On the value of the critical point in fractal percolation

We derive a new lower bound pc > 0:8107 for the critical value of Mandelbrot's dyadic fractal percolation model. This is achieved by taking the random fractal set (to be denoted A 1) and adding to it a countable number of straight line segments, chosen in a certain (non-random) way as to simplify greatly the connectivity structure. We denote the modied model thus obtained by C 1, and write Cn for the set formed after n steps in its construction. Now it is possible, using an iterative technique, to compute the probability of percolating through Cn for any parameter value p and any nite n. For p = 0:8107 and n = 360 we obtain a value less than 1

An improved Monte Carlo study of coherent scattering effects of low energy charged particle transport in Percus-Yevick liquids

We generalize a simple Monte Carlo (MC) model for dilute gases to consider the transport behavior of positrons and electrons in Percus-Yevick model liquids under highly non-equilibrium conditions, accounting rigorously for coherent scattering processes. The procedure extends an existing technique [Wojcik and Tachiya, Chem. Phys. Lett. 363, 3--4 (1992)], using the static structure factor to account for the altered anisotropy of coherent scattering in structured material. We identify the effects of the approximation used in the original method, and develop a modified method that does not require that approximation. We also present an enhanced MC technique that has been designed to improve the accuracy and flexibility of simulations in spatially-varying electric fields. All of the results are found to be in excellent agreement with an independent multi-term Boltzmann equation solution, providing benchmarks for future transport models in liquids and structured systems.Comment: 27 pages, 6 figure

Dietary intakes in adult patients with cystic fibrosis–do they achieve guidelines?

AbstractBackground: Most patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) require a higher energy and protein intake than their healthy peer group. There are few data on dietary intakes of adult patients. The aim of this study was to determine nutritional intakes in an adult population with CF. The impact of nutritional intervention and disease on macronutrient intake was examined. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 94 unweighed food diaries at annual review (1995–2000). Energy and protein intakes were compared to the estimated average requirement (EAR) for energy and reference nutrient intake (RNI) for protein. The effect of diet alone, oral supplements, enteral tube feeding, and cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD), on macronutrient intake was examined and impact of pancreatic sufficency (PS) and lung transplantation. Results: Mean energy and protein intakes approached recommended CF guidelines, but in 72% of assessments these values were not achieved. Mean energy and protein intakes for patients on diet alone and protein intake for those with CFRD failed to meet recommendations. Oral supplementation and enteral tube feeding regimens increased energy and protein intake above recommended levels. No group achieved 40% total energy from fat. Patients receiving enteral tube feeds had the highest mean energy and protein intakes but lowest body mass index (BMI) and lung function. Conclusion: Adequate mean energy and protein intakes in adult patients with CF mask subgroups of patients who fail to meet recommendations ie. diet alone, diabetic. Oral supplementation and enteral tube feeding increase energy and protein intake but fail to achieve an adequate BMI level in subjects with a decreased clinical status. Individual nutritional assessment remains essential

Evaluating the outcomes of payments for ecosystem services programmes using a capital asset framework

There is a limited understanding of the conditions under which payments for ecosystem services (PES) programmes achieve improvements in ecosystem service (ES) flows, enhance natural resource sustainability or foster sustainable livelihoods. We used a capital asset framework to evaluate PES programmes in terms of their social, environmental, economic and institutional outcomes, focusing on efficiency, effectiveness and equity trade-offs. We found that PES schemes can provide positive conservation and development outcomes with respect to livelihoods, land-use change, household and community incomes, and governance. However, programmes differ with regards to contract agreements, payment modes, and compliance, and have diverse cross-sector institutional arrangements that remain primarily state-structured and external donor-financed. There is a consistent lack of focus on evaluating and fostering human, social and institutional capital. This reflects general inattention to how PES programmes consider the causal links between ES and outcomes. To enhance ES production and PES scheme accessibility and participation, we recommend strengthening the linkages between ES production and land-use practices, boosting private and voluntary sector involvement, encouraging property rights and tenure reform, improving financial viability, and adequately accounting for the distribution of programme costs and benefits among participants

Determination of Sprout-Damaged Barley Using Thermal Imaging

Pre-harvest sprouting is a major problem associated with cereal grains which results in lowering of end use quality. Pre-harvest sprouting affects the malting quality of barley.  The common methods to determine sprout damage are falling number, stirring number and amylograph peak viscosity, but these methods are time consuming.  There are other methods such as near infrared hyperspectral imaging and soft-x ray analysis which are still in the research stage.  Infrared thermal imaging technique to detect sprout damage is based on determining the changes in surface temperature distribution of grain which depends on the heat emission.  An infrared thermal camera was used in this study to determine whether sprout-damaged barley could be detected from healthy barley.  The results were analyzed using statistical and artificial neural network classifiers.  The classification accuracies were 78.7%, 78.9% and 88.5% for healthy; and 87.0%, 87.5% and 87% for sprouted kernels, using linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis and artificial neural network, respectively.  The results of the study show that thermal imaging has potential to determine sprout damage to barley.Keywords: grain, barley, sprout-damaged, thermal imaging, classification, Canad

Revised standards for reporting interventions in clinical trials of acupuncture (STRICTA) : Extending the CONSORT statement

The Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) were published in five journals in 2001 and 2002. These guidelines, in the form of a checklist and explanations for use by authors and journal editors, were designed to improve reporting of acupuncture trials, particularly the interventions, thereby facilitating their interpretation and replication. Subsequent reviews of the application and impact of STRICTA have highlighted the value of STRICTA as well as scope for improvements and revision

CRISPR-Mediated Protein Tagging with Nanoluciferase to Investigate Native Chemokine Receptor Function and Conformational Changes

© 2020 The Authors G protein-coupled receptors are a major class of membrane receptors that mediate physiological and pathophysiological cellular signaling. Many aspects of receptor activation and signaling can be investigated using genetically encoded luminescent fusion proteins. However, the use of these biosensors in live cell systems requires the exogenous expression of the tagged protein of interest. To maintain the normal cellular context here we use CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair to insert luminescent tags into the endogenous genome. Using NanoLuc and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer we demonstrate fluorescent ligand binding at genome-edited chemokine receptors. We also demonstrate that split-NanoLuc complementation can be used to investigate conformational changes and internalization of CXCR4 and that recruitment of β-arrestin2 to CXCR4 can be monitored when both proteins are natively expressed. These results show that genetically encoded luminescent biosensors can be used to investigate numerous aspects of receptor function at native expression levels

The forgotten '45 : Donald Dubh's rebellion in an archipelagic context

The final rebellion of Donald Dubh, heir to the forfeited MacDonald lordship of the Isles, is usually examined within the context of Highland rebellions that occurred in the half century after forfeiture. However, the factors that motivated the Islesmen to rise in rebellion in 1545 are multi-faceted and can only be fully understood by placing the rising in a wider context, which considers national and archipelagic events. The discussion that follows explores the reasons why the Islesmen, almost unanimously, entered into agreement with Henry VIII to attack Scotland from the west and why this endeavour failed. At the same time, the article highlights Henry’s recognition of the strategic importance of the west which led him into alliance with Donald Dubh and his supporters

Optical absorption of spin ladders

We present a theory of phonon-assisted optical two-magnon absorption in two-leg spin-ladders. Based on the strong intra-rung-coupling limit we show that collective excitations of total spin S=0, 1 and 2 exist outside of the two-magnon continuum. It is demonstrated that the singlet collective state has a clear signature in the optical spectrum.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure