence.
Dural tenting is performed to reduce the risk of postoperative epidural hematoma; although its routine use remains controversial, it continues to be widely practiced. Suture passage through drill holes in the bone flap is conceptually simple but can be technically cumbersome, often requiring precise alignment and repeated attempts. We describe a pull-through technique using a ligature passer to enable controlled and reproducible suture passage. A single-use wire ligature passer (LAPA-HER-CLOSURE) was used to retrieve dural sutures through drill holes in the bone flap. The device was inserted from the outer table toward the inner surface, where a loop mechanism was deployed to capture the suture and withdraw it through the drill hole. This technique replaces blind threading of a flexible suture with controlled retrieval using a rigid device. The technique eliminates blind suture passage and reduces repeated attempts and unnecessary manipulation. It enables stable, reproducible suture passage through drill holes. Owing to its intuitive mechanical design, the technique requires minimal specialized training. Although the impact on overall operative time may be limited, it may reduce the time required for dural tenting, particularly when dural tenting is performed at multiple sites. This pull-through technique using a ligature passer is a simple and practical refinement that facilitates reliable suture passage and simplifies bone flap handling.
The unique combination of outstanding optical quality and attractive spin properties opens new avenues for optical spin control in hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite semiconductors. Using the optically detected magnetic resonance technique, we study the spins of electrons and holes in mixed-cation MA x FA 1 - x PbI 3 single crystals with x = 0.4 and 0.8. Multiple distinct spin subensembles with absolute values of g -factor spanning from 2.9 to 3.5 for electrons and from 0.5 to 1.6 for holes are resolved, revealing diverse localization environments. We measure the longitudinal spin relaxation times, T 1 , reaching 2 ms and remaining in the μ s range even for weakly localized carriers at cryogenic temperatures. The magnetic-field dependence of T 1 is dominated by the random nuclear (Overhauser) fields with strengths of ∼ 0.5  mT for electrons and ∼ 5 - 12  mT for holes. The corresponding correlation times of the hyperfine field are determined by carrier hopping between shallow localization sites. The temperature dependence of T 1 reveals a weak localization potential of the charge carriers and shows a correlation between T 1 and the inhomogeneity of the spin ensemble. These results establish mixed-A-site perovskite single crystals as a promising solid-state platform with long-lived spin states for quantum information applications.
Nipah virus (NiV) is a BSL-4 zoonotic paramyxovirus with ~75% human mortality. The matrix protein (M) of NiV and other paramyxoviruses binds the inner leaflet of the cellular plasma membrane, orchestrating virion assembly by bringing together transmembrane glycoproteins (F/G) and ribonucleoprotein complexes (N). However, the interactions of these full-length proteins within membrane complexes remain elusive. Using cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging of virus like particles (VLPs), we interrogated the protein:protein interactions of the main NiV structural proteins M/N/F/G. The M lattice structure determined to 7Å revealed a novel M-dimer arrangement that yielded two distinct repeating holes. Notably, F-trimers were arranged above only one of the two holes, dependent on F's cytoplasmic tail. G was enriched in regions of higher M-VLP curvature, while N dramatically increased M-VLP pleomorphism. This work provides novel insights into paramyxoviral protein complexes, structures, and morphology.
Series of layer-by-layer organic photovoltaics (LOPVs) were constructed with polymer D18 as donor and small molecule L8-BO with self-dissociation characteristics as acceptor. The high hole mobility and good crystallinity semiconductor C8-BTBT was deliberately incorporated into the D18 and L8-BO layers for optimizing the performance of LOPVs. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of LOPVs can be increased from 19.10% to 20.11% by incorporating 0.5 wt% C8-BTBT in D18 layer and 0.05 wt% C8-BTBT in L8-BO layer. The PCE improvement benefits from the synergistic enhancement of short circuit current density of 27.56 mA cm-2 and fill factor of 80.10%. The incorporation of C8-BTBT in L8-BO layer can provide efficient transport channels for holes generated from L8-BO exciton self-dissociation. Introducing C8-BTBT in D18 layer can facilitate holes transport owing to its high hole mobility relative to that of D18. The interdiffusion between the D18 and L8-BO layers can be enhanced by incorporating highly crystalline C8-BTBT, facilitating exciton dissociation through enlarged donor/acceptor interfaces, as confirmed from neutron reflectivity measurements. This work indicates that incorporating high hole mobility material with good crystallinity into donor and acceptor layers is an effective strategy for achieving high-performance LOPVs.
