Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
kW-level monolithic single-mode narrow-linewidth all-solid photonic bandgap fiber amplifier

Further power scaling of narrow-linewidth fiber lasers is critical for beam combining. Using allsolid photonic bandgap fibers with large effective mode area and strong higher-order-mode suppression is an interesting approach. Previously we demonstrated ~400 W single-frequency single-mode power at 1064 nm from a 50/400 photonic bandgap fiber amplifier, limited only by TMI. In this work, we demonstrate a TMIlimited single-mode power of 1.37 kW from a monolithic fiber amplifier with a 25/400 photonic bandgap fiber, the highest output power from a photonic bandgap fiber demonstrated to date. The spectral linewidth is broadened to ~8 GHz to suppress stimulated Brillouin scattering.
Association of the MedWise Risk Score with health care outcomes.

OBJECTIVES Older patients are especially vulnerable to drug-related problems due to multiple prescription drugs, which increases their risk of drug-drug interactions and adverse drug events (ADEs). This study aimed to examine outcomes associated with the MedWise Risk Score (MRS) in a Medicare Part D population, including total medical expenditures, ADEs, falls, mortality, emergency department (ED) visits, hospital admissions, and length of stay (LOS). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective observational study. METHODS The association between MRS and patient health outcomes was derived using drug claims data from 213,561 beneficiaries and medication risk stratification using outcomes data in 2018 with 1 year of follow-up. Analyses were conducted with the Max MRS and the Mean MRS calculated over the year. Analyses utilizing the Max MRS performed better, and results using the Max MRS are presented. Statistical analyses were performed using linear regression, logistic regression, negative binomial regression, and zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) models. RESULTS Of 203,630 patients studied (mean ± SD age, 76.0 ± 8.0 years), 4.9%, 9.8%, 24.5%, and 15.5% experienced at least 1 ADE, fall, ED visit, and hospital admission, respectively, in 2018. The MRS was associated with an 8.5% change in total medical expenditure per 1-unit increase. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of ADE was 1.058 (95% CI, 1.055-1.06)/unit MRS. ADEs, falls, and death were more likely in elevated MRS categories (eg, OR of 4.45 for ADEs [95% CI, 4.10-4.83], 5.51 for falls [95% CI, 5.17-5.87], and 4.42 for death [95% CI, 3.82-5.12], respectively forSevere MRS group). Our model predicts 7000 ED visits for every 100,000 patients per unit increase of the MRS. The ZIP models estimated ORs of 1.03 and 1.01 for hospital admissions and increase in hospital LOS, respectively, per MRS unit. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that MRS was associated with health outcomes and therefore could be used to identify patients at increased risk of negative outcomes based primarily on their medication regimens.
Clinical evaluation of urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein for the diagnosis of renal diseases in dogs

Liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is a biomarker for the early detection of renal diseases in humans. L-FABP is a cytotoxic oxidation product secreted from the proximal tubules under ischemic and oxidative stress conditions. First, L-FABP gene expression in the kidney and liver was evaluated. Next, the urinary L-FABP concentrations in dogs with or without renal diseases were measured using a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Urinary L-FABP was normalized relative to urinary creatinine (uCre) concentrations (µg/g uCre). Finally, the relationships between urinary L-FABP and renal biomarkers used in canine medicine or serum alanine transaminase (ALT) as an indicator of liver damage were examined. Serum and urine samples from 94 client-owned dogs including 23 dogs with renal diseases and 71 dogs without renal diseases were used for analysis. Relative L-FABP gene expression was confirmed both in the liver and kidney. Dogs with renal diseases had a significantly higher urinary L-FABP than those without, and its predictive cutoff value was 26 µg/g uCre. Urinary L-FABP was significantly correlated with serum creatinine (r=0.4674, P<0.01), urea nitrogen (r=0.4907, P<0.01), urine specific gravity (r=−0.5100, P<0.01), and urine protein/creatinine ratio (r=0.7216, P<0.01), but not with serum ALT. Hence, dogs with a high urinary L-FABP value were more likely to have renal diseases.
Anabolic androgenic steroids used as performance and image enhancing drugs in professional and amateur athletes: Toxicological and psychopathological findings

The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) as performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs), once restricted to professional athletes, now includes amateurs and regular gym visitors. AAS use is associated with psychopathology, yet this relationship is complex and not fully understood. We aimed to assess the presence of AASs and other misused substances in athletes' biological samples and link toxicological to psychopathological findings.
Applying Machine Learning to Stem Cell Culture and Differentiation

