Theoretical origins of extreme cell differentiation irreversibility in volvocine algae: A dynamic model of organismal size effects.

Oxygen-coordinated Cu single atoms enable unconventional inverse size-effect in Cu nanoparticles for superior electrochemical glucose sensing.

Hierarchical Bayesian estimation of a probabilistic fire occurrence model considering the effects of size, occupancy, and time-of-day

Supportive breeding programs are widely implemented to counteract demographic collapse in threatened populations. Their long-term success, however, depends on maintaining genetic diversity while ensuring that released individuals contribute effectively to wild populations. In Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), uncertainties remain regarding the capacity of captive broodstocks to preserve genetic variation and the demographic and genetic consequences of supplementation. Here, we evaluate the outcomes of a decade-long restoration program targeting two genetically differentiated but geographically proximate Atlantic salmon populations in the Romaine watershed (Romaine and Puyjalon population, Québec, Canada). Using microsatellite data, we performed population assignment, parentage analyses, and temporal estimates of effective number of breeders and genetic diversity. We assessed broodstock performance, the contribution of stocked individuals to wild populations, and the impact of two egg incubation treatments on fry to smolt survival. Despite sustained efforts to maintain large and representative broodstocks, the failure of wild-caught juvenile salmon to reach maturity substantially reduced the number of breeders, representing the greatest loss of genetic potential in the hatchery broodstock. Nevertheless, partial factorial mating and kinship-based management allowed us to avoid inbreeding and preserved levels of heterozygosity and allelic richness comparable to those observed in wild populations. Stocked individuals contributed around 25% to juvenile population size in both populations, without reducing effective population size or eroding genetic differentiation. Estimates of total effective population size consistently exceeded those of wild components alone, indicating no evidence of a Ryman-Laikre effect. Finally, egg incubation in the water of the Romaine River increased survival to smolt stage for genetically Romaine individuals but not for individuals from Puyjalon, suggesting local adaptation to early rearing conditions. These results demonstrate that, when carefully designed and genetically monitored, supportive breeding can reinforce depleted salmon populations without compromising genetic diversity and integrity.

Mode-dependent micropolar phase-field modeling of fracture in solids with size effects

This study shows that nonlocal models for fracture can be calibrated from field data, e.g., strain fields, stress and other internal variable fields, including their internal length. There is no need to consider specimens of various geometries or size effect data. However, such a calibration should be performed with caution as the fracture process zone ought to be well described. This work starts from a discrete model (LDPM) viewed as a high-fidelity model, and uses it to generate a synthetic data set for the calibration of a macroscale damage model. Compared to the methodology where the internal length and material parameters are obtained from fitting field data altogether, the present study shows that constraining the internal length in the nonlocal model to fit the width of the FPZ prior to calibration yields more accurate results. Consistent structural responses and correct size effects predictions are obtained. • Nonlocal model for fracture is calibrated from strain and stress field data obtained with a high fidelity discrete model. • A proper calibration needs to start from an accurate description of the size of the FPZ. • Internal length is adjusted to the size of the FPZ. • Calibration yields a consistent prediction of size eBect on notched bending beams. • Comparison with results obtained on L-Shaped specimen, including size eBect show a reasonable agreement.

To evaluate the effect of prostate size on surgical outcomes in single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP). We conducted a multicentre analysis of patients undergoing SP-RARP between 2018 and 2024. Our primary endpoint was to assess the impact of prostate size on SP-RARP surgical outcomes, including operating time, estimated blood loss (EBL), nerve-sparing status, margin status, and intra-/postoperative complications. Logistic regression models assessed the independent impact of prostate size (calculated at final pathology) on these outcomes. A total of 343 patients were included; the median (interquartile range) prostate size was 46 (37-52) g. Of these, 114 patients had a prostate size of ≤40 g, 175 of 41-69 g, and 54 of ≥70 g. Larger prostates were associated with significantly prolonged operating time (265 vs 301 vs 306 min, P < 0.001), increased EBL (100 vs 100 vs 150 mL, P = 0.012), and lower nerve-sparing rates (79% vs 64% vs 44%, P < 0.001). Non-focal positive margins occurred in 23% of cases, with no significant differences across size groups (P = 0.6), nor for intraoperative (P = 0.2) or for postoperative complications (P > 0.9) rates between prostate size groups. In multivariable logistic regression, prostate size remained an independent predictor of prolonged operating time above median (P = 0.012), increased EBL above median (P = 0.007), and lower nerve-sparing (P = 0.002). No significant association was found with margin status (P = 0.092) or postoperative complications (P > 0.9). Prostate size impacts intraoperative complexity in SP-RARP but does not increase complication or margin rates. These findings support the feasibility and safety of SP-RARP across a broad range of prostate sizes, consistent with trends reported for multiport RARP.

