bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different skeletal protein toolkits achieve similar structure and performance in the tropical coral Stylophora pistillata and the temperate Oculina patagonica
Authors: Zaquin Tal , Di Bisceglie Anna Paola , Pinkas Iddo , Falini Giuseppe , Mass Tali
Published: October 2022

Stony corals (order: Scleractinia) differ in growth form and structure. While stony corals have gained the ability to form their aragonite skeleton once in their evolution, the suite of proteins involved in skeletogenesis is different for different coral species. This led to the conclusion that the organic portion of their skeleton can undergo rapid evolutionary changes by independently evolving new biomineralization-related proteins. Here, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to sequence skeletogenic proteins extracted from the encrusting temperate coral Oculina patagonica. We compare it to the previously published skeletal proteome of the branching subtropical corals Stylophora pistillata as both are regarded as highly resilient to environmental changes. We further characterized the skeletal organic matrix (OM) composition of both taxa and tested their effects on the mineral formation using a series of overgrowth experiments on calcite seeds. We found that each species utilizes a different set of proteins containing different amino acid compositions and achieve a different morphology modification capacity on calcite overgrowth. Our results further support the hypothesis that the different coral taxa utilize a species-specific protein set comprised of independent gene co-option to construct their own unique organic matrix framework. While the protein set differs between species, the specific predicted roles of the whole set appear to underline similar functional roles. They include assisting in forming the extracellular matrix, nucleation of the mineral and cell signaling. Nevertheless, the different composition might be the reason for the varying organization of the mineral growth in the presence of a particular skeletal OM, ultimately forming their distinct morphologies.
Calibrating cardiac electrophysiology models using latent Gaussian processes on atrial manifolds
Authors: Coveney Sam , Roney Caroline H. , Corrado Cesare , Wilkinson Richard D. , Oakley Jeremy E. , Niederer Steven A. , Clayton Richard H.
Published: October 2022

Models of electrical excitation and recovery in the heart have become increasingly detailed, but have yet to be used routinely in the clinical setting to guide personalized intervention in patients. One of the main challenges is calibrating models from the limited measurements that can be made in a patient during a standard clinical procedure. In this work, we propose a novel framework for the probabilistic calibration of electrophysiology parameters on the left atrium of the heart using local measurements of cardiac excitability. Parameter fields are represented as Gaussian processes on manifolds and are linked to measurements via surrogate functions that map from local parameter values to measurements. The posterior distribution of parameter fields is then obtained. We show that our method can recover parameter fields used to generate localised synthetic measurements of effective refractory period. Our methodology is applicable to other measurement types collected with clinical protocols, and more generally for calibration where model parameters vary over a manifold.
Hydroxymethylation profile of cell-free DNA is a biomarker for early colorectal cancer
Authors: Walker Nicolas J. , Rashid Mamunur , Yu Shirong , Bignell Helen , Lumby Casper K. , Livi Carmen M. , Howell Kate , Morley David J. , Morganella Sandro , Barrell Daniel , Caim Shabhonam , Gosal Walraj , Füllgrabe Jens , Charlesworth Thomas J. , Vasquez Louella , Ahdesmäki Miika , Eizenga Jordan , Prabhat Parul , Proutski Vitali , Murat-Onana Marie Laurie , Greenwood Catherine J. , Kirkwood Lisa , Maisuria-Armer Meeta , Li Mengjie , Coats Emma , Winfield Victoria , MacBean Lachlan , Stock Toby , Tomé-Fernandez Alice , Chan Yat , Sheikh Nasir , Golder Paula , Steward Michael , Ost Tobias W. B. , Stewart Douglas , Vilella Albert , Noursalehi Mojtaba , Paten Benedict , Lucarelli Debora , Mason Joanne , Ridge Gareth , Mellad Jason , Shirodkar Suman , Balasubaramanian Shankar , Holbrook Joanna D.
Published: October 2022

Early detection of cancer will improve survival rates. The blood biomarker 5-hydroxymethylcytosine has been shown to discriminate cancer. In a large covariate-controlled study of over two thousand individual blood samples, we created, tested and explored the properties of a 5-hydroxymethylcytosine-based classifier to detect colorectal cancer (CRC). In an independent validation sample set, the classifier discriminated CRC samples from controls with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 90% (95% CI [87, 93]). Sensitivity was 55% at 95% specificity. Performance was similar for early stage 1 (AUC 89%; 95% CI [83, 94]) and late stage 4 CRC (AUC 94%; 95% CI [89, 98]). The classifier could detect CRC even when the proportion of tumor DNA in blood was undetectable by other methods. Expanding the classifier to include information about cell-free DNA fragment size and abundance across the genome led to gains in sensitivity (63% at 95% specificity), with similar overall performance (AUC 91%; 95% CI [89, 94]). We confirm that 5-hydroxymethylcytosine can be used to detect CRC, even in early-stage disease. Therefore, the inclusion of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in multianalyte testing could improve sensitivity for the detection of early-stage cancer.
Meta-connectomic analysis maps consistent, reproducible, and transcriptionally relevant functional connectome hubs in the human brain
Authors: Xu Zhilei , Xia Mingrui , Wang Xindi , Liao Xuhong , Zhao Tengda , He Yong
Published: October 2022

