Light scattering from a magnetically tunable dense random medium with weak dissipation : ferrofluid

We present a semi-phenomenological treatment of light transmission through and its reflection from a ferrofluid, which we regard as a magnetically tunable system of dense random dielectric scatterers with weak dissipation. Partial spatial ordering is introduced by the application of a transverse magnetic field that superimposes a periodic modulation on the dielectric randomess. This introduces Bragg scattering which effectively enhances the scattering due to disorder alone, and thus reduces the elastic mean free path towards Anderson localization. Our theoretical treatment, based on invariant imbedding, gives a simultaneous decrease of transmission and reflection without change of incident linear polarisation as the spatial order is tuned magnetically to the Bragg condition, namely the light wave vector being equal to half the Bragg vector (Q). Our experimental observations are in qualitative agreement with these results. We have also given expressions for the transit (sojourn) time of light and for the light energy stored in the random medium under steady illumination. The ferrofluid thus provides an interesting physical realization of effectively a "Lossy Anderson-Bragg" (LAB) cavity with which to study the effect of the interplay of spatial disorder, partial order and weak dissipation on light transport. Given the current interest in propagation, optical limiting and storage of light in ferrofluids, the present work seems topical

Does Your Cause Fit My “Self”? Self-Expansion and Self-Concept in Cause-Related Marketing

Cause-related marketing is a strategic approach to differentiate, earn consumer preference, and sustain brand growth by supporting environmental and social concerns. Cause-related campaigns are effective, impact consumers decision making, and build brand preference when there is a deep identification with the cause and an understanding of consumers’ motivators, affect factors, and aspirations. How cause-brand affinity affects the relationships that consumers nurture with these brands as they expand their selves is still unknown. This study assesses the impact of cause-brand and cause-self-identity fit on brand engagement in self-concept and self-expansion driven by consumers’ intention to self-verify and self-aspire when building brand relationships. Our findings suggest that cause-brand and cause-self-identity connection allow consumers to self-expand. A cause-brand value fit beyond functional and image is required for brand credibility and engagement to self-verify.  Simultaneously, consumers self-aspire due to a fit between the meaning of the cause and their ideal selves and becomes a moderator source for self-expansion. A methodological contribution identifies a new “values” dimension in the conceptualization of cause–brand fit. A theoretical model is tested through confirmatory factor analysis, LISREL, and PLS-SEM modeling. Self-expansion and social identity are the theoretical framework. This study is the first to test the notion that consumers’ self-expansion results from the concurrence of cause-brand fit, cause-self-identity fit, and brand engagement in self-concept in cause-related marketing. Keywords: Cause-related Marketing, Self-concept, Self-expansion, Cause–brand fit, Cause-self-identity fit, Branding. DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/85-09 Publication date: July 28th 2022

Past alcohol consumption and incident atrial fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

BackgroundAlthough current alcohol consumption is a risk factor for incident atrial fibrillation (AF), the more clinically relevant question may be whether alcohol cessation is associated with a reduced risk.Methods and resultsWe studied participants enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) between 1987 and 1989 without prevalent AF. Past and current alcohol consumption were ascertained at baseline and at 3 subsequent visits. Incident AF was ascertained via study ECGs, hospital discharge ICD-9 codes, and death certificates. Of 15,222 participants, 2,886 (19.0%) were former drinkers. During a median follow-up of 19.7 years, there were 1,631 cases of incident AF, 370 occurring in former consumers. Former drinkers had a higher rate of AF compared to lifetime abstainers and current drinkers. After adjustment for potential confounders, every decade abstinent from alcohol was associated with an approximate 20% (95% CI 11-28%) lower rate of incident AF; every additional decade of past alcohol consumption was associated with a 13% (95% CI 3-25%) higher rate of AF; and every additional drink per day during former drinking was associated with a 4% (95% CI 0-8%) higher rate of AF.ConclusionsAmong former drinkers, the number of years of drinking and the amount of alcohol consumed may each confer an increased risk of AF. Given that a longer duration of abstinence was associated with a decreased risk of AF, earlier modification of alcohol use may have a greater influence on AF prevention

A GVT Based Algorithm for Butterfly Barrier in Parallel and Distributed Systems

The final publication is available at www.springerlink.comMattern’s GVT algorithm is a time management algorithm that helps achieve the synchronization in parallel and distributed systems. This algorithm uses ring structure to establish cuts C1 and C2 to calculate the GVT. The latency of calculating the GVT is vital in parallel/distributed systems which is extremely high if calculated using this algorithm. However, using synchronous barriers with the Matterns algorithm can help improving the GVT computation process by minimizing the GVT latency. In this paper, we incorporate the butterfly barrier to employ two cuts C1 and C2 and obtain the resultant GVT at an affordable latency. Our analysis shows that the proposed GVT computation algorithm significantly improves the overall performance in terms of memory saving and latency.http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-90-481-3660-5_10

Pharmacological inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome reduces blood pressure, renal damage, and dysfunction in salt-sensitive hypertension

AIMS: Renal inflammation, leading to fibrosis and impaired function is a major contributor to the development of hypertension. The NLRP3 inflammasome mediates inflammation in several chronic diseases by processing the cytokines pro-interleukin (IL)-1beta and pro-IL-18. In this study, we investigated whether MCC950, a recently-identified inhibitor of NLRP3 activity, reduces blood pressure (BP), renal inflammation, fibrosis and dysfunction in mice with established hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: C57BL6/J mice were made hypertensive by uninephrectomy and treatment with deoxycorticosterone acetate (2.4 mg/day, s.c.) and 0.9% NaCl in the drinking water (1K/DOCA/salt). Normotensive controls were uninephrectomized and received normal drinking water. Ten days later, mice were treated with MCC950 (10 mg/kg/day, s.c.) or vehicle (saline, s.c.) for up to 25 days. BP was monitored by tail-cuff or radiotelemetry; renal function by biochemical analysis of 24-h urine collections; and kidney inflammation/pathology was assessed by real-time PCR for inflammatory gene expression, flow cytometry for leucocyte influx, and Picrosirius red histology for collagen. Over the 10 days post-surgery, 1K/DOCA/salt-treated mice became hypertensive, developed impaired renal function, and displayed elevated renal levels of inflammatory markers, collagen and immune cells. MCC950 treatment from day 10 attenuated 1K/DOCA/salt-induced increases in renal expression of inflammasome subunits (NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1) and inflammatory/injury markers (pro-IL-18, pro-IL-1beta, IL-17A, TNF-alpha, osteopontin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CCL2, vimentin), each by 25-40%. MCC950 reduced interstitial collagen and accumulation of certain leucocyte subsets in kidneys of 1K/DOCA/salt-treated mice, including CD206+ (M2-like) macrophages and interferon-gamma-producing T cells. Finally, MCC950 partially reversed 1K/DOCA/salt-induced elevations in BP, urine output, osmolality, [Na+], and albuminuria (each by 20-25%). None of the above parameters were altered by MCC950 in normotensive mice. CONCLUSION: MCC950 was effective at reducing BP and limiting renal inflammation, fibrosis and dysfunction in mice with established hypertension. This study provides proof-of-concept that pharmacological inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome is a viable anti-hypertensive strategy