Stable Inputs Research Articles

Sequential migrations of diverse fish community provide seasonally prolonged and stable nutrient inputs to a river.

Animal migrations transport resources among spatially separate ecosystems, effectively linking them. In freshwater ecosystems, numerous fish species migrate between mainstream rivers or lakes and their tributaries, providing resources and nutrients during their spawning migrations. Multiple migratory species travel to the same destinations and contribute such nutrients, but knowledge remains limited about how the diversity of migratory animals influences the recipient ecosystem. We investigated how migrations of diverse fish community from Lake Biwa, Japan contribute to nutrient inputs in one of the lake's tributary rivers and how they influence the ecosystem. Sequential migration of six fish species continued for 8 months of a year, causing high-level nutrient concentration and primary production. The fish-derived resources were taken up by diverse members of the river community. Our results emphasize the extent to which migrations of diverse animals seasonally extend and stabilize the resource subsidy and how they extend pronounced effects on the recipient ecosystems.

Ultrasound effect on a biorefinery lignin-cellulose mixture

Forest biorefineries provide multiple new avenues for applied research. The main concept lies in the malleability of the processes and their stepwise organization. The core element of the biorefinery concept addressed in the present study is the pretreatment step; here, wood biomass is converted into free hemicellulosic sugars, lignin and cellulose. In traditional approaches, the pretreatment step is a starting point for isolating and separating lignin or cellulose through different processes. In this study, instead of performing any separation, a lignin-cellulose mixture was used as its own material, and the effects of ultrasound treatment with a probe system at 20 kHz, with various amplitude, sonication time and dry matter content were investigated with the aim of assessing the formation of a nanocellulose structure with a high lignin content (>30 %) and investigating the stability of the lignin-cellulose mixture under aqueous conditions. We demonstrated the importance of dry matter content for the specific particle size and water retention values for this mixture. US treatment of lignin-cellulose mixtures <4 % dry matter formed a gel-like material, with low particle size (90 % below 30 μm and smallest at nanoscale). Low dry matter loading led to better US transfer and higher conversion of cellulose to <100 nm nanoparticles. Our study can serve as a baseline for future developments in the field of stable emulsions, filtering materials or inputs for material synthesis.

Hydrocarbon Generation Potential and Organic Matter Enrichment Mechanism of the Cambrian Marine Shale in the Tadong Low Uplift, Tarim Basin

AbstractCambrian shales in China and elsewhere contain abundant oil and gas resources. However, due to its deep burial and limited outcrop, there has been relatively little research conducted on it. The Cambrian shale of the Tadong low uplift in the Tarim Basin of western China, specifically the Xidashan–Xishanbulake Formation (Fm.) and overlying Moheershan Fm. provide a case study through the use of organic petrology, mineralogy, organic and elemental geochemistry, with the aim of analyzing and exploring the hydrocarbon generation potential (PG) and organic matter (OM) enrichment mechanisms within these shale formations. The results indicate that: (1) the Cambrian shale of the Tadong low uplift exhibits relatively dispersed OM that consists of vitrinite‐like macerals and solid bitumen. These formations have a higher content of quartz and are primarily composed of silica‐based lithology; (2) shale samples from the Xidashan–Xishanbulake and Moheershan formations demonstrate high total organic carbon (TOC) and low S2 content. The OM is predominantly type I and type II kerogens, indicating a high level of maturation in the wet gas period. These shales have undergone extensive hydrocarbon generation, showing characteristics of relatively poor PG; (3) the sedimentary environments of the Xidashan–Xishanbulake and Moheershan formations in the Tadong low uplift are similar. They were deposited in warm and humid climatic conditions, in oxygen‐deficient environments, with stable terrigenous inputs, high paleoproductivity, high paleosalinity, weak water‐holding capacity, and no significant hydrothermal activity; and (4) the relationship between TOC and the paleoproductivity parameter (P/Ti) is most significant in the Lower Cambrian Xidashan–Xishanbulake Fm., whereas correlation with other indicators is not evident. This suggests a productivity‐driven OM enrichment model, where input of land‐derived material was relatively small during the Middle Cambrian, and the ancient water exhibited lower salinity. A comprehensive pattern was formed under the combined control of paleoproductivity and preservation conditions. This study provides valuable guidance for oil and gas exploration in the Tarim Basin.

Spontaneous Dynamics of Hippocampal Place Fields in a Model of Combinatorial Competition among Stable Inputs.