Human brain connectomes include sets of densely connected hub regions. However, the consistency and reproducibility of functional connectome hubs have not been established to date and the genetic signatures underlying robust hubs remain unknown. Here, we conduct a worldwide harmonized meta-connectomic analysis by pooling resting-state functional MRI data of 5212 healthy young adults across 61 independent cohorts. We identify highly consistent and reproducible connectome hubs in heteromodal and unimodal regions both across cohorts and across individuals, with the greatest effects observed in lateral parietal cortex. These hubs show heterogeneous connectivity profiles and are critical for both intra- and inter-network communications. Using post-mortem transcriptome datasets, we show that as compared to non-hubs, connectome hubs have a spatiotemporally distinctive transcriptomic pattern dominated by genes involved in the neuropeptide signaling pathway, neurodevelopmental processes, and metabolic processes. These results highlight the robustness of macroscopic connectome hubs and their potential cellular and molecular underpinnings, which markedly furthers our understanding of how connectome hubs emerge in development, support complex cognition in health, and are involved in disease.
Wildfire imagery reduces risk information-seeking among homeowners as property wildfire risk increases
Authors: Byerly Flint Hilary , Champ Patricia A. , Meldrum James R. , Brenkert-Smith Hannah
Published: October 2022

Negative imagery of destruction may induce or inhibit action to reduce risks from climate-exacerbated hazards, such as wildfires. This has generated conflicting assumptions among experts who communicate with homeowners: half of surveyed wildfire practitioners perceive a lack of expert agreement about the effect of negative imagery (a burning house) on homeowner behavior, yet most believe negative imagery is more engaging. We tested whether this expectation matched homeowner response in the United States. In an online experiment, homeowners who viewed negative imagery reported more negative emotions but the same behavioral intentions compared to those who viewed status-quo landscape photos. In a pre-registered field experiment, homeowners who received a postcard showing negative imagery were equally likely, overall, to visit a wildfire risk webpage as those whose postcard showed a status quo photo. However, the negative imagery decreased webpage visits as homeowners’ wildfire risk increased. These results illustrate the importance of testing assumptions to encourage behavioral adaptation to climate change.
Preparation and modification of PS–PMMA microspheres and their application in high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Wang Yu , Xiao Jingyuan , Cao Hongtao , Xing Jie , Cong Hailin , Shen Youqing , Yu Bing
Published: October 2022

In this work, we prepared and synthesized vancomycin-modified PS–PMMA microspheres, and the application of the microspheres as a stationary phase for HPLC was explored.
Recent advances in the intracellular delivery of macromolecule therapeutics
Authors: Chen Si-Yi , Xu Xiao-Xue , Li Xin , Yi Ning-Bo , Li Shi-Zhuo , Xiang Xing-Cheng , Cheng Dong-Bing , Sun Taolei
Published: October 2022

This review summarizes the uptake pathway of intracellular delivery vehicles for macromolecule therapeutics, and provides in-depth discussions and prospects about intracellular delivery of macromolecule therapeutics.
Dynamic covalent polymers enabled by reversible isocyanate chemistry
Authors: Liu Wenxing , Yang Shijia , Huang Lei , Xu Jian , Zhao Ning
Published: October 2022

Reversible isocyanate chemistry containing urethane, thiourethane, and urea bonds is valuable for designing dynamic covalent polymers to achieve promising applications in recycling, self-healing, shape morphing, 3D printing, and composites.
Recent advances in precursor-derived ceramics integrated with two-dimensional materials
Authors: Chen Jianxin , Ding Jichao , Shan Jiahui , Wang Tianyi , Zhou Rui , Zhuang Qiang , Kong Jie
Published: October 2022

This review focused on the recent advances in precursor-derived ceramics integrated with two-dimensional materials. Their fabrication methods, structures and applications were discussed in detail and the perspectives in this field were presented.
Rational designs of structurally similar TADF and HLCT emitters with benzo- or naphtho-carbazole units as electron donors
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Li Tingyu , Zhang Mingfan , Guo Dongxue , Zhang Houyu
Published: October 2022

Structurally similar D–A type molecules with the combination of benzo- or naphtho-carbazole units as electron donors and tunable electron acceptors with different electron-withdrawing ability are designed to realize HLCT and TADF emissions.
N-Formylation of amines utilizing CO2by a heterogeneous metal–organic framework supported single-site cobalt catalyst
Authors: Newar Rajashree , Kalita Rahul , Akhtar Naved , Antil Neha , Chauhan Manav , Manna Kuntal
Published: October 2022

Single-site cobalt-hydride supported on oxo-nodes of a porous aluminium metal–organic framework is a chemoselective and reusable catalyst forN-formylation of amines using CO2.
Cooperative catalysis of Cu/2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine-N-oxyl nanocatalysts supported by ultraviolet light-responsive polyimides
Authors: Xiao Wei , Qiu Meishuang , Peng Yan , Chen Tianyou , Yi Changfeng , Xu Zushun
Published: October 2022

Azobenzene-containing polyimides were used as supports to immobilize pyrene-containing Cu/2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine-N-oxyl catalytic systems with UV-regulated cooperative behaviors.
Thermal instability originating from the interface between organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites and oxide electron transport layers
Authors: Song Jingsi , Liu Hongpeng , Pu Wenhua , Lu Yue , Si Zhixiang , Zhang Zeyu , Ge Yang , Li Nengxu , Zhou Huanping , Xiao Wei , Wang Ligen , Sui Manling
Published: October 2022