Physically-based mesh selectivity correction model for standardized microplastic abundance estimates in aquatic environment.

Effect of Pd particle size on the deactivation of Pd/θ-Al2O3 catalysts in lean propane oxidation under Humidity

Macroscopic-microscopic performance experiments of ceramic fiber modified cementitious grouting materials and study on the interaction mechanism between slurry particles

Effect of grain size and deformation temperature on the mechanical properties of nanocrystalline NiTiFe shape memory alloys

Moderate higher-order interactions enhance stability while preserving basin structure

Effective biomolecule size discrimination is essential for bioanalysis and biomedical engineering. However, traditional techniques for discriminating large DNA molecules, such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, are time-consuming, while micro/nanofluidic devices that use nanostructured molecular sieves are costly and impractical for large-scale production. We hypothesized that polymer brush films could effectively separate large DNA by size, functioning as nanoscale molecular sieves. We prepared 100 nm-high hydrated polymer brush films from 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and examined the electrophoretic mobility of adsorbed λ and T4 DNA (48.5 and 166 kbp, respectively). We visualized individual DNA molecules under different electric fields using fluorescence microscopy and investigated their electrophoretic behavior at the brush–solution interface using neutron reflectivity. We found that DNA mobility in polymer brushes becomes strongly size-dependent above a critical electric field, enabling precise size discrimination. Higher voltages and larger DNA sizes result in more complex morphologies, indicating more frequent DNA–brush interactions. Neutron reflectivity confirmed that stronger electric fields draw DNA molecules closer to the substrate, enhancing DNA–brush interactions and reducing size-exclusion effects. In polymer brush films, DNA–matrix interactions are controlled by electric field strength, unlike in gel electrophoresis, where they rely on polymer density. Optimized polymer brush electrophoresis enables rapid and precise mobility-based size discrimination from single-molecule tracking and simplifies DNA recovery owing to the absence of a three-dimensional mesh structure. These observations highlight the potential of polymer brush films for biomolecular discrimination and analysis, thereby advancing their application in molecular biology and clinical diagnostics. • Polymer brush films offer a soft, scalable alternative to gel-based DNA sieving • Electric field strength regulates DNA–brush interactions • DNA mobility becomes size-dependent above a critical electric field • Larger DNA adopts complex conformations and shows reduced migration speed • Neutron reflectivity shows DNA shifts closer to the substrate under stronger fields

Forecasting and optimal control model to assess the potential role of vaccine hesitancy and supportive care in East Java measles outbreak.

Concrete is a multiphase composite material composed of high-strength aggregates, a cement matrix, and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), whose inherent heterogeneity plays a critical role in its mechanical response. Phenomenological numerical models often assume a homogeneous material formulation, limiting their ability to capture localised failure mechanisms and the composite behaviour. This study presents a mesoscale modelling framework that explicitly represents concrete heterogeneity by incorporating aggregate distribution into finite element meshes generated from design-stage parameters. The approach is applied to ballistic impact scenarios and validated against previously published data by the authors. Finite elements simulations reproduced key experimental trends in stress-strain response, projectile residual velocity and mass loss. Furthermore, the heterogeneous formulation captured effects such as size-dependent behaviour, brittle-to-ductile transition and projectile rotation – which are not available using homogenised models. The framework is scalable and efficient, allowing for parametric studies on aggregate volume fraction, particle size distribution, and aggregate shape. This modelling approach may be used to optimise aggregate parameters during the design stage of a protective structure in response to a specified external threat. • Mesoscale model captured concrete heterogeneity using realistic aggregate geometry. • Framework reproduced size effects and brittle-to-ductile transition in concrete. • Simulations reflect experimental scatter in both material and ballistic tests. • Approach supports aggregate optimisation for protective structures.

