Multiresolution source coding using entropy constrained dithered scalar quantization

In this paper, we build multiresolution source codes using entropy constrained dithered scalar quantizers. We demonstrate that for n-dimensional random vectors, dithering followed by uniform scalar quantization and then by entropy coding achieves performance close to the n-dimensional optimum for a multiresolution source code. Based on this result, we propose a practical code design algorithm and compare its performance with that of the set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) algorithm on natural images

Network source coding using entropy constrained dithered quantization

Assuming the squared error distortion measure, we bound the performance achieved by using scalar entropy constrained dithered quantization (SECDQ) [1] to build multi-resolution (MR), multiple access (MA), and broadcast system (BS) source codes

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in as-deposited CoFeB/MgO thin films

Fabrication of perpendicularly magnetized ferromagnetic films on various buffer layers, especially on numerous newly discovered spin-orbit torque (SOT) materials to construct energy-efficient spin-orbitronic devices, is a long-standing challenge. Even for the widely used CoFeB/MgO structures, perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) can only be established on limited buffer layers through post-annealing above 300 {\deg}C. Here, we report that the PMA of CoFeB/MgO films can be established reliably on various buffer layers in the absence of post-annealing. Further results show that precise control of MgO thickness, which determines oxygen diffusion in the underneath CoFeB layer, is the key to obtaining the as-deposited PMA. Interestingly, contrary to previous understanding, post-annealing does not influence the well-established as-deposited PMA significantly but indeed enhances unsaturated PMA with a thick MgO layer by modulating oxygen distributions, rather than crystallinity or Co- and Fe-O bonding. Moreover, our results indicate that oxygen diffusion also plays a critical role in the PMA degradation at high temperature. These results provide a practical approach to build spin-orbitronic devices based on various high-efficient SOT materials.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figure

Micelle-like particles formed by carboxylic acid-terminated polystyrene and poly(4-vinyl pyridine) in chloroform/methanol mixed solution

Abstract Preparation and characterization of isolated particles and clusters of carboxylic acid-terminated polystyrene (CPS) and poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) blends in chloroform/methanol (9/1, v/v) solution are reported. In chloroform CPS-P4VP blends form graft-like structure due to the interaction between terminal carboxylic acid and 4VP units. Upon addition of methanol, isolated particles and clusters with micelle-like structure were prepared. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images both suggest the existence of isolated particles and clusters with micelle-like structure in the mixed solution. The effects of weight ratio of CPS to P4VP and addition of copper ion on the size of isolated particles and clusters were also investigated.

Temporally integrated transcriptome analysis reveals ASFV pathology and host response dynamics

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a lethal swine hemorrhagic disease and is currently responsible for widespread damage to the pig industry. The pathogenesis of ASFV infection and its interaction with host responses remain poorly understood. In this study, we profiled the temporal viral and host transcriptomes in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) with virulent and attenuated ASFV strains. We identified profound differences in the virus expression programs between SY18 and HuB20, which shed light on the pathogenic functions of several ASFV genes. Through integrated computational analysis and experimental validation, we demonstrated that compared to the virulent SY18 strain, the attenuated HuB20 quickly activates expression of receptors, sensors, regulators, as well as downstream effectors, including cGAS, STAT1/2, IRF9, MX1/2, suggesting rapid induction of a strong antiviral immune response in HuB20. Surprisingly, in addition to the pivotal DNA sensing mechanism mediated by cGAS-STING pathway, infection of the DNA virus ASFV activates genes associated with RNA virus response, with stronger induction by HuB20 infection. Taken together, this study reveals novel insights into the host-virus interaction dynamics, and provides reference for future mechanistic studies of ASFV pathogenicity

Comparison of endometrial preparation protocols (natural cycle versus hormone replacement cycle) for frozen embryo transfer (COMPETE) : A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Funding Information: This study is supported by General Projects of Social Development (2022SF-565). BWM is supported by a NHMRC Investigator grant (GNT1176437). BWM reports consultancy for ObsEva. BMW has received research funding from Ferring and Merck. The other authors have none to declare. Acknowledgements: We thank all the physicians, scientists, and embryologists in our IVF clinic for their assistance with data collection as well the patients for participating in this studyPeer reviewedPublisher PD

Cleavage of Diblock Copolymer Brushes in a Selective Solvent and Fusion of Vesicles Self-Assembled by Pinned Micelles

Lipid membrane fusion is a fundamental process in nature. In the fusion process two distinct bilayers merge the hydrophobic layers, and an interconnected structure is produced. In this research, the fusion of polymer membrane self-assembled by cleaved pinned micelles is investigated. Disulfide-tethered poly­(<i>tert</i>-butyl acrylate-<i>block</i>-styrene) diblock copolymer brushes on the surfaces of silica particles were prepared by the “grafting to” or “grafting from” method. In acetone, the diblock copolymer brushes self-assemble into pinned micelles. Upon cleavage from the surfaces of the silica particles with <i>n</i>-tributylphosphine, the pinned micelles self-assemble into vesicles. In the meanwhile, thiol groups at the ends of the block copolymer brushes were produced in the cleavage reaction. Because of the oxidation of the thiol groups and the formation of the disulfide bonds, the vesicle structures are fused into bigger hollow structures and fiber-like structures. The further fusion of the fiber-like structures results in precipitation of the polymer from the solution