The thermal instability of organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is one of the most important factors restraining their commercialization.
Anodic oxidation to produce persulfate for treatment of oilfield wastewater and synthesis of Fe(vi)
Authors: Wu Lulu , Yan Huidi , Zhang Naidong
Published: October 2022

To improve the effect of oilfield wastewater treatment and achieve the purpose of resource utilization of waste.
Petasites japonicus leaf extract inhibits Alzheimer's-like pathology through suppression of neuroinflammation
Authors: Eo Hyeyoon , Lee Seungmin , Kim Seong Hye , Ju In Gyoung , Huh Eugene , Lim Jeongin , Park Sangsu , Oh Myung Sook
Published: October 2022

Neuroinflammation is a crucial step involved in development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. The current study found that Petasites japonicus leaf extract inhibits neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides and amyloid beta oligomers.
Short-term serum and urinary changes in sex hormones of healthy pre-pubertal children after the consumption of commercially available whole milk powder: a randomized, two-level, controlled-intervention trial in China
Authors: Wu Jieshu , Shi Xi , Zhang Man , Lu Xiaolong , Qin Rui , Hu Manli , Wang Zhixu
Published: October 2022

Progesterone was found in commercial milk. After consuming this milk, compared with the control, serum progesterone levels after 3 h and urinary pregnanediol levels within 4 h increased, but those in urine after 48 h had no significant change.
Large variability and complexity of isothermal solubility for a series of redox-active phenothiazines
Authors: Perera Anton S. , Suduwella T. Malsha , Attanayake N. Harsha , Jha Rahul Kant , Eubanks William L. , Shkrob Ilya A. , Risko Chad , Kaur Aman Preet , Odom Susan A.
Published: October 2022

The advance non-aqueous redox flow batteries require redox-active organic molecules (ROM) with large solubilities in all states of charge (NMR-spectrometer icon by DBCLS and screen and workstation icons by Simon Duerr licensed under creative commons).
Synthesis, aromaticity, charge transport in OFET devices and nonlinear optical properties of tetrathia/oxa[22]porphyrin(2.1.2.1)s: a decade of progress
Authors: Singh Kamaljit , Kaur Paramjit
Published: October 2022

Charge transport (p-channel and/or ambipolar) in thin film and single crystal OFET devices and efficacious NLO response of tetrathis/oxa[22]porphyrin(2.1.2.1)s and/or their air stable, supramolecular donor-acceptor dyads, present new possibilities in organic electronics.
Preparation of artificial graphite coated with sodium alginate as a negative electrode material for lithium-ion battery study and its lithium storage properties
Authors: Rao Xianfa , Zhang Lixia , Li Baobao , Zeng Xinxiong , Xiao Wenlong , Lou Yitao , Xie Huanmeng , Yan Huchen , Yi Zixuan , Zhong Shengwen
Published: October 2022

Artificial graphite has problems such as electrolyte erosion during long cycle and unstable lamellar structure. Sodium alginate (SA) coating modified graphite anode was proposed and obtained to effectively solve the above problems.
Correction: Resolving nanoscopic structuring and interfacial THz dynamics in setting cements
Authors: Song Fu V. , Yang Bin , Di Tommaso Devis , Donnan Robert S. , Chass Gregory A. , Yada Rickey Y. , Farrar David H. , Tian Kun V.
Published: October 2022

Correction for ‘Resolving nanoscopic structuring and interfacial THz dynamics in setting cements’ by Fu V. Song et al., Mater. Adv., 2022, 3, 4982–4990, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01002F.
Facile fabrication and luminescence properties of a new ZnII coordination polymer-based fluorescent sensor toward antibiotics
Authors: Wang Jin-Jin , Li Le-Qian , Zhu Zi-Hao , Zheng Teng-Fei , Xu Hui , Peng Yan , Chen Jing-Lin , Liu Sui-Jun , Wen He-Rui
Published: October 2022

A new ZnII-based coordination polymer could selectively and sensitively recognize NFT and DCN via turn-off effect. Interestingly, a mixed matrix film for visualizable sensing has been successfully developed.
Formal [4+1] cyclization of (thio/imido)hydrazides and ethyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropanoate: unified synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles and 1,2,4-triazoles
Authors: Zhao Lan , Xu Jun , Ma Jun , Yin Guangwei , Li Fangyi , Suo Tongchuan , Wang Chunhua
Published: October 2022

We have developed a unified approach to 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles and 1,2,4-triazoles with ethyl acetate decoration by treating hydrazides, thiohydrazides and imidohydrazide with ethyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropanoate in the presence of a suitable base.
Ligand-free access to benzisothiazolones and benzisoselenazolones through NiFe2O4 catalyzed concomitant annulation of 2-halobenzanilides with chalcogens and their late-stage transformations
Authors: Dhara Samiran , Saha Moumita , Das Asish R.
Published: October 2022

A practical non-hazardous one-pot protocol for the synthesis of benzisothiazolones and benzisoselenazolones, involving magnetically retrievable nano-nickel ferrite catalyzed tandem annulation between 2-halobenzanilides and elemental S8 or Se.
Synthesis, structure–property relationships and absorbance modulation of highly asymmetric photochromes with variable oxidation and substitution patterns
Authors: Uno Kakishi , Kim Dojin , Bucevicius Jonas , Bossi Mariano L. , Belov Vladimir N. , Hell Stefan W.
Published: October 2022