We present computer simulations illustrating how the plastic integration of spatially stable inputs could contribute to the dynamic character of hippocampal spatial representations. In novel environments of slightly larger size than typical apparatus, the emergence of well-defined place fields in real place cells seems to rely on inputs from normally functioning grid cells. Theoretically, the grid-to-place transformation is possible if a place cell is able to respond selectively to a combination of suitably aligned grids. We previously identified the functional characteristics that allow a synaptic plasticity rule to accomplish this selection by synaptic competition during rat foraging behavior. Here, we show that the synaptic competition can outlast the formation of place fields, contributing to their spatial reorganization over time, when the model is run in larger environments and the topographical/modular organization of grid inputs is taken into account. Co-simulated cells that differ only by their randomly assigned grid inputs display different degrees and kinds of spatial reorganization-ranging from place-field remapping to more subtle in-field changes or lapses in firing. The model predicts a greater number of place fields and propensity for remapping in place cells recorded from more septal regions of the hippocampus and/or in larger environments, motivating future experimental standardization across studies and animal models. In sum, spontaneous remapping could arise from rapid synaptic learning involving inputs that are functionally homogeneous, spatially stable, and minimally stochastic.

(Invited) Decoupling Strategies in Electrochemical Water Splitting

The storage of renewably-generated energy as hydrogen via the electrolysis of water is a fundamental cornerstone of a sustainable hydrogen economy. Conventional electrolysers usually require stable power inputs in order to operate effectively and safely and so may be unsuited to harnessing renewable power, which is often intermittent and diffuse. Decoupled Electrolysis (see, for example: Nature Chem. 2013, 5, 403-409; Science, 2014, 345, 1326-1330; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 6707–6710; Joule, 2018, 2, 1390-1395; Adv. Energy Mater. 2020, 2002453; Electrochim. Acta, 2020, 331, 135255) has the potential to overcome some of the challenges surrounding electrolysis using low and/or sporadic power inputs (especially those related to gas crossover) as the decoupling of the two half reactions of water splitting allows the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions to be performed at different times, in different places and at rates that are not linked to each other. In this talk, we shall give an overview of decoupled electrolysis using liquid redox mediators and also explore the use of decoupling agents in other contexts such as redox flow batteries (Nature Chem. 2018, 10, 1042-1047) and electrosynthesis (Chem. Commun. 2018, 54, 1093-1096). Figure 1

Functional reconstruction of the basal ganglia neural circuit by human striatal neurons in hypoxic–ischaemic injured brain

Perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy is the leading cause of neonatal death and permanent neurological deficits, while the basal ganglia is one of the major nuclei that is selectively and greatly affected in the brains of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy patients, especially in severe cases. Human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons have shown great potential in different types of brain disorders in adults. However, it remains unknown whether and how grafted human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons can repair immature brains with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Here, by administrating genetically labelled human embryonic stem cell-derived striatal neural progenitors into the ipsilateral striatum of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy-injured mice, we found that the grafted cells gradually matured into GABA spiny projection neurons morphologically and electrophysiologically, and significantly rescued the area loss of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy-injured brains. Intriguingly, using immunohistochemical staining combined with enhanced ascorbate peroxidase-based immunoelectron microscopy and rabies virus-mediated trans-synaptic tracing, we show that the grafts start to extend axonal projections to the endogenous target areas (globus pallidus externa, globus pallidus internus, substantia nigra), form synapses with host striatal, globus pallidus and nigra neurons, and receive extensive and stable synaptic inputs as early as 2 months post-transplantation. Importantly, we further demonstrated functional neural circuits re-established between the grafted neurons and host cortical, striatal and substantial nigra neurons at 3-6 months post-transplantation in the hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy-injured brain by optogenetics combined with electrophysiological recording. Finally, the transplanted striatal spiny projection neurons but not spinal GABA neurons restored the motor defects of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, which were reversed by clozapine-N-oxide-based inhibition of graft function. These findings demonstrate anatomical and functional reconstruction of the basal ganglia neural circuit including multiple loops by striatal spiny projection neurons in hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy-injured immature brains, which raises the possibility of such a cell replacement therapeutic strategy for hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy in neonates.

