Percolation in Random Graphs of Unbounded Rank

Bootstrap percolation in (random) graphs is a contagion dynamics among a set of vertices with certain threshold levels. The process is started by a set of initially infected vertices, and an initially uninfected vertex with threshold $k$ gets infected as soon as the number of its infected neighbors exceeds $k$. This process has been studied extensively in so called \textit{rank one} models. These models can generate random graphs with heavy-tailed degree sequences but they are not capable of clustering. In this paper, we treat a class of random graphs of unbounded rank which allow for extensive clustering. Our main result determines the final fraction of infected vertices as the fixed point of a non-linear operator defined on a suitable function space. We propose an algorithm that facilitates neural networks to calculate this fixed point efficiently. We further derive criteria based on the Fr\'echet derivative of the operator that allows one to determine whether small infections spread through the entire graph or rather stay local.Comment: 46 pages, 6 figure

Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for Mixed Mean Field Control Games

We present a new combined \textit{mean field control game} (MFCG) problem which can be interpreted as a competitive game between collaborating groups and its solution as a Nash equilibrium between groups. Players coordinate their strategies within each group. An example is a modification of the classical trader's problem. Groups of traders maximize their wealth. They face cost for their transactions, for their own terminal positions, and for the average holding within their group. The asset price is impacted by the trades of all agents. We propose a three-timescale reinforcement learning algorithm to approximate the solution of such MFCG problems. We test the algorithm on benchmark linear-quadratic specifications for which we provide analytic solutions

Seroprevalence of Bartonella in Eastern China and analysis of risk factors

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Bartonella </it>infections are emerging in the Zhejiang Province of China. However, there has been no effort to date to explore the epidemiology of these infections in this region, nor to identify risk factors associated with exposure to <it>Bartonella</it>. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of <it>Bartonella </it>in both patients bitten by dogs and blood donors (for control) in Eastern China, and to identify risk factors associated with exposure to <it>Bartonella</it>. As no previous data for this region have been published, this study will provide baseline data useful for <it>Bartonella </it>infection surveillance, control, and prevention.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Blood samples were collected from industrial rabies clinic attendees and blood donors living in eight areas of the Zhejiang Province of China, between December 2005 and November 2006. An indirect immunofluorescent antibody test was used to determine the presence of <it>Bartonella </it>in these samples. Risk factors associated with <it>Bartonella </it>exposure were explored using Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis of epidemiological data relating to the study's participants.</p> <p>Results</p> <p><it>Bartonella </it>antibodies were detected in 19.60% (109/556) of blood samples. Seroprevalence varied among the eight areas surveys, ranging from over 32% in Hangzhou to only 2% in Jiangshan (X²= 28.22, P < 0.001). We detected a significantly higher prevalence of <it>Bartonella </it>antibodies in people who had been bitten by dogs than in blood donors (X²= 13.86, P < 0.001). Seroprevalence of <it>Bartonella </it>was similar among males (18.61%, n = 317) and females (20.92%, n = 239).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p><it>Bartonella </it>antibodies were encountered in people living across Zhejiang Province and the seropositivity rate among those exposed to dog bites was significantly higher than that among blood donors, indicating that dog bites may be a risk factor for <it>Bartonella </it>infection.</p

The value of a novel percutaneous lung puncture clamp biopsy technique in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules

Abstract Background: Computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy is a crucial method to determine pulmonary anomalies, and is highly accurate in detecting evidence of malignancies, allowing medical practitioners to identify the stage of malignancy and thus help to plan the treatment regimens of patients.Objective: To explore the clinical application of a new computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung puncture clamp biopsy technique in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules, characterized by ground-glass opacity on chest computed tomography images.Methods: A unique instrument named ‘combined percutaneous lung biopsy forceps’, consisting of a biopsy forceps, a 15-gauge coaxial needle and needle core, was designed. The new tool was used to obtain specimens in nine patients with pulmonary ground-glass opacity. The specimen volumes and the safety of using the instrument were measured. The samples obtained were also assessed to see if they were sufficient for conducting histological tests.Result: Samples were obtained in all nine patients – a success rate of 100%. Consistently, the volume of each specimen was sufficient to make a histological diagnosis. No serious complications, such as pneumothorax – primary spontaneous pneumothorax or secondary spontaneous pneumothorax – occurred during the biopsy.Conclusions: The application of this new tool in obtaining tissue specimens in patients with pulmonary ground-glass opacity under the guidance of chest computed tomography was invaluable in terms of its high accuracy and safety. Moreover, its effect was better compared to using a fine-needle aspiration biopsy or a cutting-needle biopsy. Therefore, this instrument can be used for histological diagnosis. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(2):85-90]Key words: Ground-glass opacity; percutaneous lung puncture clamp biopsy; fine-needle aspiration biopsy; cutting-needle biops