Asymmetric 1,2-diarylperfluorocyclopentenes with “inverse” photochromism (due to shorter conjugation path in the closed-ring isomer), rapid switching and large absorption modulation are reported.
A three dimensional graphdiyne-like porous triptycene network for gas adsorption and separation
Authors: Ma Hui , Yang Bin-Bin , Wang Zhen , Wu Kai , Zhang Chun
Published: October 2022

The graphdiyne unit was proved to exhibit application potential for acetylene/ethylene separation in this work through constructing a three dimensional graphdiyne-like porous triptycene network.
Microplastics in aquatic systems, a comprehensive review: origination, accumulation, impact, and removal technologies
Authors: Tursi Antonio , Baratta Mariafrancesca , Easton Thomas , Chatzisymeon Efthalia , Chidichimo Francesco , De Biase Michele , De Filpo Giovanni
Published: October 2022

Although the discovery of plastic in the last century has brought enormous benefits to daily activities, it must be said that its use produces countless environmental problems that are difficult to solve.
Recent development and challenges in fuel cells and water electrolyzer reactions: an overview
Authors: Ramachandran Rasu , Chen Tse-Wei , Veerakumar Pitchaimani , Anushya Ganesan , Chen Shen-Ming , Kannan Ramanjam , Mariyappan Vinitha , Chitra Selvam , Ponmurugaraj Nagappan , Boominathan Muthusamy
Published: October 2022

This review expresses recent trends in electrocatalysts towards hydrogen production and water oxidation. The recent and future trends with different strategies for the development of electrocatalysts for fuel cells are highlighted.
Molecular dynamics simulations of cyanine dimers attached to DNA Holliday junctions
Authors: Biaggne Austin , Kim Young C. , Melinger Joseph. S. , Knowlton William B. , Yurke Bernard , Li Lan
Published: October 2022

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal dye attachment and DNA Holliday junction isomer effects on dye dimer orientations and excitonic couplings. These simulations can guide synthesis and experiments of dye-DNA structures for excitonic applications.
Calcium hydroxide recycled from waste eggshell resources for the effective recovery of fluoride from wastewater
Authors: Chen Wenjing , Wu Yuanyue , Xie Zhiyin , Li Yiyuan , Tang Weitai , Yu Jinbei
Published: October 2022

Calcium hydroxide derived from eggshells can remove F− efficiently in water with the adsorption capacity of 370.15 mg g−1, and the final concentration can meet the guidelines of the WHO, which is below 1.5 mg L−1.
Nearly monodispersed, emission-tuneable conjugated polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Bourke Struan , Urbano Laura , Midson Megan M. , Olona Antoni , Qazi-Choudhry Basma , Panamarova Maryna , Valderrama Ferran , Long Nicholas J. , Dailey Lea-Ann , Green Mark
Published: October 2022

We describe the synthesis of monodispersed, silica encapsulated conjugated polymer nanoparticles, their colour tunability and use in imaging HeLa cells.
Design and facile synthesis of a photothermally active metal–organic framework bearing persistent radicalsviapost-synthetic thermal annealing
Authors: Zhong Yuan-Hui , Chung Lai-Hon , Zhao Sheng-Yi , Feng Zihao , Hu Jieying , Li Ning , Liao Wei-Ming , Wong Wai-Yeung , Yu Lin , He Jun
Published: October 2022

Through simple thermal annealing, post-synthetically modified MOFs with biradical properties were obtained. These MOFs bear persistent radicals, even stable in boiling water, and exhibit high conversion efficiency in solar-driven water evaporation.
Triangular-shaped homologous heterostructure as photocatalytic H2S scavenger and macrophage modulator for rheumatoid arthritis therapy
Authors: Ding Ziqiao , Li Wen , Dou Yunsheng , Zhou Yue , Ren Yingzi , Jing Huaqing , Liang Xiaoyang , Wang Xinxing , Li Nan
Published: October 2022

A triangular-shaped homologous heterostructure, Ag/Ag2S, modified with PEG-FA and loaded with resveratrol (Ag/Ag2S-PEG-FA/RSV NTs) was fabricated to scavenge H2S and modulate activated macrophage alteration for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
A mechanically robust and stable estradiol-loaded PHEMA-based hydrogel barrier for intrauterine adhesion treatment
Authors: Xie Xiangyan , Xu Ruijuan , Ouyang Hongyan , Tan Shiqiao , Guo Chuan , Luo Xingqi , Xie Yuanjie , Wu Di , Dong Xiangyu , Wu Jinrong , Wang Yi , Zhao Lijuan
Published: October 2022

The mechanically robust estradiol-loaded PHMH-Si hydrogel could not only release estradiol sustainably and locally but also be a mechanically robust and stable barrier in the uterine cavity, which may be a novel and effective treatment for IUAs.
Design of foldable, responsively drug-eluting polyacrylic intraocular lens bulk materials for prevention of postoperative complications
Authors: Hong Yueze , Zou Haoyu , Hu Yulin , Fei Fan , Liang Lin , Liu Dong , Han Yuemei , Lin Quankui
Published: October 2022