Machine learning techniques are increasingly becoming incorporated into biological research workflows in a variety of disciplines, most notably cancer research and drug discovery. Efforts in stem cell research comparatively lag behind. We detail key paradigms in machine learning, with a focus on equipping stem cell biologists with the understanding necessary to begin conceptualizing and designing machine learning workflows within their own domain of expertise. Supervised approaches in both regression and classification as well as unsupervised clustering techniques are all covered, with examples from across the biological sciences. High‐throughput, high‐content, multiplex assays for data acquisition are also discussed in the form of single‐cell RNA sequencing and image‐based approaches. Lastly, potential applications in stem cell biology, including the development of novel cell types, and improving model maturation are also discussed. Machine learning approaches applied in stem cell biology show promise in accelerating progress in developmental biology, drug screening, disease modeling, and personalized medicine. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Does Nubility Indicate More Than High Reproductive Value? Nubile Primiparas’ Pregnancy Outcomes in Evolutionary Perspective

The idea that human males are most strongly attracted to traits that peak in women in the nubile age group raises the question of how well women in that age group contend with the potential hazards of a first pregnancy. Using data for 1.7 million first births from 1990 U.S. natality and mortality records, we compared outcomes for women with first births (primiparas) aged 16–20 years (when first births typically occur in forager and subsistence groups) with those aged 21–25 years. The younger primiparas had a much lower risk of potentially life-threatening complications of labor and delivery and, when evolutionarily novel risk factors were controlled, fetuses which were significantly more likely to survive despite lower birth weights. Thus, nubile primiparas were more likely to have a successful reproductive outcome defined in an evolutionarily relevant way (an infant of normal birth weight and gestation, surviving to one year, and delivered without a medically necessary cesarean delivery). This suggests that prior to the widespread availability of surgical deliveries, men who mated with women in the nubile age group would have reaped the benefit of having a reproductive partner more likely to have a successful first pregnancy.
Efficacy of a novel in ovo-attenuated live vaccine and recombinant vaccine against a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus in chickens

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) causes severe economic damage to the poultry industry worldwide. To prevent IBD virus (IBDV) infection, live virus vaccines have been widely used in chickens having wide-ranging levels of maternally derived antibodies. But, the risks of infection with other pathogens because of lesions related to atrophy of the bursa of Fabricius in vaccinated chickens are a concern. To resolve the problems, a recombinant turkey herpesvirus (HVT) vaccine expressing IBDV-VP2 protein (rHVT-IBD) has been developed. However, the induction of neutralizing antibodies by rHVT-IBD against a virulent IBDV might be delayed compared with that by the live IBD vaccine, leading to the high risks of IBDV infection for young chickens. To find the best selection of IBDV vaccine for the onset of immunity, we examine the protective efficacy of a novel in ovo-attenuated live IBDV (IBD-CA) vaccine and the rHVT-IBD vaccine in young chickens challenged with a very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) strain. We show that the protective efficacy of IBD-CA vaccine was higher than that of the rHVT-IBD vaccine in 14-day-old chickens challenged with the vvIBDV strain, leading to the risk of IBDV infection for young chickens when vaccinated with rHVT-IBD. Our results suggest that farmers should select the best vaccines to maximize vaccine efficacy in consideration of the vaccine characteristics, prevalence levels of IBDV in the areas, and initial MDA levels of the chickens since the attenuated live and recombinant vaccines play a role in the different vaccine efficacies.
Inventory management and performance of Brazilian firms listed on B 3

Objective: Decisions concerning inventory management involve a trade-off in which firms must choose between keeping high inventory levels, thus decreasing the risk of product shortage, or keeping low inventory levels and applying excess cash in other investments. Therefore, this paper addresses the relationship between inventory management and performance. Method: This sample is composed of non-financial firms listed on Brazil’s stock exchange operator B3, from 2010 to 2018. Because inventory is not relevant for all the companies included in the initial sample, we applied a procedure using simple linear regression to refine the sample. Only firms with a significant relationship between inventory and sales continued in the sample. A quantitative approach based on regression analysis was used to test the research assumptions. Results: The results of the model that considers performance measuring from the perspective of aggregate value show no relationship between inventory and performance. Robustness was verified using ROA to measure performance from the perspective of profitability. We found an inverted U relationship between profitability, the net trade cycle, and its square. That is, we found a non-linear relationship between the variables, corroborating the idea that there is an optimal level between inventory and profitability. Contributions: As far as we know, this is the first study investigating whether there is a point of inflection of inventory management and performance among Brazilian firms. The results present relevant and practical guidelines for Brazilian firms and researchers addressing performance related to the net trade cycle, as they suggest that Brazilian shareholders are not concerned with internal factors such as inventory management, but rather with whether a firm is being profitably managed.
Building a Feminist Commons in the Time of COVID-19