Edaphic controls of soil organic carbon in tropical agricultural landscapes

Predicting soil organic carbon (SOC) is problematic in tropical soils because mechanisms of SOC (de)stabilization are not resolved. We aimed to identify such storage mechanisms in a tropical soil landscape constrained by 100 years of similar soil inputs and agricultural disturbance under the production of sugarcane, a C4 grass and bioenergy feedstock. We measured soil physicochemical parameters, SOC concentration, and SOC dynamics by soil horizon to one meter to identify soil parameters that can predict SOC outcomes. Applying correlative analyses, linear mixed model (LMM) regression, model selection by AICc, and hierarchical clustering we found that slow moving SOC was related to many soil parameters, while the fastest moving SOC was only related to soil surface charge. Our models explained 78–79%, 51–57%, 7–8% of variance in SOC concentration, slow pool decay, and fast pool decay, respectively. Top SOC predictors were roots, the ratio of organo-complexed iron (Fe) to aluminum (Al), water stable aggregates (WSagg), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Using hierarchical clustering we also assessed SOC predictors across gradients of depth and rainfall with strong reductions in Roots, SOC, and slow pool decay associated with increasing depth, while increased rainfall was associated with increased Clay and WSagg and reduced CEC in surface soils. Increased negative surface charge, water stable aggregation, organo-Fe complexation, and root inputs were key SOC protection mechanisms despite high soil disturbance. Further development of these relationships is expected to improve understanding of SOC storage mechanisms and outcomes in similar tropical agricultural soils globally.

Poisson Stability in Symmetrical Impulsive Shunting Inhibitory Cellular Neural Networks with Generalized Piecewise Constant Argument

In the paper, shunting inhibitory cellular neural networks with impulses and the generalized piecewise constant argument are under discussion. The main modeling novelty is that the impulsive part of the systems is symmetrical to the differential part. Moreover, the model depends not only on the continuous time, but also the generalized piecewise constant argument. The process is subdued to Poisson stable inputs, which cause the new type of recurrent signals. The method of included intervals, recently introduced approach of recurrent motions checking, is effectively utilized. The existence and asymptotic properties of the unique Poisson stable motion are investigated. Simulation examples for results are provided. Finally, comparing impulsive shunting inhibitory cellular neural networks with former neural network models, we discuss the significance of the components of our model.

Dynamics of Shunting Inhibitory Cellular Neural Networks with Variable Two-Component Passive Decay Rates and Poisson Stable Inputs

Shunting inhibitory cellular neural networks with continuous time-varying rates and inputs are the focus of this research. A new model is considered with compartmental passive decay rates which consist of periodic and Poisson stable components. The first component guarantees the Poisson stability of the dynamics, and the second one causes irregular oscillations. The inputs are Poisson stable to take into account the more sophisticated environment of the networks. The rates and inputs are synchronized to obtain Poisson stable outputs. A new efficient technique for checking the recurrence, the method of included intervals, is applied. Sufficient conditions for the existence of a Poisson stable solution and its asymptotic stability were obtained. Numerical simulations of Poisson stable outputs as well as inputs are provided. Examples of the model with Poisson stable rates, inputs and outputs confirm the feasibility of theoretical results. Discussions were undertaken to provide additional light on the relation of the obtained results with practical and theoretical potentials of neuroscience. Quantitative characteristics are suggested, which can be useful for the future applications of the results. In particular, the center of antisymmetry for the degree of periodicity is determined.

Electrical Writing Induced Covalent Cross-Linking on Hydrogel for Multidimensional Structural Information Storage.

The storage of dynamic information in hydrogel is extremely interesting due to the reprogrammable and responsive features of hydrogel. Here, we report that structural information can be stored in polysaccharide hydrogel by electrically induced covalent cross-linking, and the imbedded information can be retrieved by different means (dye adsorption, protonation of chitosan, and acid dissolution). Taking the advantage of diffusible feature of hydrogel, OH- was generated from the contacting area of the electrode and controllably diffused by electrical writing, thus the high pH domain (pH ∼ 10) triggered covalent cross-linking of the hydrogel. The written area exhibits different micromorphology, chemical properties, and pH sensitivity, allowing dynamic 2D and 3D information to be stored and read when necessary. This work demonstrates the use of stable electrical inputs to store dynamic structural information in a biopolymer-based hydrogel and how the chemical and physical varies allow eye recognition to the embedded information.