An anti-proliferative drug was conjugated into bulk material via Schiff base bond to construct a pH-responsive drug-eluting IOL. The pH-responsive drug-eluting IOL can effectively prevent posterior capsular opacification after implantation.
Antibonding induced anharmonicity leading to ultralow lattice thermal conductivity and extraordinary thermoelectric performance in CsK2X (X = Sb, Bi)
Authors: Yuan Kunpeng , Zhang Xiaoliang , Chang Zheng , Tang Dawei , Hu Ming
Published: October 2022

A first principles-based machine learning potential is developed to model the phonon transport properties in full Heusler CsK2Sb and CsK2Bi taking account of all higher-order phonon interactions.
Below zero
Authors: Desing Harald
Published: October 2022

Massive CO2 removals will be necessary to avoid climate tipping. Comparing removals with past, current and future carbon stocks and flows reveals the importance of avoiding fossil emissions completely and developing scalable technical solutions.
Can Closed-Set Word Recognition Differentially Assess Vowel and Consonant Perception for School-Age Children With and Without Hearing Loss?
Authors: Buss Emily , Felder Jenna , Miller Margaret K. , Leibold Lori J. , Calandruccio Lauren
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Vowels and consonants play different roles in language acquisition and speech recognition, yet standard clinical tests do not assess vowel and consonant perception separately. As a result, opportunities for targeted intervention may be lost. This study evaluated closed-set word recognition tests designed to rely predominantly on either vowel or consonant perception and compared results with sentence recognition scores.

Method:

Participants were children (5–17 years of age) and adults (18–38 years of age) with normal hearing and children with sensorineural hearing loss (7–17 years of age). Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were measured in speech-shaped noise. Children with hearing loss were tested with their hearing aids. Word recognition was evaluated using a three-alternative forced-choice procedure, with a picture-pointing response; monosyllabic target words varied with respect to either consonant or vowel content. Sentence recognition was evaluated for low- and high-probability sentences. In a subset of conditions, stimuli were low-pass filtered to simulate a steeply sloping hearing loss in participants with normal hearing.

Results:

Children's SRTs improved with increasing age for words and sentences. Low-pass filtering had a larger effect for consonant-variable words than vowel-variable words for both children and adults with normal hearing, consistent with the greater high-frequency content of consonants. Children with hearing loss tested with hearing aids tended to perform more poorly than age-matched children with normal hearing, particularly for sentence recognition, but consonant- and vowel-variable word recognition did not appear to be differentially affected by the amount of high- and low-frequency hearing loss.

Conclusions:

Closed-set recognition of consonant- and vowel-variable words appeared to differentially evaluate vowel and consonant perception but did not vary by configuration of hearing loss in this group of pediatric hearing aid users. Word scores obtained in this manner do not fully characterize the auditory abilities necessary for open-set sentence recognition, but they do provide a general estimate.
Narrative Interventions for Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: A Call and Plan for Future Research
Authors: Neal Corinne , Brady Nancy
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Interventions that target the full breadth of communication skills for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) are needed in the literature. Narrative interventions for AAC would target the important communication skill of storytelling and may have broader academic and social effects. The authors review the components of narrative interventions that have been effective with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and could be modified for those who use AAC.

Conclusion:

Finally, a line of research developing AAC narrative interventions is proposed.
Compression artifact reduction of low bit‐rate videos via deep neural networks using self‐similarity prior
Authors: Liu Dongsheng , Yu Runyi , Chen Wei‐Gang
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a hybrid scheme that integratedly uses self‐similarity prior and deep convolutional neural network (CNN) fusion for compression artifact reduction in low bit‐rate video applications. Based on the temporal correlation hypothesis, the self‐similarity prior is extended to the temporal domain by using as references not only the current decoded frame but also its neighbouring frames. Furthermore, being cognizant of that the bicubic downsampling process can typically improve the perceptual quality of a video coded at low bit‐rate, for each small patch in the current frame, we search for similar patches in down‐scaled versions of these references, and then form several self‐similarity prior based predictions by tiling these similar patches at corresponding positions. To further exploit information flow across scales, a deep CNN model is constructed that contains two sub‐networks to estimate the final output. One sub‐network takes the self‐similarity prior based predictions along with the decoded frame itself; and the other takes the down‐scaled versions of these frames as network input. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can remarkably improve, both subjectively and objectively, quality of compressed video sequences of low bit‐rates.
Optically thick, nonlocal, inhomogeneous, stationary jet model for high-energy radiation from blazars: Application to Mrk 421
Authors: Banasinski Piotr , Bednarek Wlodek
Published: October 2022

Context. There is an increasing number of observational evidence that very high energy γ-rays in radio-loud activ galactic nuclei are produced in the direct vicinity of a supermassive black hole (SMBH), close to the base of a relativistic jet. In the case of some blazars, the angle between the jet axis and the observer’s line of sight is smaller than the angular extent of the jet. γ-rays that are produced close to SMBH therefore have to propagate in the nonthermal radiation of the extended jet before reaching the observer. This γ-ray emission can be strongly absorbed in the extended jet radiation, producing a second generation of e± pairs that loses energy mainly via the synchrotron process.

Aims. We developed a nonlocal, inhomogeneous, stationary jet model in order to describe the multiwavelength emission from blazars. With this advanced model, we investigated the impact of the extended jet radiation on the propagation of γ-rays that are ejected from the direct vicinity of SMBH toward an observer located within the solid angle of the jet. We determined the conditions under which γ-rays are absorbed in the jet radiation and explored the effect of this absorption process on the γ-ray spectra and on the hard X-ray emission observed from some blazars.