The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been structured around the idea that human connection and sociality are bad—they are dangerous. This essay suggests that, perhaps paradoxically, rather than isolating to stay healthy, people are forging new egalitarian forms of connection. I argue that COVID-19 has enhanced experiments in what I will call a “burgeoning feminist commons. ” These foreground new, horizontal forms of sociality, and they build the grounds of resistance, refusing to separate the time of political organization from that of reproduction. I discuss three such experiments: masked mobs, friendly fridges, and pandemic pods. Each form of connection takes place at a different scale, from the global to the local to the intimate, each with its own affective dimensions. These forms of togetherness are about coexisting in ways that ensure everyone’s survival. As such, they abandon any hope of purity.
Pancreatic lipase: why laboratory community does not take enough care of this clinically important test?

Abstract Although being the recommended laboratory test to diagnose acute pancreatitis, serum pancreatic lipase (LIP) is among the poorly standardized laboratory tests, and laboratory stakeholders often appear to not take enough care of the quality of its measurements. Here we discuss some important issues that, if not correctly managed and solved, make misdiagnosis of acute pancreatitis by using serum LIP a real possibility. First, the current unavailability of a suitable higher-order reference material to be used as common calibrator should be filled up to definitively improve the inter-method bias. Second, knowledge of the analytical characteristics that may explain the defective performance of LIP assays should be deepened. IVD manufacturers should be more explicit in providing this information, including description of their internal protocol for transferring LIP values from internal references to commercial calibrators. Third, recommended models for accurately estimating measurement uncertainty and reliably defining analytical performance specifications for LIP measurements should be applied. Finally, investments considering alternative options for measuring LIP (e.g., targeted to the development of automated LIP immunoassays) should be warranted. All involved stakeholders (standardization bodies, higher-order reference providers, in vitro diagnostics manufacturers, and laboratory professionals) should contribute to fill the existing gap.
Investigation of RASSF4 gene in head and neck cancers

Abstract Objectives RASSF gene family can inhibit the growth of RAS oncogene. This gene family is suggested to have a role in cell cycle control, apoptosis, cell migration, and mitosis control. This study evaluated RASSF4 gene expression levels, SNPs and serum levels in tissues dissected from both healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with head, and neck cancer. Methods RASSF4 gene expression levels were determined using the RT-PCR. Serum levels of RASSF4 were tested using the Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay technique in study groups. RASSF4 rs7896801 and rs884879 genotypes were identified using by the RT-PCR. Results No statistical difference was observed between study groups according to RASSF4 gene expression levels. According to SNP results, rs7896801 revealed a 2.4 fold increase of G-allele presence in patients (p=0.015). The increase in the presence of AA genotype was statistically significant for the control group (p=0.015). Distribution of genotypes and alleles for rs884879 showed a 2.2 fold increase in CC genotype for healthy group (p=0.031) however, the presence of T allele showed a significant increase in the patients (p=0.048). Conclusions We suggest that this study will play a pioneering role for the next studies on RASSF4 gene, especially on SNPs.
The effect of salinity concentration on algal biomass production and nutrient removal from municipal wastewater by Dunaliella salina

Extensive amounts of organic and inorganic substances are discharged into the environment, and they have been ascribed to a number of anthropogenic activities including agriculture, industry, and domestic processes. Microalgae, as a promising alternative feedstock for bioenergy production, have advantages in the uptake of nutrients from wastewater for biomass production. This study assessed the feasibility of mass cultivation of microalgae in controlled environment tertiary treated municipal wastewater. Dunaliella salina (D salina) was selected for its high beta carotene generation capacity and being a halophilic species to protect our freshwater resources further in wastewater remediation. Nutrient analyses indicated that D salina can significantly remove nitrate, ammonia, and phosphorus from municipal wastewater in the range of 45% to 88%. Among all combinations studied, the optimal algal growth was observed at 30 ppt salinity level, with a 75% wastewater concentration (3:1 ratio of wastewater and saline water mixture—the growth medium). The findings concluded that D salina has great capacity for nutrient uptake while providing high‐value bioproducts. It can therefore be recommended as a potential candidate species that could be used in wastewater treatment systems coupled with high‐value bioproducts production.
Patient, family and provider views of measurement-based care in an early-psychosis intervention programme