(Keynote) Decoupled Electrolysis for Water Splitting and Beyond

The storage of renewably-generated energy as hydrogen via the electrolysis of water is a fundamental cornerstone of a sustainable hydrogen economy. Conventional electrolysers usually require stable power inputs in order to operate effectively and safely and so may be unsuited to harnessing renewable power, which is often intermittent and diffuse. Decoupled Electrolysis (see, for example: Nature Chem. 2013, 5, 403-409; Science, 2014, 345, 1326-1330; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 6707–6710; Joule, 2018, 2, 1390-1395; Adv. Energy Mater. 2020, 2002453) has the potential to overcome some of the challenges surrounding electrolysis using low and/or sporadic power inputs (especially those related to gas crossover) as the decoupling of the two half reactions of water splitting allows the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions to be performed at different times, in different places and at rates that are not linked to each other. In this talk, we shall investigate these claims for decoupled electrolysis (Electrochim. Acta, 2020, 331, 135255) and also explore the use of decoupling agents in other contexts such as redox flow batteries (Nature Chem. 2018, 10, 1042-1047) and electrosynthesis (Chem. Commun. 2018, 54, 1093-1096).

(Keynote) Decoupled Electrolysis for Water Splitting and Beyond

The storage of renewably-generated energy as hydrogen via the electrolysis of water is a fundamental cornerstone of a sustainable hydrogen economy. Conventional electrolysers usually require stable power inputs in order to operate effectively and safely and so may be unsuited to harnessing renewable power, which is often intermittent and diffuse. Electrolysis mediated by Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffers (see, for example: Nature Chem. 2013, 5, 403-409; Science, 2014, 345, 1326-1330; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 6707–6710; Joule, 2018, 2, 1390-1395) has the potential to overcome some of the challenges surrounding electrolysis using low and/or sporadic power inputs (especially those related to gas crossover) as the use of Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffers allows the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions to be completely decoupled from one another. In this talk, we shall investigate these claims for decoupled electrolysis (Electrochim. Acta, 2020, 331, 135255) and also explore the use of Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffers in new contexts such as redox flow batteries (Nature Chem. 2018, 10, 1042-1047) and electrochemical CO2 reduction.

Perspective: Evolution of Control Variables and Policies for Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease Using Bidirectional Deep-Brain-Computer Interfaces.

A deep brain stimulation system capable of closed-loop neuromodulation is a type of bidirectional deep brain-computer interface (dBCI), in which neural signals are recorded, decoded, and then used as the input commands for neuromodulation at the same site in the brain. The challenge in assuring successful implementation of bidirectional dBCIs in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is to discover and decode stable, robust and reliable neural inputs that can be tracked during stimulation, and to optimize neurostimulation patterns and parameters (control policies) for motor behaviors at the brain interface, which are customized to the individual. In this perspective, we will outline the work done in our lab regarding the evolution of the discovery of neural and behavioral control variables relevant to PD, the development of a novel personalized dual-threshold control policy relevant to the individual’s therapeutic window and the application of these to investigations of closed-loop STN DBS driven by neural or kinematic inputs, using the first generation of bidirectional dBCIs.

(Invited) Polyoxometalate Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffers for Electrochemical and Photo-Electrochemical Water Splitting and Beyond

The storage of renewably-generated energy as hydrogen via the electrolysis of water is a fundamental cornerstone of a sustainable hydrogen economy. Conventional electrolysers usually require stable power inputs in order to operate effectively and safely and so may be unsuited to harnessing renewable power, which is often intermittent and diffuse. Electrolysis mediated by Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffers (see, for example: Nature Chem. 2013, 5, 403-409; Science, 2014, 345, 1326-1330; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 6707–6710; Joule, 2018, 2, 1390-1395) has the potential to overcome some of the challenges surrounding electrolysis using low and/or sporadic power inputs (especially those related to gas crossover) as the use of Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffers allows the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions to be completely decoupled from one another. In this talk, we shall investigate these claims for decoupled electrolysis (Electrochimica Acta, accepted for publication) and also explore the use of Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffers (ECPBs) as redox mediators in high energy-density redox flow batteries (Nature Chem. 2018, 10, 1042-1047) and for chemical hydrogenation reactions (Chem. Commun. 2018, 54, 1093-1096). Figure 1

Decoupled electrolysis using a silicotungstic acid electron-coupled-proton buffer in a proton exchange membrane cell