Methods. We first developed an inhomogeneous, stationary jet model in which the radiation that is produced nonlocally in the jet was taken into account when we calculated the nonthermal emission in the broad energy range. This emission serves as a target on which γ-rays, produced close to SMBH, can be absorbed. As a result, the cascade is initiated within the jet through inverse Compton and synchrotron processes.

Results. We show that this advanced inhomogeneous jet model can explain the multiwavelength spectrum of the BL Lac object Mrk 421 in a nonflaring state for reasonable parameters of the jet and the SMBH. Moreover, we argue that synchrotron emission from the secondary e± pairs, which appear as a result of absorption of γ-rays that are produced close to the SMBH within the jet radiation, is consistent with the concave hard X-ray emission observed from Mrk 421.
Companions to Kepler giant stars: A long-period eccentric sub-stellar companion to KIC 3526061 and a stellar companion to HD 187878
Authors: Karjalainen Marie , Karjalainen Raine , Hatzes Artie P. , Lehmann Holger , Kervella Pierre , Hekker Saskia , Van Winckel Hans , Überlauer Jakub , Vítková Michaela , Skarka Marek , Kabáth Petr , Prins Saskia , Tkachenko Andrew , Cochran William D. , Jorissen Alain
Published: October 2022

Context. Our knowledge of populations and the occurrence of planets orbiting evolved intermediate-mass stars is still incomplete. In 2010 we started a planet search programme among 95 giant stars observed by the Kepler mission to increase the sample of giant stars with planets and with reliable estimates of stellar masses and radii.

Aims. We present the two systems from our planet search programme whose companions we were able to characterise: KIC 3526061 and HD 187878.

Methods. We used precise stellar radial velocity measurements taken with four different echelle spectrographs to derive an orbital solution. We used Gaia astrometric measurements to obtain the inclination of the HD 187878 system and Kepler photometric observations to estimate the stellar mass and radius.

Results. We report the discovery of a sub-stellar companion and a stellar companion around two intermediate-mass red giant branch stars. KIC 3526061 b is most likely a brown dwarf with a minimum mass of 18.15 ± 0.44 MJupiter in a long-period eccentric orbit, with orbital period 3552−135+158 d and orbital eccentricity e = 0.85 ± 0.01. It is the most evolved system found having a sub-stellar companion with such a high eccentricity and wide separation. HD 187878 B has a minimum mass of 78.4 ± 2.0 MJupiter. Combining the spectroscopic orbital parameters with the astrometric proper motion anomaly, we derived an orbital inclination i = 9.8−0.6+0.4 deg, which corresponds to the companion’s mass in the stellar regime of 0.51−0.02+0.04 M⊙.

Conclusions. A sub-stellar companion of KIC 3526061 extends the sample of known red giant branch stars with sub-stellar companions on very eccentric wide orbits, and might provide a probe of the dynamical evolution of such systems over time.
Are Clinical Pilates Exercises an Effective Treatment for Scoliosis? A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Başaran Özden Ceren , Kuru Çolak Tuğba
Published: October 2022

Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of clinical Pilates exercises in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

Materials and Methods The study included patients aged 15 to 30 years with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Patients were randomly separated into the following two groups: the clinical Pilates exercise group (n = 16) and the control group (n = 18). The clinical Pilates exercise group received 16 sessions of exercise. Angle of trunk rotation (scoliometer), sagittal plane alignment of the spine (inclinometer), posture (PostureScreen Mobile program), quality of life (Scoliosis Research Society-23), pain (Numerical Pain scale), and cosmetic deformity perceptions (spinal appearance questionnaire) were assessed twice.

Statistical Analysis Data obtained in the study were analyzed statistically using IBM, SPSS v. 22 software. The Shapiro–Wilks test was used to assess the conformity of data to normal distribution. In the group comparisons of angle of rotation, kyphosis and lordosis angle, and anterior shift values obtained at baseline and in the 8th week, the independent sample t-test were applied to variables with normal distribution, and the Mann–Whitney U test to variables not showing normal distribution.

Results The change in the pain score from baseline to 8 weeks was determined to be significantly superior in the Pilates group (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the amount of change in the side shift and tilt measurements in the posture evaluation, with superior improvement seen in the Pilates exercise group(p < 0.005).

Conclusions The results of this study showed that Pilates exercises did not have a significant effect on deformity, quality of life, and perception of deformity in scoliosis, but significantly reduced back and low back pain and contributed to improvements in posture.
p-type conversion of distorted SnOx thin film by mild thermal annealing treatment in pure N2 environment
Authors: Watanabe Kotaro , Kawaguchi Takuma , Aikawa Shinya
Published: October 2022