Using operando SECM, we visualized spatially separated surface reactions during PLA photoreforming over Ni2P/CdS: holes drive ˙OH generation on CdS, while electrons reduce protons on Ni2P.
The rapid switching of materials when excited by ultrashort pulses of light is central for many optical technologies, and in particular to the developing field of time-varying metamaterials. These out-of-equilibrium interactions are difficult to capture with traditional theoretical models. Here we combine experiments and theory to unravel different regimes of interactions and a response saturation for a 44 fs, near-infrared pump pulse exciting a switchable doped semiconductor indium tin oxide thin film target. We model this process as a change in plasma frequency due to the excitation of hot electrons in a non-parabolic conduction band, which increases their effective mass. Our calculations show that saturation at high pump intensities arises because the pump heavily depopulates electrons from below the Fermi level. Excellent agreement with values extracted from experimental data confirms our model. For lower pump intensities, a two-temperature model is consistent with our data, but at higher intensities, it is apparent that other processes are at work, which we attribute to Auger transitions from the valence band, which introduce complex structure into the response, due to non-equilibrium rearrangement of energy between electrons and holes.
Ultracold alkaline-earth atoms and molecules now enable experimental realizations of SU(N)-symmetric Fermi-Hubbard models, yet theoretical understanding of these systems, particularly at finite doping remains limited. Here we investigate the strong-coupling limit of the SU(3) symmetric Fermi-Hubbard model on the triangular lattice across the full doping range. Using a three-flavor extension of Gutzwiller-projected hidden fermion determinant states (G-HFDS), a neural network based variational ansatz, we analyze two- and three-point spin-spin and spin-spin-hole correlations of the SU(3) Cartan generators. We further study the structure of a pair of doped holes for large periodic systems, and compare our results to the paradigmatic SU(2) square lattice equivalent, finding strikingly similar magnetic correlations, non-s-wave pairing symmetry, and enhanced binding energies. Our results provide a foundation for future exploration of doped SU(N) Mott insulators, providing insights for both theoretical developments and quantum simulation experiments.
An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor was established by combining CRISPR/Cas12a technique and semiconductive bimetallic-organic framework (scMOF) [[CuxNi3-x(HITP)2] (HITP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene)]] emitter and employed to detect Salmonella using the allosteric probe as the recognition component. Given that CuxNi3-x(HITP)2 has demonstrated large specific surface area, both in-plane and out-of-plane charge transfer ability, narrowed band gap, and enhanced separation of holes and electrons, it can be simultaneously employed as the superior ECL emitter and bioplatform for anchoring single-strand DNA (ssDNA), thus improving the detection sensitivity toward Salmonella. The CRISPR/Cas12a-based system can specifically recognize the target sequence of Salmonella and activate the nuclease activity of Cas12a, and the activated Cas12a possesses trans-cleavage ability toward ssDNA. The CuxNi3-x(HITP)2 emitter is then released, resulting in the decline of the ECL response. The developed CuxNi3-x(HITP)2-CRISPR/Cas12a-based ECL biosensor exhibits the ultralow detection limit of 0.25 CFU mL- 1 in the linear range from 1.0 CFU mL- 1 to 106 CFU mL- 1, significantly lower than those of reported ones. Furthermore, the developed biosensor exhibits outstanding overall biosensing properties with high selectivity, favorable reproducibility and stability, together with promising practical applicability for the determination of Salmonella in a variety of foodstuffs.
Doping is a cornerstone strategy for enhancing charge transport in semiconducting polymers, important for their application in, for example, semi-transparent electrode materials, thermoelectric devices, and antistatic coatings. Both chemical and electrochemical doping have, for this purpose, been the focus of extensive research resulting in considerable progress. However, the interactions between neutral excitons and doping-induced charges to form multi-particle states are largely unexplored in soft organic semiconductors, and their signatures remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that coupling between excitons and polarons in doped polymers can lead to bound states such as trions (i.e., quasiparticles of an electron and two holes delocalized across three chromophores for p-doping), or bound exciton-hole pairs. Combining spectroscopic evidence with theoretical insights, we hypothesize that polymer architecture, dopant chemistry, and charge delocalization govern the formation and stability of these multi-particle states. More broadly, our findings reveal that trions and bound exciton-hole pairs-that is, three-body entities-are a key species in organic semiconductors that could open new pathways toward optoelectronic functionalities beyond conventional doping, including enhanced charge transport and quantum-coherent excitations.