Quantitative prediction of size effects using an advanced micromorphic approach

This study aims to examine the effect of firm size, net profit margin, earnings per share, and market value added on stock returns. The population used is 91 energy sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the 2020 -2024 period. This study uses a quantitative research method with a sampling technique using purposive sampling, a sampling technique with certain criteria. Based on these criteria, 13 companies were obtained as samples. In this study, the researchers used data analysis techniques including descriptive statistical analysis, classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression tests, and hypothesis testing using the SPSS version 26 application. The results of the study indicate that firm size has a negative and significant effect on stock returns, net profit margin and earnings per share have a positive but insignificant effect on stock returns, while market value added has a positive and significant effect on stock returns. Finally, together, firm size, net profit margin, earnings per share, and market value added have a significant effect on stock returns. The policy implications of this research are that energy sector companies need to increase shareholder value through investment management and business strategies that can generate high MVA. Furthermore, investors are advised to consider MVA indicators and company size when making investment decisions, while capital market regulators can encourage increased transparency of information related to corporate value creation to support market efficiency and investor protection.

This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of different aligner thicknesses and expansion step sizes with the Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) on the midpalatal suture, teeth, and periodontal tissues during maxillary arch expansion using the finite element method (FEM), thereby facilitating its more precise and effective clinical application. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element models, including teeth, bilateral maxilla, midpalatal suture, periodontal ligament (PDL), aligner, and attachments, were constructed. Stress distribution and initial displacement of the midpalatal suture, teeth, and PDL were evaluated under three aligner thicknesses (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5mm) and different step sizes (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3mm). During expansion with the IPE, increased aligner thickness markedly enhanced the buccal displacement of posterior teeth, increased midpalatal suture initial displacement, and promoted bodily movement rather than tipping, albeit with increased PDL stress. A greater step size increased buccal displacement of the first molar but reduced that of the primary molars. Thicker aligners (≥ 1.0mm) combined with a larger step size directed mechanical effects posteriorly to a greater degree, promoting greater suture initial displacement in the posterior region. The thickness of the IPE aligner is the dominant factor regulating tooth movement patterns and midpalatal suture initial displacement, while step size modulates the magnitude and distribution of the mechanical response in the posterior maxillary arch. To promote greater posterior midpalatal suture displacement, we recommend using aligners with a thickness of at least 1.0mm in combination with an appropriately increased step size.

Pickering emulsions have attracted significant interest due to their superior stability compared to surfactant-stabilized emulsions. Particle size is a key parameter in the stabilization of Pickering emulsions. However, a fundamental understanding of how particle size influences emulsion stabilization across different homogenization methods remains unclear. In this study, the effects of silica nanoparticle size on Pickering emulsion formation and stability were investigated under different processing methods, including rotor-stator homogenization, ultrasonication, and high-pressure homogenization. Emulsion structure and stability were evaluated using droplet size analysis, interfacial adsorption measurements, ζ-potential characterization, and Turbiscan stability analysis. Multivariate Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression was further applied to assess the relative importance of particle size. The results show that the effect of particle size on emulsion stability strongly depends on the processing method. Under rotor-stator homogenization, stability was governed by a balance between droplet size reduction and particle sedimentation, resulting in optimal stability for intermediate-sized nanoparticles. Under ultrasonication, smaller nanoparticles enhanced stability primarily through increased interfacial adsorption. In contrast, for high-pressure homogenization, particle size effects on droplet structure were largely masked, and stability was mainly constrained by limited coalescence during storage and sedimentation of larger particles. These findings show that particle size influences Pickering emulsion stability through distinct mechanisms under different homogenization methods, providing guidance for the rational design of particle-stabilized emulsions.

Brown trout (Salmo trutta) has adapted to a wide range of habitats and displays a variety of life-history strategies. Being facultatively anadromous, populations without migration barriers to the sea consist of both resident and anadromous individuals in different proportions. This affects genetic drift and the level of gene flow between populations, and therefore shapes the metapopulation structure. Here, utilizing genetic variation at 95 SNP markers, we describe the genetic structure and effective size of a brown trout population inhabiting the Fremstad catchment that supports both anadromous and freshwater resident life histories. Compared to other sea trout populations in the region, the Fremstad population is genetically divergent with a unique genetic signal. A weak and significant genetic structure was observed in the Fremstad catchment, and anadromous individuals were not assigned to a specific lake or stream. The effective population size of brown trout in the Fremstad catchment is large compared to the average annual entry of sea trout into the catchment; hence, a large proportion of non-anadromous spawners likely contribute to the population. Approximately 2% of sea trout entering the catchment were strays from other populations. Because of a large proportion of non-anadromous spawners, the proportion of strays into the overall spawning population is likely to be lower than observed among the sea trout, and contribute to the genetic divergence of the Fremstad population from other populations. This study adds to our understanding of the evolutionary drivers that affect the genetic structure of anadromous brown trout populations and demonstrates how small spawning streams can be evolutionarily important in supporting a large and genetically unique population.