The storage of renewably-generated energy as hydrogen via the electrolysis of water is a fundamental cornerstone of a sustainable hydrogen economy. Conventional electrolysers usually require stable power inputs in order to operate effectively and safely and so may be unsuited to harnessing renewable power, which is often intermittent and diffuse. Electrolysis mediated by Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffers has the potential to overcome some of the challenges surrounding electrolysis using low and/or sporadic power inputs (especially those related to gas crossover) as the use of Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffers allows the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions to be completely decoupled from one another. Herein, we show that silicotungstic acid can be used as an Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffer in a proton exchange membrane cell, decoupling the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions at steady state current densities as high as 500 mA cm−2. O2 and H2 can be produced continuously by this system by cycling a fixed volume of the Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffer solution. Even at current densities as low as 25 mA cm−2, the level of hydrogen in the oxygen stream is <0.4%, whereas a conventional proton exchange membrane electrolyser operating at this current density produces oxygen containing nearly 2% hydrogen (unacceptable for most applications). Furthermore, using silicotungstic acid as an Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffer also confers greater tolerance to non-deionised water inputs and reduces fluoride release from the perfluorosulfonated membrane (a marker for membrane degradation) relative to a conventional proton exchange membrane electrolyser. Together, these results highlight the promise and potential advantages of Electron-Coupled-Proton Buffers (and silicotungstic acid in particular) for the electrolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen over a wide range of current densities, such as might be delivered by renewable power inputs.

Grazing practices affect the soil microbial community composition in a Tibetan alpine meadow

AbstractGrazing is the primary land‐use activity on the Tibetan Plateau and can affect soil microbes and their function through aboveground vegetation removal, animal trampling, and manure deposition. Two distinct grazing systems (i.e., winter grazing [WG] and annual grazing [AG]) dominate on the Tibetan Plateau, but their effects on soil microbes have rarely been assessed. Taking advantage of a 5‐year field experiment that controlled timing and density of grazers via fence exclosures, we examined impacts of different grazing practices on the biomass, diversity, and composition of the soil microbial community in a Tibetan alpine meadow. On the basis of high‐throughput sequencing, we found that grazing had no significant effects on bacterial and fungal α‐diversities but altered their community compositions. Although total soil carbon (TC), total soil nitrogen (TN), and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) were related to both bacterial and fungal community compositions, plant shoot biomass only correlated with bacteria, and soil pH and moisture significantly influenced fungi under grazing. Also, grazing altered plant community composition but did not lead to corresponding changes in bacterial or fungal community composition. Moreover, grazing practices affected the relative abundance of specific bacterial and fungal taxa, reducing Actinobacteria but increasing Basidiomycete fungi in WG. Soil TC and TN were higher, and the soil microbial community was more stable in AG than WG, likely due to more stable litter inputs in AG. Together, these results showed that AG was less disruptive to soil microbes, suggesting that AG may provide a viable option for sustainable utilization and conservation of these fragile alpine systems.

Temperature sensitivity of soil heterotrophic respiration is altered by carbon substrate along the development of Quercus Mongolica forest in northeast China

Soil heterotrophic respiration was profoundly correlated with the decomposition of soil organic carbon and the global carbon balance. It was liable to be affected by temperature and carbon substrate availability. To investigate the effects of different carbon substrate inputs on organic carbon decomposition and the temperature sensitivity of soil heterotrophic respiration along the forest stand ages, we sampled surface soils (0–20 cm) from three Quercus Mongolica forest stands (20, 30 and 40 years old) in Northeast China. The microcosms were established to incubate the soil under three carbon substrate treatments (glucose, amylopectin, and the combination of glucose and amylopectin) at 13, 23, and 33 °C, respectively. The carbon substrates were 320 μmol g−1 and 40 μmol g−1 fresh soil for glucose and amylopectin, respectively. The combined treatment was 160 μmol glucose g−1 and 20 μmol amylopectin g−1 fresh soil. The results showed that rates of basal respiration (BR), substrate-induced respiration (SIR), and specific growth rate (SGR) significantly increased with the increasing forest ages. After the addition of carbon substrates, the stimulation effects of SIR and SGR were higher at 23 °C than 13 °C and 33 °C, especially the addition of amylopectin. The Q10 values of SIR were lower after the addition of glucose than those of amylopectin at lower temperature intervals (13–23 °C), but higher at higher temperatures (23–33 °C). The Q10 linearly increased with increasing rates of substrate availability. The Q10 values of SIR stimulated by amylopectin were higher at lower temperature intervals (13–23 °C), suggesting the responses of Q10 were not only adjusted by carbon substrates but also the ranges of temperature change. The exogenous stable organic carbon inputs greatly increased the Q10 values of soil heterotrophic respiration in the older forest stands. These results indicated that the decomposition of stable carbon substrate will be more sensitivity to temperature in boreal successional Quercus Mongolica forest.