A red-light-powered silicon nanowire biophotochemical diode for simultaneous CO2 reduction and glycerol valorization

A bias-free photochemical diode, in which a p-type photocathode is connected to an n-type photoanode to harness light for driving photoelectrochemical reduction and oxidation pairs, serves as a platform for realizing light-driven fuel generation from CO2. However, the conventional design, in which cathodic CO2 reduction is coupled with the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), requires substantial energy input. Here we present a photochemical diode device that harnesses red light (740 nm) to simultaneously drive biophotocathodic CO2-to-multicarbon conversion and photoanodic glycerol oxidation as an alternative to the OER to overcome the above thermodynamic limitation. The device consists of an efficient CO2-fixing microorganism, Sporomusa ovata, interfaced with a silicon nanowire photocathode and a Pt–Au-loaded silicon nanowire photoanode. This photochemical diode operates bias-free under low-intensity (20 mW cm−2) red light irradiation with ~80% Faradaic efficiency for both the cathodic and anodic products. This work provides an alternative photosynthetic route to mitigate excessive CO2 emissions and efficiently generate value-added chemicals from CO2 and glycerol. (Figure presented.)

Modification in Grassland Ecology under the Influence of Changing Climatic and Land Use Conditions

Grasslands are important terrestrial ecosystems in China, which are mainly distributed in arid and semiarid regions. Based on the multiyear field experiments in the semiarid grassland, the effects of land use practices on grassland above- and belowground community characteristics were investigated. In addition, how the annual climate factors regulate grassland productivity was also studied to detect critical periods for grass growth. Results showed that grazing exclusion increased grassland root biomass, root length density and root surface area with declining plant species richness. After grazing exclusion, with perennial bunchgrasses being predominant in root community all the time, proportion of perennial rhizome grasses increased and proportion of perennial forbs declined. Clipping significantly decreased the annual mean soil respiration and its components. The root respiration was more sensitive to clipping than microbial respiration. Temperature increments during the early stage of the growing season (April–May) were positively correlated with aboveground productivity. However, hot and dry summer (June–July) strongly inhibited aboveground productivity. Impacts of drought and heat in August on productivity were negligible. Increased temperature and precipitation during the senescence period (September–October) and a warmer dormancy phase (November–March) were negatively correlated with productivity in the following year, while precipitation during the dormancy period had no detectable effects

Qualitative Simulation of Photon Transport in Free Space Based on Monte Carlo Method and Its Parallel Implementation

During the past decade, Monte Carlo method has obtained wide applications in optical imaging to simulate photon transport process inside tissues. However, this method has not been effectively extended to the simulation of free-space photon transport at present. In this paper, a uniform framework for noncontact optical imaging is proposed based on Monte Carlo method, which consists of the simulation of photon transport both in tissues and in free space. Specifically, the simplification theory of lens system is utilized to model the camera lens equipped in the optical imaging system, and Monte Carlo method is employed to describe the energy transformation from the tissue surface to the CCD camera. Also, the focusing effect of camera lens is considered to establish the relationship of corresponding points between tissue surface and CCD camera. Furthermore, a parallel version of the framework is realized, making the simulation much more convenient and effective. The feasibility of the uniform framework and the effectiveness of the parallel version are demonstrated with a cylindrical phantom based on real experimental results

Depleting inositol pyrophosphate 5-InsP7 protected the heart against ischaemia–reperfusion injury by elevating plasma adiponectin

Aims Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived circulating protein that exerts cardiovascular and metabolic protection. Due to the futile degradation of endogenous adiponectin and the challenges of exogenous administration, regulatory mechanisms of adiponectin biosynthesis are of significant pharmacological interest. Methods and results Here, we report that 5-diphosphoinositol 1,2,3,4,6-pentakisphosphate (5-InsP7) generated by inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (IP6K1) governed circulating adiponectin levels via thiol-mediated protein quality control in the secretory pathway. IP6K1 bound to adiponectin and DsbA-L and generated 5-InsP7 to stabilize adiponectin/ERp44 and DsbA-L/Ero1-Lα interactions, driving adiponectin intracellular degradation. Depleting 5-InsP7 by either IP6K1 deletion or pharmacological inhibition blocked intracellular adiponectin degradation. Whole-body and adipocyte-specific deletion of IP6K1 boosted plasma adiponectin levels, especially its high molecular weight forms, and activated AMPK-mediated protection against myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury. Pharmacological inhibition of 5-InsP7 biosynthesis in wild-type but not adiponectin knockout mice attenuated myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury. Conclusion Our findings revealed that 5-InsP7 is a physiological regulator of adiponectin biosynthesis that is amenable to pharmacological intervention for cardioprotection