Shepardlamb3839

Here we show, however, that a PE-like evolutionary regime is the default for a very simple model of an evolving population that does not rely on SOC or any other special conditions.Disordered nanostructures with correlations on the scale of visible wavelengths can show angle-independent structural colors. These materials could replace dyes in some applications because the color is tunable and resists photobleaching. However, designing nanostructures with a prescribed color is difficult, especially when the application-cosmetics or displays, for example-requires specific component materials. A general approach to solving this constrained design problem is modeling and optimization Using a model that predicts the color of a given system, one optimizes the model parameters under constraints to achieve a target color. For this approach to work, the model must make accurate predictions, which is challenging because disordered nanostructures have multiple scattering. To address this challenge, we develop a Monte Carlo model that simulates multiple scattering of light in disordered arrangements of spherical particles or voids. The model produces quantitative agreement with measurements when we account for roughness on the surface of the film, particle polydispersity, and wavelength-dependent absorption in the components. Unlike discrete numerical simulations, our model is parameterized in terms of experimental variables, simplifying the connection between simulation and fabrication. To demonstrate this approach, we reproduce the color of the male mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) in an experimental system, using prescribed components and a microstructure that is easy to fabricate. Finally, we use the model to find the limits of angle-independent structural colors for a given system. see more These results enable an engineering design approach to structural color for many different applications.Policymaking during a pandemic can be extremely challenging. As COVID-19 is a new disease and its global impacts are unprecedented, decisions are taken in a highly uncertain, complex, and rapidly changing environment. In such a context, in which human lives and the economy are at stake, we argue that using ideas and constructs from modern decision theory, even informally, will make policymaking a more responsible and transparent process.

To examine the association among acute bronchiolitis-related hospitalisation in children, meteorological variation and outdoor air pollution.

We obtained the daily counts of acute bronchiolitis-related admission of children≤2 years old from all public hospitals, meteorological data and outdoor air pollutants' concentrations between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017 in Hong Kong. We used quasi-Poisson generalised additive models together with distributed lag non-linear models to estimate the associations of interest adjusted for confounders.

A total of 29 688 admissions were included in the analysis. Increased adjusted relative risk (ARR) of acute bronchiolitis-related hospitalisation was associated with high temperature (ambient temperature and apparent temperature) and was marginally associated with high vapour pressure, a proxy for absolute humidity. High concentration of NO

was associated with elevated risk of acute bronchiolitis admission; the risk of bronchiolitis hospitalisation increased statistically significantly with cumulative NO

exposure over the range 66.2-119.6 µg/m

. For PM

, the significant effect observed at high concentrations appears to be immediate but not long lasting. For SO

, ARR increased as the concentration approached the 75th percentile and then decreased though the association was insignificant.

Acute bronchiolitis-related hospitalisation among children was associated with temperature and exposure to NO

and PM

at different lag times, suggesting a need to adopt sustainable clean air policies, especially to target pollutants produced by motor vehicles, to protect young children's health.

Acute bronchiolitis-related hospitalisation among children was associated with temperature and exposure to NO2 and PM10 at different lag times, suggesting a need to adopt sustainable clean air policies, especially to target pollutants produced by motor vehicles, to protect young children's health.We recently identified epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a trihydroxyphenolic compound, as a dual inhibitor of lysyl oxidase-like2 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) receptor kinase that when given orally to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) reversed profibrotic biomarkers in their diagnostic biopsies. Here, we extend these findings to advanced pulmonary fibrosis using cultured precision-cut lung slices from explants of patients with IPF undergoing transplantation. During these experiments, we were surprised to discover that not only did EGCG attenuate TGFβ1 signalling and new collagen accumulation but also activated matrix metalloproteinase-dependent collagen I turnover, raising the possibility of slow fibrosis resolution with continued treatment.

Evidence suggests that vitamin C supplementation could be a potential therapy in type 2 diabetes. However, its effectiveness and evidence quality require further evaluation.

To investigate the efficacy of oral vitamin C supplementation in improving glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and oxidative stress in people with type 2 diabetes.

Databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library) and clinical trial registries were searched for randomized controlled trials up to 8 September 2020.

Trials in adults with type 2 diabetes were included. Trials were excluded if supplements were not exclusive to vitamin C and if <2 weeks in duration.

Primary outcomes were HbA

, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure (BP). Data were extracted for changes in outcomes between vitamin C and control groups. Evidence certainty was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methods.

Twenty-eight studies (

= 1,574 participants) were included in the these findings.