At the core of the socio-ecological transition: Agroecosystem energy fluxes in Austria 1830–2010

Analyses of energy efficiency in biomass production offer important insights in the context of sustainable land management and biomass production. However, much of the previous research on the topic has focused on the energy efficiency of either food or energy provision. Only recently, comprehensive analyses at the total agroecosystem level have been operationalized, studying long-term change in agroecosystem energetics in the course of the socio-ecological transition. We contribute to this line of research by offering an empirical assessment of agroecosystem energetics for the case of Austria, covering the period 1830–2010 at an annual resolution. We present a quantitative assessment of energy inputs, outputs and internal energy fluxes of Austria's agroecosystem, including crop production, livestock production and forestry, as well as energy return on investment indicators. We identify three major periods: (1) “pre-industrial land-use intensification” (1830–1914) is characterized by moderate agricultural growth based on increased biomass recirculation, declining wood harvest, and, probably, slightly declining energy returns on investments. (2) From 1918 to 1985, “industrialization of land use and the green revolution” exhibits a substitution of labor by modern energy inputs, while livestock continued to rely greatly on domestic biomass. (3) “Industrialized extensification and environmental awareness” (1986–2010) features increasing energy efficiency due to declines in livestock numbers, a shift towards forestry, and a rising amount of final products from croplands at stable energy inputs. We discuss these periods in the context of changes in both ecological impacts and social metabolism, and identify trade-offs among food and bioenergy provision.

Healthcare efficiency assessment using DEA analysis in the Slovak Republic

A regional disparity is becoming increasingly important growth constraint. Policy makers need quantitative knowledge to design effective and targeted policies. In this paper, the regional efficiency of healthcare facilities in Slovakia is measured (2008–2015) using data envelopment analysis (DEA). The DEA is the dominant approach to assessing the efficiency of the healthcare system but also other economic areas. In this study, the window approach is introduced as an extension to the basic DEA models to evaluate healthcare technical efficiency in individual regions and quantify the basic regional disparities and discrepancies. The window DEA method was chosen since it leads to increased discrimination on results especially when applied to small samples and it enables year-by-year comparisons of the results. Two stable inputs (number of beds, number of medical staff), three variable inputs (number of all medical equipment, number of magnetic resonance (MR) devices, number of computed tomography (CT) devices) and two stable outputs (use of beds, average nursing time) were chosen as production variable in an output-oriented 4-year window DEA model for the assessment of technical efficiency in 8 regions. The database was made available from the National Health Information Center and the Slovak Statistical Office, as well as from the online databases Slovstat and DataCube. The aim of the paper is to quantify the impact of the non-standard Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) variables as the use of medical technologies (MR, CT) on the results of the assessment of the efficiency of the healthcare facilities and their adequacy in the evaluation of the monitored processes. The results of the analysis have shown that there is an indirect dependence between the values of the variables over time and the results of the estimated efficiency in all regions. The regions that had low values of the variables over time achieved a high degree of efficiency and vice versa. Interesting knowledge was that the gradual addition of variables number of MR, number of CT and number of medical devices together, to the input side did not have a significant impact on the overall estimated efficiency of healthcare facilities.

Phanerozoic pO2 and the early evolution of terrestrial animals.

Concurrent gaps in the Late Devonian/Mississippian fossil records of insects and tetrapods (i.e. Romer's Gap) have been attributed to physiological suppression by low atmospheric pO2 Here, updated stable isotope inputs inform a reconstruction of Phanerozoic oxygen levels that contradicts the low oxygen hypothesis (and contradicts the purported role of oxygen in the evolution of gigantic insects during the late Palaeozoic), but reconciles isotope-based calculations with other proxies, like charcoal. Furthermore, statistical analysis demonstrates that the gap between the first Devonian insect and earliest diverse insect assemblages of the Pennsylvanian (Bashkirian Stage) requires no special explanation if insects were neither diverse nor abundant prior to the evolution of wings. Rather than tracking physiological constraint, the fossil record may accurately record the transformative evolutionary impact of insect flight.