Tin oxide semiconductors can achieve both n- and p-type conduction, depending on the oxidation state of Sn. An n-type conduction can easily be fabricated; however, considerable optimization is required for fabrication of a p-type behavior. In this study, n-type SnOx thin films, prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering, were converted to p-type behavior using only post-deposition annealing at 600 °C in a pure nitrogen atmosphere. The annealing-temperature-dependent electrical properties of the SnOx thin films led to a remarkable increase in the yield of p-type behavior at 600 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the SnOx film had a SnO2-dominant crystal phase and also suggested that N2 molecules dissociated at 600 °C and filled the oxygen vacancy (VO) site as atomic nitrogen. A detailed analysis of the binding state by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed an increase in SnO-derived components, the appearance of peaks derived from N–Sn bonding, a decrease in VO caused by nitrogen doping, and charge transfer. Thus, we found that addition of nitrogen atoms promotes a chemical shift from Sn4+ to Sn2+ and that simultaneously passivates VO and contributes to hole generation.
Einstein's Elevator and Other Marvels
Authors: Kastrup Helge , Mallow Jeffry V.
Published: October 2022

…a variety of physics discoveries, intertwined with anecdotal stories elaborating on the lives of famous physicists throughout history. The book takes the reader through more than 500 years of scientific progress and provides context for the development of physics.

This unique title:Presents physics, astronomy, and mathematics in a simple yet comprehensive manner, using only elementary algebra and the Pythagorean TheoremIntroduces readers to physics discoveries and insights into the lives of well-known physicistsChallenges some common stereotypes of both the science and its practitioners; in particular, female luminaries are given their well-deserved place in the pantheon

Einstein's Elevator and Other Marvels: Great Physicists and Their Achievements is written primarily for non-scientists interested in physics and science history. Physicists, other scientists, and students should also find it interesting.
Ludwig Boltzmann. You Can't Put the Toothpaste Back in the Tube
Authors: Kastrup Helge , Mallow Jeffry V.
Published: October 2022

Ludwig Boltzmann's name is ubiquitous: inter alia, the Boltzmann equation, the Boltzmann-H theorem, the Boltzmann distribution, the Stefan–Boltzmann law, the Boltzmann constant, and 12 streets in Austria and Germany. Probably his most important contribution was the creation of the field of “statistical mechanics,” which relates microscopic to macroscopic behavior. Molecular collisions are reversible. A faster molecule can transfer energy to a slower one or vice versa. However, put a cold and a hot object in contact and they will reach a temperature in between: irreversible. Boltzmann solved this conundrum by showing that although the process could reverse itself, it was statistically extremely unlikely. Processes, in general, increased disorder. (The measure of disorder goes by the familiar name “entropy.”) Once the separate hot and cold bodies were mixed, the result was disorder: a single temperature. Ditto separating salt from pepper once they are mixed or getting the toothpaste back in the tube. To a fellow scientist who insisted that if you wait long enough all systems will revert to their original state, Boltzmann replied, “You should live so long.”
James Clerk Maxwell. T-Shirt Cliché
Authors: Kastrup Helge , Mallow Jeffry V.
Published: October 2022

And God said

∇ • E = ρ/ε0

∇ • B = 0

∇ × E = −∂B/∂t

∇ × B = μ0ε0 ∂E/∂t

And there was light.

It is not possible to attend a physics convention without seeing at least one of these inscribed on a wearer's T-shirt. However, Maxwell earned it. That electricity in a wire produced a magnet was observed by Hans Christian Ørsted. That moving a magnet and a wire with respect to each other could produce current in the wire was observed by Michael Faraday. These discoveries led to the invention of the electric motor and generator. Maxwell's stroke of genius was to generalize the ideas: oscillating magnetic fields produce oscillating electric fields, which in turn produce oscillating magnetic fields and so on—in empty space. The combination of these waves produced light. Thus, Maxwell showed that light was an electromagnetic wave. Among other things, this led to Einstein's theory of relativity.
Albert Einstein. Myth Buster Again: Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Kastrup Helge , Mallow Jeffry V.
Published: October 2022

This chapter comprises Einstein's explanation of the photoelectric effect, his analysis of the transition of electrons in atoms, his study of the behavior of bosons (named after their discoverer, Satyendra Bose), and his opposition to the standard interpretation of quantum mechanics. For the photoelectric effect, Einstein showed that light could behave as a particle, not only as a wave. Using this “photon” model, he explained how atoms absorbed and emitted light. He also predicted that a photon could stimulate the emission of many more, through (decades later) light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. He studied bosons, particles that, unlike fermions (named after Enrico Fermi), such as electrons in atoms, had no “Exclusion Principle”: any number of them could “condense” into a single state. Finally, he opposed Bohr's “Copenhagen interpretation,” that a system such as an electron has a range of values for its properties such as spin, until a measurement is made, forcing it to choose one. Einstein argued for a “hidden variable theory” in which there was something deeper than quantum mechanics: that a system was in a specific state before a measurement. (He was wrong.)
Wolfgang Pauli. Spin and Sarcasm
Authors: Kastrup Helge , Mallow Jeffry V.
Published: October 2022

Atomic spectra had twice as many lines as predicted. As a solution, two young physicists, George Uhlenbeck and Samuel Goudsmit, proposed that in addition to orbiting its nucleus, an electron “spins” around its axis. (Not really, but the idea works.) Wolfgang Pauli showed that the spin could only have two opposing orientations. This could account for all of the lines. He further proposed an “Exclusion Principle”: that no electrons could be described by all the same quantum numbers, otherwise atoms (and we) could not exist. In 1930, he predicted the existence of a new particle, the neutrino, which was not observed until 26 years later. In addition to contributions to quantum mechanics, Pauli was famous for nasty remarks. A couple of gems:“This paper is so bad it is not even wrong.”“I don't mind your thinking slowly; I mind your publishing faster than you think.”
Eugene P. Wigner. Maestro of Symmetry
Authors: Kastrup Helge , Mallow Jeffry V.
Published: October 2022

Eugene Wigner was both a mathematician and a physicist. In addition to over two dozen contributions to physics, he made at least a dozen in mathematics. Many of the latter had applications to physics, but they were mathematics in their own right. One of his particular interests was symmetry, which spanned both. Wigner applied his mathematical acumen to the investigation of atomic structure.

The Manhattan Project for building the atom bomb owed its existence to Wigner and fellow physicist Leo Szilard. They convinced Einstein to write a letter to President Roosevelt, urging the establishment of a project to determine if nuclear reactions could produce a bomb. Driven by concern that Germany might already be working on the same track, Roosevelt established the project. As part of this work, Wigner studied the effect on materials irradiated by neutrons. He is also known for questioning why mathematics is so effective for science.
Marie Skłodowska Curie (Madame Curie). One-Two Punch
Authors: Kastrup Helge , Mallow Jeffry V.
Published: October 2022

Few would disagree that the Nobel Prize is the highest award in science. There are very few examples of a person receiving two Nobel Prizes. Madame Curie did. She shared the 1903 Prize in physics with her husband Pierre Curie and with Antoine Henri Becquerel. She also received the chemistry Prize in 1911, several years after Pierre's death. She is the only laureate to have won the Prize in two scientific disciplines. For specious reasons, Nobel committees tried to deny her the first Prize and rescind the second.

In her thesis, Curie made a thorough analysis of radioactivity (a term she coined). She started studying uranium but soon realized that thorium emits the same sort of radiation as uranium. She and her husband looked for more and discovered two. They named them radium because of its radiation and polonium after Marie's country of birth. She went on to isolate pure polonium and radium and began finding medical uses for radiation. During the First World War, she constructed mobile radiography units that got the nickname petit Curies (small Curies). She died in 1934 from the effects of radiation poisoning.
Chien-Shung Wu. The Experimentalists' Experimentalist
Authors: Kastrup Helge , Mallow Jeffry V.
Published: October 2022

Physicists, with their flair for exotic nomenclature, have named the strong attractive force that holds nuclei together, “the strong force”. There is also a weak force involving nuclear decay and other particle interactions, named “the weak force”. Wu, a brilliant experimentalist, was a world-famous authority on weak interactions, especially as applied to beta decay: the emission of an electron (aka beta particle) in nuclear reactions. She was instrumental in testing other fundamental theories of particle physics. Her most famous experiment was that which confirmed the theory of T. D. Lee and Chen Nin Yang that parity was not conserved (viz., changed) in weak interactions. Parity is a kind of reflection symmetry such as that in a telescope lens, which inverts planet images. It had been assumed that parity was conserved until the theory of Lee and Yang and its confirmation by Wu. Lee and Yang were awarded the Nobel Prize.
Maria Goeppert Mayer. Qualifications: Nobel Prize. Goal: Fulltime Job
Authors: Kastrup Helge , Mallow Jeffry V.
Published: October 2022

Maria Goeppert Mayer revolutionized nuclear physics by developing the nuclear shell model, which could account for hitherto-unexplained features and correctly predict more. At the time (the 1940s), little was understood about the internal structure of the nucleus. That it contained nucleons (protons and neutrons) was long known. That an approximately equal number of them produced stable nuclei was also known. What was not known was the cause of such stability. Goeppert Mayer began her study by looking for similarities with the atomic model. She assumed that the nucleons resided in shells, such as the electrons did in the atom. She also assumed that there were shells, due to the Pauli exclusion principle: whatever quantum numbers characterized the nucleons, like atomic electrons, no two could have all the same. The nuclear shell model earned her the 1963 Nobel Prize. After years of part-time and voluntary positions, she was appointed Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. This was her first and only full-time appointment. She was 60 years old and had been awarded the Prize three years earlier.
Movements and growth rates of bronze whaler sharks (
Authors: Rogers Toby D. , Kock Alison A. , Jordaan Gareth L. , Mann Bruce Q. , Naude Vincent N. , O’Riain M. Justin
Published: October 2022

Context Sharks that are targeted by recreational anglers and commercial fisheries can be vulnerable to overexploitation when fishing effort is not informed or regulated by data on relative distribution and growth. Aims To understand the spatiotemporal distribution, movement patterns, and growth rates of bronze whaler sharks (Carcharhinus brachyurus) in southern Africa. Methods Tag–recapture records derived from a 36-year cooperative shore-angling program were compiled and analysed using non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests and a Francis growth model. Key results Distribution was centred in Namibia and the South Coast of South Africa during the austral summer. Large-scale regional movement supports the lack of population structure in southern African. The South Coast of South Africa represented a potentially important nursery region where 93% of juveniles were tagged. Subadults and adults were more widely distributed and recorded a significantly greater time at liberty than were juveniles, but the distance moved for adults was significantly lower, indicating higher site fidelity. Growth model predictions showed that annual growth rates of C. brachyurus were among the slowest compared with other carcharhinids. Conclusions and implications These slow life-history traits, affinity to coastal regions and cross-border movements leave the southern African C. brachyurus population vulnerable to overexploitation in the absence of regionally aligned research and management.