Background Measurement-based care (MBC) in mental health improves patient outcomes and is a component of many national guidelines for mental healthcare delivery. Nevertheless, MBC is not routinely integrated into clinical practice. Several known reasons for the lack of integration exist but one lesser explored variable is the subjective perspectives of providers and patients about MBC. Such perspectives are critical to understand facilitators and barriers to improve the integration of MBC into routine clinical practice. Aims This study aimed to uncover the perspectives of various stakeholders towards MBC within a single treatment centre. Method Researchers conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with patients (n = 15), family members (n = 7), case managers (n = 8) and psychiatrists (n = 6) engaged in an early-psychosis intervention programme. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, informed by critical realist theory. Results Analysis converged on several themes. These include (a) implicit negative assumptions; (b) relevance and utility to practice; (c) equity versus flexibility; and (d) shared decision-making. Providers assumed patients’ perspectives of MBC were negative. Patients’ perspectives of MBC were actually favourable, particularly if MBC was used as an instrument to engage patients in shared decision-making and communication rather than as a dogmatic and rigid clinical decision tool. Conclusions This qualitative study presents the views of various stakeholders towards MBC, providing an in-depth examination of the barriers and facilitators to MBC through qualitative investigation. The findings from this study should be used to address the challenges organisations have experienced in implementing MBC.
US Consumers’ Online Shopping Behaviors and Intentions During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract A study of 1,558 US households in June 2020 evaluated utilization of online grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, influences on utilization, and plans for future online grocery shopping. Nearly 55 percent of respondents shopped online in June 2020; 20 percent were first-timers. Cragg model estimates showed influences on online shopping likelihood and frequency included demographics, employment, and prior online shopping. Illness concerns increased likelihood, while food shortage concerns increased frequency of online shopping. A multinomial probit suggested 58 percent respondents planned to continue online grocery shopping regardless of pandemic conditions.
Assessing learning progress: validating a test score interpretation in the domain of sustainability management

ABSTRACT This paper aims to provide evidence regarding the interpretation that test scores of a newly developed test instrument reflect learning progress in competence in sustainability management. As competence in sustainability management is conceptualised as mainly acquired through academic opportunities to learn (OTLs), students in courses with relevant academic OTLs (focus group) should display greater learning progress than those without (control group). Non-academic OTLs should not predict learning progress. 499 students were tested between winter term 2017/2018 and summer term 2018. We specify SEM with fixed effects for the courses and calculate linear contrasts between the focus and control group. In addition, we predict learning progress by self-rated academic and non-academic OTLs. Results show that for two of the tests, academic OTLs indeed predict learning progress on course level and non-academic OTLs do not. In sum, evidence suggests that scores for two of the tests reflect learning progress in competence in sustainability management.
Medical management of non-obstructive azoospermia: A systematic review

ABSTRACT While most men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) are not amenable to medical treatment, some men can be treated effectively with hormonal therapy, prior to considering surgery. In some cases, hormonal therapy alone can treat NOA, without the need for surgery. In other cases, correction of a potential hormonal imbalance can enhance the chances of success of surgical sperm retrieval (SSR), with either conventional or microdissection testicular sperm extraction. Abnormal testicular function and low androgen levels can result from a primary dysfunction, a medical or surgical condition, or from an exogenous factor, and should be managed prior to more invasive interventions. Even men with normal androgen levels may benefit from hormonal therapy before sperm retrieval. Moreover, SSR may cause testicular injury and aggravate the pre-existing situation. If surgical extraction of sperm fails, it leaves the patients with less satisfactory options, like donor sperm or adoption. Therefore, it is the role of the infertility specialist to be vigilant and identify reversible causes of NOA, such as hormonal imbalance, prior to considering surgery. In the present paper we will systematically review the literature and highlight the available conventional medical regimens, as well as experimental ones. Abbreviations: ART: assisted reproductive technology; CAH: congenital adrenal hyperplasia; EAU: European Association of Urology; hCG: human chorionic gonadotrophin; HH: hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism; hMG: human menopausal gonadotrophin; IUI: intrauterine insemination; micro-TESE: microdissection testicular sperm extraction; NOA: non-obstructive azoospermia; OR: odds ratio; SCO: Sertoli-cell only; SERM: selective oestrogen receptor modulator; SRR: sperm retrieval rate; SSC: spermatogonia stem cell; TART: testicular adrenal rest tumour; WMD: weighted mean difference